Heritage Theatre & Administration Project

Project summary

As part of a wider site redevelopment at Preston Workshops, the Heritage Theatre & Administration Project involved two iconic heritage-listed buildings on the 7-hectare site, which were refurbished and brought to their former glory. The Theatre building, which was historically used to host various events throughout the year, as well as being the formal venue for all tramways apprenticeship award ceremonies, became dilapidated and derelict. The neighbouring Administration building was being partially used and was in great need of renovation and repair.

This redevelopment project saw significant restoration and remediation works carried out and both buildings were converted to a modern tram depot facility that supports 220 tram drivers and associated tram depot functions, servicing the northern suburbs of Melbourne.

…what we did on this project

Touch Projects were engaged by Yarra Trams and Public Transport Victoria (PTV) to provide project resources for the redevelopment of two iconic heritage-listed buildings, Heritage Theatre & Administration buildings located on the Workshops parcel of land.

The project saw significant restoration and remediation works carried out, with both buildings converted to a modern tram depot facility that supports 220 tram drivers and associated tram depot functions, servicing the northern suburbs of Melbourne.

Design Management – Development of project implementation plans, sketch designs, preliminary estimates and feasibility investigation.

Heritage Victoria – Engaging with Heritage Victoria to preserve the significant elements of the buildings, whilst enabling the design process to re-purpose the buildings into a tram depot, administration building and driver training facility.

Planning & Design – engagement of consultants, management of concept design/planning approval/design development/ tender documentation designs.

Approvals Management – Working with key internal and external stakeholders to obtain the necessary approvals to deliver this project.

Procurement-prepare RFT documentation, manage tendering process, evaluation of tenders to set criteria in accordance with probity standards, procurement policies and PDCMA and providing recommendation reports.

Construction-contract management/administration, contractor supervision and performance.

Project Handover – management of as-built documentation, management of the defects liabilities period, project closure report and final handover to the Facilities Management team.

View our other Heritage projects.