One of Australia’s most progressive engineering design groups, NDY, A Tetra Tech Company (NDY), known for their work on landmark projects across the globe, has provided pro-bono engineering services to support the development of Melbourne City Mission’s (MCM) new youth refuge centre Frontyard Youth Services.
Recently opening its doors following the refurbishment, Frontyard provides 24/7 intensive support and crisis accommodation services for homeless and at-risk youth.
It is a world-first model that includes a new, modern office; two levels of accommodation; and flexible community spaces. It also provides onsite mental health, drug and alcohol and disability support.
NDY joined forces with MCM, the Victorian Government, The Peter and Lyndy White Foundation and the Property Industry Foundation alongside a consortium of generous consultants and suppliers to deliver the $8 million landmark redevelopment.
A team of seven NDY engineers provided consulting services in Electrical, Communications, Audio Visual, Security, Fire Engineering, Vertical Transportation, Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) and Acoustics to this unique project.
All the contractors and consultants on this project are so passionate about supporting MCM and without hesitation come together to find smart solutions so we can all deliver this facility.
Gabriel Lu, Senior Acoustic Consultant at NDY and NDY’s Project Leader said during the project, “This project is an incredible opportunity for MCM and our team have worked tirelessly to ensure the space can support Frontyard’s important work for as long as possible.
“However, due to the unique nature of this project and working within an existing building, there has been a few challenges. One of these has been to ensure the building could support the new power requirements of the facility particularly due to its change of use and also its connection to a larger building which is housing other tenants.
“All the contractors and consultants on this project are so passionate about supporting MCM and without hesitation come together to find smart solutions so we can all deliver this facility.
“This project resonated with me as Frontyard provides safe spaces for young people. I identify as a gay male and in the LGBT community many young people who come out can sometimes feel unsafe to go home. As an engineer and a supporter of these young people, it’s great to be able to help them,” he adds.
During the MCM project we are proud to have worked alongside:
- Melbourne City Mission
- Property Industry Foundation
- The Peter and Lyndy White Foundation
- Property industry partners Built, Fender Katsalidis, Ashurst, Case Meallin, Slattery, Wood & Grieve Engineers, Hendry Group, Equitable Access Solutions, Irwinconsult and Urbis
- Suppliers who have generously donated equipment and building materials inculde Harvey Norman, Highbury Plumbing, Haydens Ceiling and Partitions, Signorino Tiles and Taubmans Paint
