REDEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES

Floth was appointed as the mechanical, electrical, fire and hydraulic consultants on the redevelopment and extension of Dalby Shoppingworld. The redevelopment included a new Big-W discount department store, specialty shops and malls and basement carparking.

The redevelopment necessitated the demolition of the existing substation and main switchboard and therefore potentially, a significant interruption in electricity supply to the site.

Floth worked closely with the construction manager, electrical contractor and major tenants to develop a detailed works methodology that enabled the transfer of supply to the new substation and site main switchboard to be undertaken in a staged manner over a period of several weeks to accommodate the associated demolition/building works, whilst ensuring continuity in supply to all critical loads.

In order to permit the expansion of the centre, an adjoining road was relocated and the area resumed for redevelopment. This necessitated the relocation and upgrading of existing underground utility services and Floth was instrumental in the co-ordination of these works with all parties to ensure their completion in time for the opening of the centre.

Floth advocated for the air-conditioning to the specialty shops and malls to be provided by a number of proprietary roof top packed units distributed throughout the centre, each serving a section of mall or a localised group of shops.

This approach was preferred by the developer/owner as it:

• Eliminated the need for plant rooms which would otherwise have impacted on valuable net lettable area (NLA).
• Provided flexible after-hours operation capability, considered to be particularly important in this regional location, and,
• Reduced the impact of equipment failure, whilst avoiding the need for expensive redundant equipment that would be incorporated in central plant solutions.

As the client retains long term ownership of all their regional shopping centres, design enhancements that assist in the ongoing operation and maintenance of the centre were considered to be paramount and to this end, the following facilities were incorporated into the building services designs.

Automatic energy metering of base building services via the Building Management System for the accurate apportionment of costs.

Traffic counters to establish visitor numbers and occupancy rates for leasing purposes.

Extensive CCTV surveillance coverage for improved occupant safety.