Acorp successfully tendered for the upgrades to the Great Beyond Visitor’s Centre in Laverton, which involved expanding the existing facility to include a new café, kitchen, amenities, offices, and improved disabled access. The building used heritage-style materials like zinc cladding and weatherboards to mimic an older look.
Initially, ACorp worked with the client and architect to assess refurbishing part of the old schoolhouse building but it was determined that the building needed demolition and reconstruction due to issues with asbestos, white ants and rotten timber. The new building was constructed (preserving the original design intent) to integrate with the two new components of the project, the café, kitchen and amenities. The café featured a large open space with an acoustic ceiling and vinyl flooring, while the kitchen was fully equipped with a commercial dishwasher, oven, and walk-in fridge/freezer. Two deck areas at the front and back provided public access. A major power upgrade was required, involving 180m of underground work in hard rock. Delays from Horizon Power extended the project timeline.
The existing visitor’s center underwent a full strip-out of the café and exhibition space, which was converted into two new offices and a disabled access ramp. A sliding fire door between the café and visitor center was connected to the FIP, ensuring it remained open in case of fire. Autex acoustic lining featuring Indigenous artwork was installed on the fire door and along the disabled ramp wall.
The external landscaping included paved areas, a car park, concrete paths, and garden beds. The concrete paths were sealed in red to match the Laverton environment.
Construction began in 2020 during COVID-19 restrictions. Despite uncertainties, the project progressed with minimal delays. Due to the remote location and the pandemic, ACorp relied on in-house carpenters to complete most of the work.
The project recorded zero injuries or incidents. ACorp’s ongoing partnerships with local trades fostered efficiency, safety, and trust, leading to a final price credit for the client.
The building site was on a rocky hill in Laverton, requiring steel stumps and timber framing for the building. Digging footings was time-consuming and required a rock breaker. Careful planning ensured compliance with disabled access requirements, particularly in the paved car park.
