All Insights
Heritage
Diagnostech Completes Facade Condition Audits of JLL’s Victorian Asset Portfolio | Victorian Department of Finance & Treasury Assets
As part of a five-year facade audit cycle, JLL engaged Diagnostech to conduct detailed inspections of 17 buildings in their Victorian asset portfolio.
This included 10 high-profile properties located in Melbourne’s CBD. Some of these included The Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance Building, Office of the Victorian Premier, The New Victorian Treasury and the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Here’s how the project rolled out.
Situation
As part of a five-year facade audit cycle, JLL engaged Diagnostech to conduct detailed inspections of 17 buildings in their Victorian asset portfolio.
The 7 regional properties were located in Warragul, Geelong, Ballarat, Shepparton, Bendigo, Horsham, and Mildura.
Goals
The goal was to assess the general condition of the building facades, identify maintenance priorities, and provide a strategic roadmap for repairs and upgrades over the next decade.
The engagement involved:
- Providing a detailed assessment of each of the building facades
- Providing an overview of CAPEX requirements
- Recommendations for repair and maintenance for the assets over the next 10-year building lifecycle
Challenges
The project presented several significant challenges.
1. Large Portfolio of Buildings With Diverse Building Types
The portfolio included 9 heritage-listed buildings in the CBD with complex access requirements.
Regional properties presented unique environmental challenges.
2. Access and Safety
Heritage buildings with limited to no rope access anchors required alternative solutions such as elevated work platforms.
Ensuring public safety and minimising disruptions in high-traffic urban areas.
3. Weather and Logistics
Adverse weather conditions impacted abseiling and inspections, particularly in Melbourne’s unpredictable climate.
Coordinating a large team across urban and rural locations.
Solution
Diagnostech implemented a comprehensive solution that effectively addressed all of the Commercial company’s goals and the identified challenges of the project.
This included:
Customised Audit Solutions
- Used a combination of rope access and elevated work platforms for inspections.
- Employed advanced safety protocols to ensure public and worker safety during on-site operations.
Condition Audits
- Conducted detailed assessments of facade conditions for each building.
- Focused on identifying immediate risks, structural concerns, and long-term maintenance needs.
Maintenance Recommendations
- Developed a priority schedule categorising maintenance into short, medium, and long-term actions.
- Presented findings in a format aligned with JLL’s capital planning for the next 10 years.
Seamless Coordination
- Our senior consultant, Dan Slatter, led a team of highly skilled professionals, ensuring efficient project management and timely delivery.
- Collaborated with subcontractor Rope Industries for Level 3 rigging support on abseiling work.
Results
Overall, the project was executed over 4 years, culminating in impressive results which led Diagnostech to be engaged for 3 more projects on the same building.
Comprehensive Condition Audit
Delivered detailed reports for each of the 17 buildings, highlighting current conditions and recommendations.
Actionable Insights
Provided JLL with a clear report and priority schedule for facade maintenance and repairs, enabling effective budget allocation.
Preservation of Iconic Heritage
Ensured that historic CBD buildings continued to retain their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal for future generations.
Operational Efficiency
Successful completion of the project within the set timeline and without disrupting building occupants or operations.
Project Highlights:
- Conducted abseiling inspections on iconic buildings like 1 Treasury Place, while battling Melbourne’s notorious weather fluctuations.
- Gained the privilege of working on some of Victoria’s most historically significant buildings, dating back to 1876.
- Explored regional Victoria during audits, from the urban vibrancy of Geelong to the scenic charm of Bendigo and Horsham.
"Maintaining the condition of these historic and operational buildings is both a responsibility and a privilege. The Diagnostech team delivered exceptional insights and recommendations, ensuring the longevity and safety of these assets for years to come." - Dan Slatter
