Construction of the Nunawading Community Hub was completed and the site handed over to Council. All areas of the building were thoroughly cleaned, furniture was installed and Council staff set up administrative systems in readiness for its use by the public when COVID-19 restrictions allow.

At this stage, Council’s Meals on Wheels service and community groups occupying dedicated spaces in the hub will relocate from Silver Grove in September, subject to COVID-19 directives of the day. Prior to the move and subject to COVID-19 restrictions, group leaders will be taken on site tours, receive training on technical and operating systems, and participate in orientation activities to familiarise them with all aspects of the hub.

The internal fit-out, installation of fittings and application of finishes continued. All floors were laid and protective coatings applied; cabinetry, shelving, work benches and storage cupboards were installed; kitchen appliances and water fountains were installed; and spectator seating in the stadium was built.

As a vibrant place of activity and social interaction, all meeting rooms in the hub have acoustic panels installed on the walls, which also provide an artistic flourish.

Work continued to complete all external areas. Works included landscaping of embankments, planter boxes and car park median; laying of turf; construction of shared pathways connecting the hub grounds to Tunstall Park; installation of outdoor shelter, seating and BBQ; and asphalting of car parks.

Electricians, plumbers, painters, tilers, carpet and timber layers, and a myriad of other tradespeople were on site for the final fit-out of cabinetry, joinery and appliances, and installation of fittings and floor coverings.

The building will feature different types of flooring, including timber, carpet tiles, stone and concrete.

Careful restoration of the heritage building continued with new windows installed. Tasmanian Oak timber flooring will be installed to match that used in the original school.

Construction of external pathways and other hardscapes started.

The external cladding was painted and 200 solar panels were installed on the roof. Internal fit-out was in full swing with plastering, painting, tiling and installation of cabinetry underway throughout.

A large z-shaped ramp, connecting the ground floor to the upper ground floor, was built in the large central foyer, and large timber panels were installed on the walls of the stadium.

New electrical, plumbing and air conditioning systems were installed in the heritage building and substrate flooring laid in preparation for the new timber floor. 

LED lights were installed in the public car park and preparation works for curbing and asphalting were underway.

The building framework, roofing and cladding was completed and rendering of the external façade began with a system that entails a multiple coat application to the external façade. Double-glazing was installed throughout the building and plastering, painting and cabinetry work started. Retaining walls were built, forming an oval-shaped outdoor passive recreation space between the hub and Tunstall Park. This area will be landscaped with low-lying plants and advanced trees to provide shade. Facilities will include bench seating, sheltered barbecue, large grassed area and pathways connecting the hub with Tunstall Park.

The majority of trades are now on site. Installation of the roofing, façade, glazing and internal services, such as electrical and mechanical systems, progressed. The façade is made up of a variety of external cladding finishes, extensive ceiling to floor glazing, and louvres which will automatically open and shut depending on the weather. 

The interesting shape of the roofline was revealed as work on the primary steel structure frame continued. Installation of the secondary steel framing, which connects the façade to the primary structure, started and progressed around the building. Roofers started on site and design works in connection with stabilising the existing footings of the heritage building continued. 

With large feature wall panels and the concrete stairwell and lift tower now in place, people can see the emerging shape of the main building.

Major construction activities during this period included:

• Pre-cast feature wall panels were installed around the perimeter of the lower ground floor and some ground floor areas.
• A suspended slab between the lower ground floor and ground floor was poured.
• Concrete for the stairwell core and the lift tower was poured.
• Structural restoration works to the heritage building were underway to stabilise walls, windows and door areas. This included the installation of steel where needed and additional footings to strengthen the external façade.
• The installation of inground services such as stormwater, electricity, gas and telecommunications under the public car park was completed. Areas of the car park will now be shaped for median strips and garden beds.
• The first phase of steel structure installation is scheduled to start in June.

Works were underway on most parts of the building, heritage school building and public car park.

Major construction activities during this period included:

•pouring of a concrete slab and installation of a concrete retaining wall around the lower ground level

•formwork for a suspended slab between the lower ground floor and ground floor

•preparation works for the restoration of the heritage school building (restoration will include brickwork and roof tile repairs, and replacement of timber to match the original floor)

•excavation and levelling of the main car park, and commencement of installation of inground services such as stormwater, electricity, gas and telecommunications.

A range of foundational works were conducted during this period including:

•clean up of the heritage building ready for restoration – removal of old internal paint, ground pipes and damaged windows

•installation of underground utility services (power, water, gas and sewerage)

•ground preparation for the lower level concrete slab

•installation of elevator pit – ensuring the hub is accessible by people of all abilities

•installation of columns for lower ground level structural support

Construction began with the removal of vegetation and bulk earth works to prepare the site for installation of underground services and foundations for the lower ground floor of the main building. Approximately 9.88 cubic metres of soil was excavated and stockpiled for re-use.