The forefront of innovation in Australia, the tertiary education sector is constantly evolving and growing, necessitating the incessant redevelopment, refurbishment and expansion of existing campuses. Unsurprisingly, these projects present a number of challenges to universities and developers, some of which can seem insurmountable without early and accurate planning. In our latest Kaizen paper, Slattery apply our experience in the successful delivery of brownfield redevelopments to identify the key issues; which when considered early best position tertiary providers to achieve optimal environmental, health & safety, and economic outcomes.

Slattery’s extensive workplace interiors portfolio means we have experience assisting clients in the various methods of fitout delivery and have developed insight into the complexities associated with each type. In this Kaizen, we explore the critical issues and risks that can arise for tenants in delivering an integrated fit out and the opportunities and mitigation measures available to manage these risks.

Governments are recognising the value of culture and cultural diversity, not just in cities but in regional and rural communities across Australia. Impacting wellbeing and local economies, its effect is transformative. Australian cultural industries now contribute over $50 billion a year in economic activity with cultural tourism an important part of this contribution. Culture is what differentiates cities and communities, contributing to place-making and self-development through engagement with arts and culture;  ultimately benefiting communities and developers in both city and country areas. Culture underwrites the appeal of any community.  What are the costs and the benefits of investment in cultural infrastructure?

Two thirds of Australians now live in our capital cities, and the growth of our urban nation continues to accelerate at an ever-increasing rate. According to Infrastructure Australia, the percentage of city dwellers will rise from 69.3 per cent in 2031 to 73.4 per cent by 2061. By then, up to 15.7 million Australians will live in our capital cities. Accommodating this growth will be one of the great challenges of our nation’s city-builders in the decades to come. Read our recent article “The Infrastructure Conundrum” by Director Gillian Cottle and let us know your thoughts on how we will meet the infrastructure needs of this population growth.

The workplace should represent a company’s brand and corporate values, and enable staff productivity and efficiency. This has always been part of the brief for workplace design and construction but nowadays tenants are dealing with a society that demands an enormous emphasis on health, wellbeing and sustainability. It is not uncommon for commercial office buildings and workplaces to have wellness centres, change facilities and collaboration hubs, all with multiple tenants under the one roof. So what is the impact on cost and how do landlords and tenants balance budgets and modern day pressures to deliver a workplace that “has it all’?

With Australia’s population ageing, a one-size-fits-all approach to aged care is no longer possible. While most Australians want to ‘age in place’ – and technology and reforms to home care are helping them do so easier than ever before – the retirement living and aged care industries are changing at light speed. As they do, they are providing people with more choice than ever before. As specialists within the aged care and retirement sector, Slattery brought together a range of experts to discuss emerging trends and future possibilities within the aged care sector.