THE new $2.8-million premises for Westvic Staffing Solutions have created work for about 50 south-west employees due to an insistence on using local contractors.
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All contractors at the Koroit Street site are locally based and Warrnambool firm BDH Constructions has been appointed head contractor for the project.
Westvic Staffing Solutions chief executive officer Miles Coverdale said the employment of local contractors and apprentices was stipulated in the tender process.
“We are very keen to support our community,” he said.
“We rely on local businesses and wanted to give something back.”
Westvic purchased the former ambulance station site in November 2011 for $1.27 million. One of the key planks of the project has been its support of tradespeople who employ local apprentices.
“We want to encourage opportunities for skills development for young people in the Warrnambool region,” Mr Coverdale said.
“Virtually all of the people involved with the construction of this project are local, right from the concreting through to the data and technical operations.”
Mr Coverdale said the new sustainably-designed office would give staff and clients greater access, flexibility and privacy.
“It is the completion of a long-held dream by our organisation,” he said.
“We have a long-term commitment to servicing our regional community.”
Leahy’s Electrical owner/manager Gary Askew said the project was a boost for the CBD.
“We will be here from start to finish with two to three people on a regular basis,” he said.
The new offices are expected to be completed by the end of September.
Major subcontractors include Actif Concrete, Warrnambool Precast, Cliffords Plumbing, West Fridge, Rennab Plastering, Bolden Construction, Williams Glass and Doors, Oakley Aluminium, Zanos Contracting, Nevcon Structural, Hammonds Painting, Stephenson’s Joinery and Davidson’s Earthmovers.