THE BRIEF
The refurbishment of Block C at Ipswich Central State School involved major upgrades to the first-floor classrooms, which had not been modernised in several decades. The existing layout and services no longer met the needs of contemporary teaching, and the widespread presence of asbestos posed serious health and compliance risks.
J&D Contracting was engaged to complete a comprehensive internal strip-out and fit-out with various works and notably, the installation of hearing augmentation systems to improve audio accessibility for students with hearing loss.
OUR APPROACH
J&D Contracting worked closely with Honeywill Consulting and Department of Education stakeholders to stage works, coordinate approvals, and maintain compliance with strict DOE standards, all while managing a significant scope increase during construction.
During the project, J&D Contracting:
- Safely removed and disposed of asbestos-containing materials from ceilings, eaves, internal walls, and the external perimeter of the building.
- Undertook a full internal strip-out including demolition of outdated partitions, joinery, fixtures, floor finishes, and redundant services.
- Installed new wall and ceiling linings, windows, doors, and compliant fire safety equipment.
- Upgraded electrical, mechanical, and data systems to DOE specifications, including new split systems, lighting, GPOs, and data points.
- Installed teaching walls, joinery, shelving, whiteboards, and hearing augmentation systems to enhance accessibility for students with hearing impairments.
- Completed extensive subfloor levelling before laying new non-slip vinyl flooring and carpet tiles.
- Repainted all internal and external areas using low-VOC, washable paint systems.
- Managed access constraints by scheduling deliveries outside peak drop-off and pick-up times, ensuring a seamless workflow.
Despite a significant increase in scope, J&D Contracting successfully delivered the refurbished facility ahead of schedule and ready for use before the new financial year.
The project was further complicated by a challenging site environment, including restricted access during school hours, peak drop-off periods, and a major mid-project variation requiring the removal of asbestos-containing material (ACM) sheeting from the building’s external perimeter. This involved full scaffolding, the safe removal of ACM by licensed professionals, and re-sheeting and repainting, all coordinated within the limited timeframe of the designated school holiday period.
The Outcome
The successful completion of Block C refurbishment has transformed the learning environment at Ipswich Central State School, providing students and teachers with modern, safe, and accessible educational facilities. The removal of all asbestos-containing materials has eliminated health and compliance risks, creating a safer environment for the entire school community.
Students with hearing impairments now benefit from integrated hearing augmentation systems that directly transmit sound to hearing aids and cochlear implants, significantly improving their classroom learning experience. The installation of modern teaching walls with integrated AV capabilities enhances the delivery of contemporary educational programs, while new mechanical systems provide optimal climate control for year-round comfort.
The project’s completion ahead of schedule meant the facility was ready for immediate use at the start of the new financial year, avoiding any disruption to the academic calendar. By strategically scheduling the most disruptive soffit removal and reinstatement works during school holidays, and carefully coordinating deliveries outside peak drop-off periods, the project team minimised disruption to normal school operations throughout the construction period.
The Department of Education now has a fully compliant, modernised facility that meets current educational standards and will serve the school community effectively for decades to come, representing excellent value from their investment in this critical infrastructure upgrade.
