GB-A was engaged to review the existing Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre to repurpose it into the Maribyrnong Community Residential Facility, a women’s only residential facility for pre and post-release prisoners. However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was converted to provide last-resort accommodation for prisoners exiting the prison system while they seek long-term housing.

The residential facility accommodates up to 44 people with security and supervision provided on-site 24/7. The facility has six community areas, each with a dayroom, kitchen, laundry, lounge and dining area and access to external gardens. There is also has an administration area, commercial kitchen, education and program areas, a large multi-purpose area and allied health offices and consulting rooms.

Works included replacing the flooring, repainting the interior and exterior, new cabinet joinery, signage, furniture, fixtures and equipment and landscaping as well as the conversion of the existing facility maintenance area into four additional bedrooms with new dayroom and amenities. Security was also upgraded and all services recommissioned. Due to the urgency of the project, scoping, design, and construction occurred simultaneously – all within nine weeks, which was only possible due to the team’s proactive and best-for-project approach.