Grounds Renewal Project
The Grounds Renewal Project (GRP) is a capital works landscape program revitalising the outdoor area of the North Richmond Community Health West building forecourt and East building entry. It is one of several initiatives being undertaken to create a safer, more accessible and welcoming space for all at and around our service.
This project is a joint partnership between North Richmond Community Health, Homes Victoria, and the Victorian Department of Health.
Translated Information
What’s new
Contractor appointed and construction starting soon.
Dallas Building and Maintenance Pty Ltd. has been appointed by Homes Victoria to create the new landscape. Site preparation works will commence from 29 January 2025.
New entry paths to the East Building & West Building
More lighting
New screening and greenery to separate East and West Building paths
New bike parking for the West Building
New wayfinding signage
Timeline
Mar – Oct 2023
Master plan development
To inform the initial landscape design, we gathered input from community groups and stakeholders and incorporated this into insights gained from open forums in 2022.
Apr – May 2024
Feasibility study
Homes Victoria joined the project partnership to manage and oversee delivery of capital works – including procurement, site preparation and construction – to meet design requirements and budget.
June – July 2024
Procure design consultant
Local landscape architecture practice, Urban Initiatives Landscape Architects, was appointed to complete the landscape design and documentation. The firm has extensive experience in similar community health sector projects, including recent landscape improvements on the North Richmond Housing Estate.
Aug – Nov 2024
Design development
Consultation on the initial design was conducted between August 2023 – May 2024, resulting in over 70 points of feedback from the community, North Richmond Precinct Committee, MSIR Community Advisory Group, NRCH staff, NRCH clients, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, and Fire Rescue Victoria. Urban Initiatives Landscape Architects considered all feedback in their development and have now completed the final schematic designs and perspective sketches.
Nov – Dec 2024
Tender for construction
Homes Victoria is working through a formal process to select a contractor to create the new landscape. Five submissions have been received, and a tender evaluation panel consisting of members from Homes Victoria and North Richmond Community Health will review all tenders. A contractor will be appointed in January with construction due to commence in early 2025.
Feb – mid-2025
Construction
This project will roll out over three stages. The current stage – Stage 1 – features landscaping, upgraded lighting, and redesigned footpaths. This stage is expected to be completed in May 2025.
Access to our facilities during stage 1
North Richmond Community Health Main Building Access:
Both entry and exit points will remain open throughout the project.
Medically Supervised Injecting Room Building Access:
At least two of the three client entry/exit points will remain open at all times. During Stage 1, the Zone 4 door is closed, while the Zone 1 and Zone 3 doors remain open.
The picture below shows the area to be fenced off during Stage 1 in red.
Community briefing
Delivered by Yarra Drug Health Forum in partnership with NRCH, the event updated attendees about our ongoing efforts to create a safer, more accessible and welcoming space for all at and around our service.
A feedback survey was collected at the end of the event with 84% of respondents reporting that the Community Briefing helped to increase their knowledge about work being undertaken to improve safety and amenity, including the Grounds Renewal Project funded by the Victorian Government.
Attendees highlighted the event as a valuable opportunity to hear from and engage with NRCH and other local leaders. Many also appreciated the collaborative environment and the chance to share their perspectives.
Construction impacts
North Richmond Housing Estate residents will be informed ahead of any potentially disruptive construction activity.
We will work closely with the appointed builder to minimise impacts on residents, clients and staff during construction.
All works will be carried out in strict accordance with approved Environment Protection Authority and council guidelines and within approved construction work hours.
Our partners
Dallas Building and Maintenance Pty Ltd.
Any questions about this project?
If you have any questions about the ground renewal project, please email us at feedback@nrch.com.au
Latest update: 4th March 2025