Infrastructure: Single LEAP reaches phase 2

1 September 2007

By Colin Blair

The $1.6 billion Project Single LEAP (Living Environment and Accommodation Precinct) - the largest single living-in accommodation project undertaken by Defence has reached another important milestone.

Phase 1 Single LEAP, 1395 living-in rooms for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel without dependants, being delivered by Plenary Living at Holsworthy, Enoggera Barracks and RAAF Base Amberley, is on target with occupation expected between May 2008 and mid 2009.

“Defence has opted for delivery of this major social infrastructure initiative under Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements,” the Director General for Strategic Infrastructure Projects (DGSIP), Brigadier Bill Sowry said.

“The modern purpose-built rooms will replace existing on-base single accommodation which is widely regarded as being below community standards. The units are expensive to maintain and fall well short of the justifiable expectations of today’s ADF personnel,” he said.

The main features of this innovative style accommodation include: undercover parking and secure storage, ensuites, kitchenettes and internet and telephone connections.

Following on from Phase 1, Defence has now released the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Phase 2.

Four consortia were shortlisted for Phase 2 which will provide a further 3,535 rooms at 17 sites across all mainland States and Territories with progressive delivery from 2010-11.

The four short listed consortia are:
• Living In Partnership, a consortium comprising Thiess, United Group Services and Westpac;
• Pinnacle Housing, a consortium comprising Babcock and Brown, Hansen Yuncken, John Holland Group and Spotless P & F Pty Ltd;
• Plenary Living, a consortium comprising Plenary Group, Deutsche Bank and ESS; and
• Ubique Infrastructure Services, a consortium comprising ABN AMRO, Leighton Contractors and Transfield Services (Australia).

“The success of Project Single LEAP could lead to future innovative PPP infrastructure projects within Defence,” Brigadier Sowry said.

Defence expects to announce the successful consortium for Phase 2 Single LEAP in mid 2008.

Project Single LEAP is the second Commonwealth and Defence PPP initiative after the Headquarters Joint Operations Command Project near Bungendore, NSW.

The Brigadier said he is excited about the new industry partnership which will contribute to personnel mobility, readiness, morale, camaraderie and particularly recruiting and retaining good people for the ADF.

A Government decision for Phase 2 Single LEAP is anticipated in the second half of 2008 and occupation of the Phase 2 accommodation should commence in the 2010-2011 timeframe.