Due to Rawlinsons excellent performance on QEII, Rawlinsons were once again engaged to provide full cost management services for the West Australian Institute of Medical Research at Fiona Stanley Hospital, (now Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research). This project was similar in function toQEII, but on a smaller scale with only seven levels.
Rawlinsons services commenced at concept stage cost planning, which proved to be a difficult task as there was limited information available on the site services infrastructure and ground conditions. Additionally there were many buildings in close proximity that were live and operational. A risk workshop was undertaken to identify, mitigate and capture any financial dangers. This was then used to establish an appropriate project contingency.
At contract documentation stage Rawlinsons produced both a Bill of Quantities and a pre-tender estimate. Rawlinsons estimate for the project was $43 million; however, only three tenders were received ranging between $48 million to $58 million. Following a value engineering collaboration between Rawlinsons, the design team and the preferred contractor, the project was brought back within budget. This process was undertaken over a short 3 week period including the review and verification of all cost savings and checking compliance with Building Codes Australia.
An agreement on the contract sum was reached and construction commenced. Due to an outstanding performance from the Builder and Rawlinsons strict cost management, the project was a success, with the final cost at the agreed $45 million.
During the construction phase of the works the contractor performed admirably and all variations were discussed in and open and productive manner to ensure the most economical solution was found. This resulted in minimal cost variations and the project being completed on budget.
The project was completed on time and to a very high quality finish with no major defects reported.
