Melton's Silicon Valley-esque incubator

Architect: Six Degrees ArchitectsPhotographer: Alice HutchisonAbout the project: A key strategic project for the City of Melton and the Department of Sustainability, Western Business Accelerator & Centre for Excellence (BACE) operates as a ‘business incubator’ for startup businesses in Melton, where there is very limited opportunities for local employment. It was designed to be a catalyst project in a greenfield area for the emerging community.

The building had a very complex brief, and a strong focus on ESD (to ensure low running costs for in the long term). The design process was only 5.5 months and the project came in on budget at tender time. Six Degrees assisted the client with the shortlisting process for the D&C Tender, and also provided post tender input. The complexities of the procurement process meant that only Tier 1 & 2 builders were able to tender, complying with the Federal Government’s stringent requirements. The project was an outstanding success from a time and budget perspective. It also exceeded it’s environmental targets, achieving a Greenstar certified 6 star design rating and a Greenstar certified 5 star “as built” rating.

Story by: David Renwick