The $8 million redevelopment of Melbourne City Missions’ Frontyard Youth Services at 19 King Street is Victoria’s largest early intervention and crisis service for young people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.
The redevelopment project is set to transform Frontyard into a 24/7 service with new and expanded supports, including two floors of crisis accommodation for young people who are currently sleeping rough in the city and on-site mental health, drug and alcohol and disability support.
This project was made possible through a one-of-a-kind partnership between Melbourne City Mission, the Victorian Government and the Property Industry Foundation, with support from philanthropists including The Peter and Lyndy White Foundation.
As the newest addition to the team, Hendry will be serving as building surveyors for this important project.
Hendry CEO, Emma Hendry, said when she first heard about the project she was immediately onboard.
“The Frontyard project really stood out for us. It not only provides accommodation but serves as a fully integrated multidisciplinary support program. We believe meaningful change will occur through this program,” she said.
“The issue of homelessness is particularly close to our hearts. It is our aim is to make safer, smarter and more sustainable buildings, cities and communities for all, whether that is through our day-to-day business, social responsibility activities or advocacy,” Ms Hendry commented.
Hendry’s National Executive for Key Accounts, Mark Lewis, who has been heavily involved with the project said he is grateful to have been part of the motivated consultant team.
“When taking on an existing building you inherit certain compliance issues. As Frontyard was changing its use from office to mixed office and accommodation, it became more complex from a regulatory point of view. The whole building needed to upgrade its fire safety requirements,” explains Mr Lewis.
“For this unique project, it was of particular importance that we try to come up with a cost-effective solution to maintain safety. We strategically decided to fire separate the proposed works from the existing building. This allowed us to focus on the compliance on just the Frontyard area of the building.”
“The building industry is the bricks and mortar and it is great that all the consultants are coming together for this amazing cause. It becomes more valuable being able to not just donate money, but also be able to provide services and see a tangible outcome in a space that people can use,” Mr Lewis said.
Through the Property Industry Foundation, a large consortium of consultants and suppliers are donating their services and resources to the redevelopment.
The pro-bono consultant team alongside Hendry Group comprises Ashurst, Case Meallin, Slattery, Fender Katsalidis, NDY, Wood & Grieve Engineers, Urbis, Equitable Access Solutions, Irwinconsult, and Built.
More information on this project can be found here.