Client: University (HUBCentral)
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Project Type: Capital Upgrade – Live Operational Environment
Project Value: $3.5m
Project Duration:2014
Role: Program Leadership & Project Management
Strategic Objective
HUBCentral is a highly utilised, multi‑functional campus facility supporting students, staff, and visitors. As the building aged, its functionality, atmosphere, and building services no longer supported the way the space was being used.
University leadership required a comprehensive upgrade to improve functionality, modernise the environment, and enhance the user experience—without disrupting daily operations. The objective was to deliver a complete fit‑out and upgrade of electrical and mechanical systems, while maintaining uninterrupted access and normal business activity.
The Challenge / Need
The project presented a unique combination of constraints:
- An ageing facility requiring a full internal fit‑out and services upgrade
- Electrical and mechanical systems no longer aligned with contemporary usage demands
- A densely occupied space with multiple stakeholder groups and competing needs
- The requirement to deliver all works during normal business hours
- Zero tolerance for disruption to services, safety, or operational continuity
This was not a shutdown project—it was a live‑environment transformation requiring discipline, trust, and careful sequencing.
Project Scope
The engagement included full program management and delivery coordination for:
- Complete internal fit‑out of HUBCentral
- Electrical and mechanical services upgrades
- Integration of technology, IT, and network systems
- Departmental approvals and stakeholder reviews
- Development of execution and overall program plans
- Business‑hours construction and commissioning
Our Approach
Qfactor adopted a stakeholder‑led, execution‑disciplined delivery model, designed to stabilise complexity in a high‑traffic environment.
Key elements included:
- Design Coordination: Working with the nominated architect, specialist engineering firms, and technology providers to develop an integrated solution
- Governance & Approvals: Managing departmental reviews to validate practical implementation and operational impacts
- Execution Planning: Development of a detailed execution plan and overarching program plan for client approval
- Stakeholder Management: Direct engagement with 104 staff members to ensure clarity, readiness, and confidence
- Business‑Hours Delivery: Careful sequencing of works to allow normal operation throughout the project
The guiding principle was simple: transform the space without the users feeling disruption.
Risks and Challenges
Key risks requiring deliberate management included:
- Disruption to daily university operations
- Stakeholder resistance to works in a shared, public‑facing space
- Interface risks between new fit‑out works and existing building services
- Safety management in a continuously occupied environment
These risks were mitigated through early engagement, transparent communication, and disciplined execution planning.
Solution & Key Deliverables
The project delivered:
- A fully refurbished HUBCentral with modernised functionality and atmosphere
- Upgraded electrical and mechanical systems aligned to current operational needs
- Integrated IT, network, and technology infrastructure
- Approved execution and program plans aligned with University governance
- Seamless delivery during normal business hours
- Commissioning and operational verification of all upgraded systems
Delivery & Safety Performance
The project was completed with:
- ~4,000 work hours
- Zero Lost Time Injuries (LTI)
- Zero First Aid Incidents (FAI)
This reflected disciplined safety and low‑impact delivery in an occupied environment.
Outcome
The project:
- Significantly improved the functionality and atmosphere of HUBCentral
- Modernised building services to support current and future use
- Maintained uninterrupted operation throughout delivery
- Achieved full stakeholder acceptance across all user groups
- Delivered on time and within scope
The University gained a renewed, fit‑for‑purpose hub—without sacrificing accessibility or continuity.
Delivery Team & Stakeholder Ecosystem
Design & Advisory
- Client‑assigned architectural consultancy
- Specialist technology consultancies
- Engineering (Mechanical & Electrical)
- Lighting and Solar specialists
- IT consultancy
- Network & Network Security consultants
- Interior designer
Construction & Implementation
- 1 × Project Manager
- 1 × Construction Manager
- Demolition contractor
- Fit‑out contractor
- 5 × Functional contractors (including IT and network specialists)
- Evacuation systems suppliers
- Compliance service contractors
- Electrical contractor
- 1 × Quality Manager
- Commissioning team
Value‑Added Differentiator
- Live‑Environment Expertise: Proven delivery without disrupting daily operations
- Stakeholder Density Management: 104 staff actively engaged and aligned
- Integrated Design Leadership: Architecture, engineering, and technology coordinated as one
- Business‑Hours Execution: No shutdowns, no downtime
- Governance Discipline: Clear approvals, sequencing, and commissioning
For more visit our affiliate Qfactor Performance Consulting
