Military Police Central Administration Fit‑Out
Client: Defence – Holsworthy Barracks, NSW
Location: Holsworthy, New South Wales
Project Type: Capital Project – Renovation
Project Value: AUD $8 million
Project Duration: June 2003 – December 2004
Strategic Objective
Defence leadership required a modern, centralised administration facility for the Military Police (MP) that could support complex operational requirements while reinforcing the organisation’s rehabilitative mission and professional identity.
The objective was to design and construct a state‑of‑the‑art central administration facility that integrated advanced security systems, enabled effective monitoring and personnel management, and provided functional, dignified spaces for administration, training, and rehabilitation—within a live Defence environment.
The Challenge / Need
The project needed to address a unique combination of operational, cultural, and security demands:
- Integration of advanced, Defence‑grade security systems
- Functional layouts supporting monitoring, administration, and controlled access
- Purpose‑designed spaces for rehabilitation, training, and interviews
- Alignment of diverse stakeholder expectations across operational, cultural, and leadership groups
- Delivery within an active Defence precinct with strict safety and access constraints
The facility needed to be secure and robust, while also supporting a rehabilitative, professional environment consistent with the Military Police’s mission and values.
Project Scope
The scope included the full renovation and fit‑out of the central administration facility, encompassing:
- Secure entry and visitor management zones
- Administrative, interview, and operational spaces
- Staff amenities and wellness facilities
- Integrated digital infrastructure and systems
- Full documentation, handover, and operational readiness
All works were required to meet Defence safety, security, and operational standards.
Our Approach
A structured, stakeholder‑aligned approach was adopted to balance security, functionality, and cultural sensitivity.
Key elements included:
- Needs Assessment: Evaluation of operational workflows, cultural considerations, and rehabilitative requirements
- Stakeholder Alignment: Workshops, change‑communication sessions, and leadership briefings to align expectations and outcomes
- Strategic Design: Careful balancing of safety, security, aesthetics, and functional performance
- Procurement Management: Management of EOI and RFT processes and performance‑based contracts
- Execution Oversight: Continuous compliance monitoring across safety, operational, and design requirements
The approach focused on clarity, discipline, and defensible decision‑making in a highly regulated environment.
Risks and Challenges
Key risks requiring deliberate management included:
- Managing safety and operational interfaces within an active Defence facility
- Balancing diverse stakeholder priorities across security, rehabilitation, and administration
- Ensuring the design supported Defence’s rehabilitative mission without compromising security
- Managing phased construction and handover to maintain operational continuity
These risks were mitigated through early stakeholder engagement, disciplined governance, and phased execution.
Solution & Key Deliverables
The project delivered:
- An advanced secure foyer entry with state‑of‑the‑art access and visitor management systems
- Construction of three new offices, a Mess Hall, and three interview rooms
- A flexible work floor with breakout and collaboration spaces
- Addition of a gymnasium and upgraded kitchen amenities to support staff wellbeing
- Fully integrated Wi‑Fi and AV infrastructure
- Comprehensive BIM‑referenced documentation integrated with Digital Control Model (DCM) systems
- Full operational handover and staff training programs
Outcome
The facility was delivered on time and within scope, achieving all operational, spatial, and technological objectives.
Key outcomes included:
- Enhanced Military Police workflows and personnel management capability
- Improved inmate handling and interview processes
- Integrated, modern visitor and access security systems
- A facility that reinforces MP’s professional identity and rehabilitative mission
- High levels of stakeholder satisfaction across operational and leadership groups
Defence leadership achieved a secure, functional, and culturally aligned administrative environment.
Value‑Added Differentiator
The project’s success was driven by the ability to integrate security, operations, and culture into a single, coherent solution.
Key differentiators included:
- Integrated Expertise: Balancing operational, technological, and cultural requirements
- Advanced Design: Incorporation of modern security and digital systems
- Stakeholder Alignment: Clear communication and alignment across all levels of Defence
- Cultural Sensitivity: A rehabilitative‑focused environment supporting MP values and mission
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