Building and Construction
The ACT has a diverse and highly capable building and construction sector with approximately 14,000 people employed in the industry. The sector covers the full spectrum of residential and commercial building capabilities, plus professional services that support the building industry such as engineers, architects, interior designers, quality surveyors, financial providers, and legal and accounting professionals. The ACT has 1,400 firms providing these services and most national construction companies also undertake significant projects in Canberra.
The ACT is experiencing significant growth in the construction industry. Despite the impact of the global economic downturn, over the five years to 2009:
- The annual value of business capital expenditure on buildings and structures increased by 133 per cent;
- The annual value of building work completed increased by 124 per cent;
The residential housing market is very buoyant. In 2009 alone, the total number of dwelling unit commencements increased by 44 per cent.
Environmental sustainability and liveability are also driving building solutions in the ACT market. Canberra is home to one of the few buildings in Australia with a 6 star green rating.
Over the four years to 2013-14, the ACT Government has committed A$393 million in infrastructure projects, including A$297 million for new construction works. It has also committed to the release of 17,000 residential dwelling sites over the same period and the release of an average of 220,000 square metres of commercial and industrial land annually.
Case Study: Hindmarsh
As a highly successful, multidisciplinary group of businesses, Hindmarsh operates in the construction, development and property sectors delivering specialist services in retirement, parking operations and capital management.
Headquartered in Canberra, and with a strong national profile, Hindmarsh has built an enviable reputation based on quality standards, innovative solutions in design and construction and a hands-on, collaborative approach to working with partners and clients.
Hindmarsh has long been recognised for achievements in building excellence, having won numerous awards including joint winner of the 2009 Master Builders' Association of the ACT award for "Project Exhibiting Technical Difficulty or Innovation".
Hindmarsh Construction has developed a comprehensive level of experience in the development, planning and construction of projects for a wide range of clients, including investments funds, government departments, universities, education providers, private developers and institutions. This experience extends to a wide range of projects including commercial offices, retail, car parking, residential apartments and retirement villages, laboratories, technical services and specialised research and teaching facilities.
Leading initiatives in sustainability and waste management in building and development projects have been developed by Hindmarsh including delivery of The Australian National University's first 6 star energy efficiency rated building.
Hindmarsh Living has provided exceptional lifestyle choices for Canberra's aged population through, for example, its quality retirement accommodation services at "The Grange", Deakin and "Bellerive" in Lyons.
Hindmarsh contributes significantly to the local community and is a major sponsor and initiator of the Building Construction and Management Degree Program at the University of Canberra, which commenced in 2007.
The Canberra Business Development Fund, an equal share joint venture between Hindmarsh and the ACT Government, is managed by Australian Capital Ventures Limited (ACVL) and invests in early-stage technology businesses with global potential.
Hindmarsh commenced its involvement in China with the importation of building materials in 2000, followed by a direct investment in a Chinese car parking operation. A representative office was also established in Shanghai to specifically assist various public and private organisations seeking to develop activities in China. Today, Hindmarsh is significantly expanding its Chinese activities through investment facilitation in Australian ventures, such as retirement initiatives in the ACT.
For further information contact:
www.hindmarsh.com.au
www.business.act.gov.au
Phone Canberra Connect:
1800 244 650 (Australia)
+61 13 22 81 (International)
