Kane Constructions is delighted to announce that Darcy Gumley, Project Manager for the Northern Private Hospital, has been honoured with the Professional Excellence Award in the $60 million+ category at the annual Australian Institute of Building (AIB) Victorian Chapter awards.
Kane’s involvement with this project began in 2018 when we were engaged under an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract to develop the project brief and schematic design. The main works contract was secured in 2021, and construction commenced in December of that year. Remarkably, the project was completed two months ahead of schedule in August 2023.
Under Darcy's leadership, the project saw the design and construction of a state-of-the-art medical facility. The development includes 70 inpatient unit bedrooms, four operating theatres, a cardiac catheterisation lab, central sterile supply department (CSSD), a day chemotherapy unit, sleep studies unit, an on-site pharmacy, and consulting suites. The facility also boasts a commercial kitchen, café, and a link bridge connecting it to the adjacent Northern Hospital.
One of the significant challenges faced was constructing this project on a former landfill site, which required innovative solutions to manage significant latent ground conditions including landfill waste, landfill gasses and asbestos. The construction works also involved the installation of 20m long precast driven piles which were used to penetrate the landfill waste, down to the basalt foundation layer below. Darcy and his team addressed these challenges efficiently, ensuring the project remained on time and within budget.
A noteworthy achievement under Darcy's management was the seamless integration of structure and services between the new private hospital and the existing public Northern Hospital with the construction of a link bridge. These works required meticulous planning and execution to ensure uninterrupted hospital operations in extremely close proximity to two live hospital departments and adherence to strict health, safety and infection control protocols.
In addition to Darcy's accolade, we extend our congratulations to the following Project Managers who received High Commendation at the 2024 Professional Excellence Awards:
- Steve Wilson for the Iglu Melbourne Central project ($60 million+)
- Jack Fowler for the Bendigo Law Courts project ($60 million)
These recognitions underscore the outstanding dedication and expertise of our team at Kane Constructions.
