Kane Constructions was engaged by Chin Hong to construct Stages 1 and 2A of the DFO Jindalee Refurbishment under a Lump Sum contract. The Reading Cinema was delivered under the Design and Construct contract model.
Stage 1 involved the reconfiguration of the factory outlet shopping centre tenancies in the south-eastern corner which accommodates large format retail outlets. The southern loading zone was reconfigured, a new centre entryway installed and centre bathrooms updated.
Stage 2A included three main parts:
- Kane completed the construction and fit-out of six new cinemas within the DFO centre, whilst the outlets within the immediate perimeter remained operational and continued to trade. This included significant structural works, 1600m² of roof removal and main services relocation
- Construction of a new food and beverage precinct. Activation of the eastern façade included ten new food & beverage tenancies, an entire new glazed frontage, a new centre entrance leading to the cinema, construction of a new awning for outdoor dining and a structural steel arbour with festoon lighting
- Upgrade to thoroughfares provided a refresh of the centre walkways involving skylight installation throughout, polishing the existing concrete floors, new lighting and feature seating locations with feature aluminium battens and custom metal strip lighting
The DFO Jindalee Refurbishment was a challenging project. The construction of a 2,500m² cinema complex in the middle of an operational shopping centre, including 1,600m² of roof removal, was complex.
For the duration of the construction program, the centre remained operational. This included a 24/7 gym and late night trading which added challenges to the construction methodology.
The completed centre offers a full dining precinct, fresh food grocer, BCF and Reading Cinemas – the first cinema complex to open in the suburbs in sixty years. It has transformed what was traditionally an outlet shopping experience into a true community hub.
The project reached Practical Completion in October 2020.
