Delivered in 2019, Kane Constructions and their fit-out and refurbishment division, arete Australia, partnered with the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS) under an open-book, “at cost” approach to deliver a new girls’ boarding house in Richmond.
The partnership began earlier that year when the leadership team at Kane Constructions met the MITS family through their relationship with the University of Melbourne. The objective was to create a safe and culturally connected home for 18 young Indigenous girls pursuing their education across Melbourne.
The project involved the refurbishment and fitout of a heritage church building within inner Richmond. The existing two-level structure was extended with the addition of a mezzanine floor to create a three-level residence featuring 18 bedrooms with en-suites and study spaces, student bathrooms, a commercial kitchen and cool room, dining and living areas, breakout spaces, a games room, laundry, and storerooms.
External works included partial façade restoration, new skylights, window replacement, landscaping and irrigation, plant platforms and acoustic screening, new boundary fencing, and a monitored security system — all contributing to a welcoming and secure environment for students.
Kane acknowledges and thanks our key project partners — Michael Schiavello, PlumbForce – Central Plumbing and Hardware, Cooke & Dowsett, Jade Garden Design & Service, Harvey Norman Commercial, and Reece — for their collaboration and commitment in delivering this meaningful project