BREAKING GROUND IN EDUCATION
22 February 2017
Two new primary schools in Melbourne’s northern suburbs have opened superbly landscaped grounds and expertly appointed playspaces to new students after extensive construction by Baron Forge.
Mernda South and Epping North Primary Schools, located in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, opened their doors for the first time to students for the 2017 school year. After getting the full treatment from Baron Forge, each school is able to offer new students extensive play facilities and natural-style landscaping.
Developed by the Education Department of Victoria, Baron Forge was contracted by Watpac Construction (VIC) for full landscape, construction and installation services for both brand new school projects. With a total project value of $2.95 million, the Mernda and Epping schools were constructed with spacious grounds and comprehensive facilities.
Under the guidance of Andrew Browne, Baron Forge Project Manager, the projects were run concurrently, with each school delivered on time and within the costing budget. The extensive developments received both hard and soft landscaping services, with Baron Forge undertaking civil engineering construction, implementing drainage, trenching and culverts to provide a suitable water management foundation.
Hard Landscaping works included the installation of a selection of concrete pathways, stairs, and tactile markers, as well landscape rock seats and concrete seats that offer durable places to rest with a natural aesthetic. Additional amenities included outdoor tables and works stations, water fountains and drinking outlets, as well as a range of street furniture.
And they didn’t forget the fun stuff! Outdoor playspaces, including sandpits, were constructed and synthetic turf and soft fall rubber surfacing were installed in accordance with Australian safety standards for schools.
Soft landscaping services performed in each school were extensive. The combined projects included the planting of 10,000 plants, large trees and shrubs. Timber edging was erected around all garden beds and grassed areas, and mulching and fertilising were completed on all garden beds. In addition, 9250m2 of ground in each school received turf, and hydro-seeding and direct seeding took place in play areas. All green spaces included automatic irrigation systems.
Sports fans were also catered too! Baron Forge constructed a large sports oval at Mernda South School, including cricket pitches and Flexipave courts for basketball, tennis, volleyball and handball. Line marking and posts were the final touches needed to complete the full-scale sporting amenities.
Baron Forge was proud to see their large-scale construction efforts put to good use as the delighted students of Mernda South and Epping North Primary Schools made the most of their new facilities in the new school year.
Contact Baron Forge Construction to discuss your next civil landscaping project. For more information visit www.baronforge.com.au
