Recent Project Experience
Charles
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Charles Darwin University is a diverse institution, being created in 2003 as a consolidation of over 8 campuses throughout the Northern Territory. These campuses are not only diverse in size, but also represent a wide range of education types and delivery methods. Sandover Pinder and Cole Advisory have been engaged to prepare a strategic framework of rules and principles to underpin future master planning for the Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory. This framework will facilitate the preparation of future briefs for master planning at a campus and university-wide level.
To support a funding application to the State Government for redevelopment of the technology precinct in Bentley, the State Government engaged Brian Cole and his previous consulting firm to consider the economic impact and effectiveness of a range of redevelopment concepts for the precinct. Brian and his team conducted extensive consultations with technology precinct tenants and Curtin University to identify opportunities for improvement in the physical layout of the precinct that would enhance the organisations’ ability to cooperate. We also prepared estimates of direct and multiplied economic benefits to the West Australian economy from the operation of the expanded technology precinct now and in the future. As the second metropolitan racetrack for Perth Racing, and a fundamental training environment, the role of Belmont Park is essential to the future of the Western Australian racing industry. Significant upcoming capital costs, including reconstruction of the grandstand, dictated an innovative consideration of the potential for this site. Brian Cole was engaged by Perth Racing to provide assistance in considering the opportunities to redevelop Belmont Park. The specific tasks undertaken included:
Brian’s previous firm was appointed to assist the Department of Infrastructure and Planning to clarify the economic benefits potentially emanating from the proposed redevelopment of the Gold Coast Parklands Trust (GCPT) site, as a mixed use, knowledge and residential community located to the east of the Gold Coast University Hospital and Griffith University. The study investigated the potential economic linkages, flows and opportunity costs associated with the economic drivers emanating from the GCHKP, and compared the potential outcomes of the full and partial development options for the site. This was done by investigating the business linkages, live-work linkages; urban amenity; infrastructure efficiency and spending flows. Brian’s previous consulting firm was appointed by DEEDI to prepare a report that presents a review of innovation outcomes at Brisbane Technology Park (BTP). The objectives of this study included:
Brian managed the preparation of a Business Case for the proposed Queensland Centre for Design. Three substantive components were completed as part of this study:
At the request of the Ningaloo Ocean and Earth Research Centre Inc. and Shire of Exmouth, Brian was appointed to undertake an Economic analysis of the master plan for the collocated Visitor Centre, Multi-purpose Community Centre and Ningaloo Research Centre (“Ningaloo Centre”) The scope of this engagement involved an assessment of the net new economic activity to the Shire of Exmouth that could arise out of the establishment of the Ningaloo Centre in accordance with the master plan. In undertaking this project, Brian has performed an economic impact assessment of the configuration of the three buildings amidst the entire precinct itself. In doing so, we have considered any net new economic activity (visitors, jobs, residents) that may be created by this cluster of buildings and their uses. Brian also undertook place analysis, highlighting a series of recommendations to ensure that the Ningaloo Centre operates as an attractive, diverse and vibrant centre. Fremantle Ports formed a Working Group to review and consider new opportunities presented in the Commercial Precinct site on Victoria Quay and to explore development options consistent with the Fremantle Waterfront Masterplan as well as the City of Fremantle’s economic development and strategic planning directions for use as a basis of further consultation with key stakeholder groups. Brian Cole is a member of that group. |
This engagement involves a significant level of stakeholder communication and consultation, ensuring wide ownership of ideas and outcomes and consideration of a wide range of future business models.
This is a great demonstration of the strong understanding of the close link between business and diverse assets in a large institution. The extensive consultation and analysis of the benefits of a range of options are directly applicable to the preparation of business cases. This engagement enabled Brian Cole to work closely in considering strategic development of property assets. This study was undertaken with consideration of the relative economic benefits of the proposed knowledge precinct versus continued use by the Gold Coast Harness Racing Club. The understanding of innovation and economic performance indicators is imperative to ensure that future property assets are planned strategically and consider current and future needs and objectives. The project included consideration of a wide range of business needs prior to determination of a design or development option. This engagement considered a range of master planning options, and the direct and indirect economic benefits that may arise there from, thereby contributing to an informed business case. The analysis also included a wide range of internal and external consultation and workshopping. The consideration of the benefits of public infrastructure to the local economy was also important. Brian provided the economic and commercial analysis and advice to the development strategy. |
This project will place Charles Darwin University in a position where a wide range of internal and external stakeholders have contributed strongly to the consideration of the University’s future business model and a set of rules and principles which will form the foundation of the growth and development of the University over the next 20 plus years.
The assessment supported the Board’s funding application to the State Government, which successfully secured the requested funding increases. This analysis enabled the Board to be better informed as to the options for Belmont Park, and to make stronger decisions on crucial development issues. A series of key findings and recommendations in relation to the appropriateness of the alternative development concept was provided to the Client for Queensland as a whole and the Gold Coast region. The study concluded that there is evidence to suggest that there is a high level of innovative behaviour at BTP, in a number of areas. Capturing the lessons from the BTP experience will inform other innovation community projects. It will enhance the Government’s efforts to foster innovation, particularly in the context of limited Government resources. A series of recommendations and strategies has been provided as part of the Business Case to Arts Queensland and will be used in their forward approach. This analysis and the associated master planning enabled the Shire of Exmouth and the steering committee to determine a future scope for this development. The Working Group’s main objectives were:
The report summarises the Working Group’s response to its terms of reference, and recommends a strategic implementation plan to achieve a sustainable result in the future. |