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ProjectKiribati Australian High Commission Chancery and Residential Redevelopment

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Client

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Location

Tarawa, Kiribati

Sector
Commercial
Service
AdvisoryApprovals and ComplianceCommercial Management and ProcurementConstruction DeliveryDesign Management and BuildabilityEconomics and Business CaseProject EstablishmentProject Management
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Kiribati Australian High Commission Chancery and Residential Redevelopment

The Australian High Commission (AHC) in Kiribati is located on the main island of Tarawa. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) currently owns several buildings on the island, including a Chancery, Head of Mission’s residence and staff residential dwellings. The existing AHC buildings were first constructed in the early 1980s and have deteriorated significantly due to the harsh conditions and difficulties with arranging maintenance work.

TSA Riley were engaged to lead a multi-discipline team to investigate and prepare an initial business case (IBC). The IBC proposed that the existing residential properties be replaced with five new houses and the Chancery building be expanded to accommodate 10 additional staff. Given the remote location and shortage of skilled labour, the IBC also considered the benefits of using prefabricated systems compared with traditional construction methodologies.

A final option was presented in the business case, which made recommendations for off-site construction, a significant reduction in waste and training opportunities for local students.

The design solution also incorporated best practice environmentally sustainable features including energy efficient building (targeting five-star NABERS for the Chancery), self-sufficient rainwater usage, and low maintenance and life-cycle costs. The final arrangement is intended to be a prototype for similar locations throughout the Pacific.

Following approval of the IBC, TSA Riley was engaged to assist DFAT with the evaluation of the head contractor tenders for the work outlined in the original business plans. TSA Riley is also the project manager for the design and construction phases of the project, due for completion late 2024.