UPDATED: 22 February 2023
What will the works involve?
We’re removing the external aluminium composite panel (ACP) cladding at MC Square and installing new aluminium panels.
Why are you replacing the cladding?
In 2019, the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) conducted a state-wide cladding review.
The review identified MC Square as the only Manningham Council owned building with combustible aluminium composite panel (ACP) cladding. However, the building was not scheduled for an audit by the VBA, as it did not require immediate works.
The Building Appeals Board recommended a partial ACP cladding replacement, however as a precautionary measure we have endorsed a full replacement in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 budgets.
The safety of MC Square tenants, visitors and staff is our priority. All scaffolding and building works will be undertaken with the highest level of care. The new cladding will comply with building regulations.
Which contractor is completing the works?
MAZ Group Pty Ltd
When will the construction team arrive onsite?
The construction team will arrive on site at the end of February 2023.
What will be the construction team’s regular working hours?
Workers will be on site weekdays between 7am-6pm and Saturdays between 9am-1pm (if required).
What will the pre-works involve?
Workers will construct a site compound (staff and storage area) on the western side of the Civic Centre. This area will be barricaded to protect the safety of staff and community members as heavy equipment will be stored there. This will remain in place for the duration of the works and occupy around 15 carparks in this area.
Scaffolding will be installed along the Doncaster Road side of the MC Square building, as will temporary enclosed walkways for pedestrian safety. Other areas may require scaffolding as the project progresses. Cherry pickers/scissor lifts may also be used to install cladding panels.
Temporary fencing and shade cloth will be placed on the northern side of the building, including between the kindergarten and site to ensure the safety of children and staff.
Will deliveries for the project affect my visit to MC Square or the Civic Centre?
Following the construction team arriving on site at the end of February, we are expecting one scaffolding delivery each day between 7-8am for a maximum of 10 days.
A large truck is required to transport the scaffolding and it may be necessary to park across the pedestrian crossing out the front of the Civic Centre and MC Square Forecourt while scaffolding is unloaded and transported to the site using forklifts.
Traffic controllers will be present at this time to direct and ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists. Please follow directions from the traffic controllers and move safely through the area.
Cladding panels will also be delivered to the site compound once a day between 7am-6pm during the works and transported using pallet jacks. Please move carefully through the area.
All delivery trucks will enter from the back entrance of the Civic Centre and will exit from the front exit of the Civic Centre.
Will the building be open as usual?
Yes. All MC Square services and entry and exit points will continue to operate normally and we will do our best to minimise disruptions.
You may notice some noise associated with the dismantling of cladding, drilling and the use of other power tools.
It may be necessary to relocate the afterhours library book drop-off chutes from time-to-time during construction but the Library will continue to operate as usual. Any disruptions will be communicated.
We will keep you informed with project updates and milestones.
Will I still be able to park at MC Square and the Civic Centre?
Yes. Around 15 carparks on the western side of the Civic Centre will be occupied for the duration of the works. Remaining car parking at the Civic Centre and MC Square will not be affected by the works.
Will any works take place inside the building?
Although construction will primarily involve the outside of the building, workers may occasionally work on small jobs inside, such as waterproofing and conducting engineering checks.
Interior cladding works at the entrance of the Manningham Art Gallery will commence in the middle of the year and works will include removal of the lights at the entrance of the gallery. We will keep you updated.
Why are ratepayers paying for the cladding replacement?
Unfortunately, like hundreds of other buildings across the state, MC Square has been caught up in the flammable cladding issue. The overall risk relating to the building’s ACP cladding is not an immediate and high enough risk that replacement can be covered by or managed by compensation from Cladding Safety Victoria.
When the building was constructed 10 years ago, the flammable cladding issue was not clearly identified and despite looking at all the courses available to council, there is no option to recover these costs. Council has allocated $3.4 million to remove and replace the cladding from our 2021/22 and 2022/23 budgets to make the building compliant with current building standards.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact us on 9840 9333 or email customerservice@manningham.vic.gov.au.
UPDATED: 9 January 2023
What's the current situation?
In 2019, the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) conducted a state-wide cladding review.
The review identified MC Square as the only Manningham Council owned building with combustible aluminium composite panel (ACP) cladding. However, the building was not scheduled for an audit by the VBA, as it did not require immediate works.
The Building Appeals Board recommended a partial ACP cladding replacement, however as a precautionary measure we have endorsed a full replacement in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 budgets.
Construction will begin in mid-February 2023 and is expected to take around a year to complete.
How will MC Square be impacted by the cladding replacement?
During construction:
- All MC Square services and entry and exit points will continue to operate normally and we will do our best to minimise disruptions.
- You may notice some noise associated with the dismantling of cladding, drilling and the use of other power tools.
- In preparation for the works, we will install scaffolding around the building and this will remain in place until construction is complete.
- Although construction will primarily involve the outside of the building, workers may occasionally work on small jobs inside, such as waterproofing and conducting engineering checks.
- We will keep you informed with project updates and milestones.
Will you replace the panels?
Yes, the program of works will involve the removal of the ACP panels and the installation of new aluminium panels. The safety of MC Square tenants, visitors and staff is our priority. All scaffolding and building works will be undertaken with the highest level of care. The new cladding will comply with building regulations.
Why are ratepayers paying for the cladding replacement?
Unfortunately, like hundreds of other buildings across the state, MC Square has been caught up in the flammable cladding issue. The overall risk relating to the building’s ACP cladding is not an immediate and high enough risk that replacement can be covered by or managed by compensation from Cladding Safety Victoria.
When the building was constructed 10 years ago, the flammable cladding issue was not clearly identified and despite looking at all the courses available to council, there is no option to recover these costs. Council has allocated $3.4 million to remove and replace the cladding from our 2021/22 and 2022/23 budgets to make the building compliant with current building standards.
Is the cladding currently dangerous?
We engaged an independent expert to conduct a preliminary assessment of MC Square in April 2019 and it was determined the building was low risk and operations would continue.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact us on 9840 9333 or email customerservice@manningham.vic.gov.au.
