The challenge
Workable was engaged to undertake a complex feasibility study for the repurposing of a vacant tenancy within an office premises in Canberra. The project required strategic property advisory services, market analysis, stakeholder consultation, financial modelling, workplace strategy assessment, leasing analysis and concept design development.
Working alongside specialist workplace, design and cost-planning consultants, Workable led the development of an evidence-based business case examining multiple future-use scenarios, including government accommodation, commercial subleasing, event and collaboration spaces, and an innovation partnership model.
What we delivered
Workable led the feasibility study and strategic property assessment for the agency’s vacant former childcare centre, translating property, workplace, financial and operational considerations into a structured evidence-based business case and implementation pathway. The engagement included:
- Stakeholder consultation and operational requirements analysis.
- Review of existing utilisation, accommodation and workplace requirements.
- Assessment of strategic property, leasing and accommodation objectives.
- Current state analysis of the vacant tenancy and adjoining outdoor area.
- Building, ICT, security, compliance and infrastructure assessments.
- Canberra market research and commercial office analysis.
- Evaluation of future space utilisation and workplace demand scenarios.
- Development and assessment of multiple repurposing options.
- Financial modelling and cost-benefit analysis for each option.
- Preparation of concept designs and future-state vision boards.
- Assessment of delivery constraints, risks and implementation requirements.
- Development of strategic recommendations and implementation pathways.
The assessment aligned operational requirements, accommodation strategy, financial objectives and Commonwealth property obligations with market conditions, infrastructure capability and future delivery considerations, ensuring that recommended options were both operationally practical and commercially sound.
The outcome
The engagement provided the agency with a comprehensive evidence base for decision-making regarding the future use of a strategically located surplus property asset within Canberra’s CBD. The work:
- Defined the agency’s long-term property and facility requirements.
- Established a clear understanding of the available market.
- Identified and assessed credible site opportunities.
- Tested potential solutions against operational, technical and commercial criteria
- Clarified infrastructure, planning and delivery considerations.
- Supported engagement and negotiations with relevant market participants.
- Identified the principal risks and dependencies affecting delivery.
- Provided a practical basis for progressing the preferred property solution.
The engagement enabled the agency to make informed, evidence-based decisions regarding the future use of the asset, balancing operational needs, financial considerations and long-term strategic property objectives.
