The layout needed to consider the use of existing buildings, and whether these could be used better or differently, and which could be considered for upgrading. The proposed layout examined locations and footprints for existing and new structures/buildings, parking for a range of vehicles, and locations for material storage and related infrastructure.

Our team engaged with Downer staff to understand the existing situation, what each team needed, and what was important to ensure the yard space operated seamlessly.

Challenges included creating a layout to accommodate the wide range of vehicles and machinery parked at the depot when not onsite, whilst maintaining good vehicular circulation and pedestrian connections, and ensuring the layout met the 'no reversing' policy where possible. Overall, the proposed layout was underpinned by safety.

We undertook a stock-take of existing fleet and space requirements and proposed three different spatial arrangements. These were workshopped and tested with the staff and management teams; further refinement and design development led to a preferred masterplan that can be implemented in stages.