Defence housing project delivered on time and on budget

Defence has successfully delivered more than 4000 new accommodation units for single Australian Defence Force members in every mainland state and territory across Australia.

Project Single LEAP (Living Environment and Accommodation Precinct), is a multi-phase project that involved the finance, design and construction of 4410 accommodation units and supporting infrastructure at 20 sites across 17 ADF bases.

The project delivered self-contained furnished rooms, car parking, secure storage space, and recreational facilities.

The first phase of the project delivered 1395 units of accommodation at Holsworthy Barracks, Sydney; Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera; and RAAF Base Amberley, Ipswich.

The last of the units at these sites were delivered in January 2009.

The second phase delivered 3015 units of accommodation commencing in mid-2011 at Townsville’s Lavarack Barracks in Queensland, and was completed at Robertson Barracks in Darwin on 28 February 2014.

Deputy Secretary Defence Support and Reform Steve Grzeskowiak acknowledged the significance of the project, which has delivered an improved standard of accommodation for single service men and women.

“The $900 million contract for the second phase of Project Single LEAP is the Commonwealth’s largest ever investment under a Public Private Partnership,” Grzeskowiak said.

Phases one and two of Project Single LEAP were carried out under a Public Private Partnership with Plenary Living.

The signing of the contract for phase two in June 2011 was the beginning of a landmark project in Commonwealth history.

”The partnership we have with Plenary Group incorporates the planning, design, construction, financing, delivery, service costs, maintenance and operation associated with the project over the 33 year life of the contract,” Grzeskowiak said.

“By providing a consistently high standard of accommodation for our single servicemen and women, we can make Defence a more attractive employment prospect and improve the lives of those who choose to serve our country.

“We are very pleased with the results of this project and look forward to the next 30 years of providing single ADF members with a place to call home,” Grzeskowiak said.