Doric wins $285m defence contract

Western Australian construction company Doric has signed a $285 million contract with the Department of Defence for the proposed refurbishment of Irwin Barracks.

The Australian Army military base is located in Karrakatta, along Stubbs Terrace.

The deal follows Doric’s work on the $367 million upgrade of the HMAS Stirling naval base last year.

Doric is the seventh largest construction company as ranked by total value of combined projects on the Business News Data & Insights list, with recently completed projects including the Melbourne Hotel in Perth’s CBD and Yagan Square.

Doric pre-contracts manager Justin Taylor said the company’s latest partnership with the defence sector was good news for the WA building industry.  

“On the back of the HMAS Stirling redevelopment, Doric now has a firm foothold in a key sector poised for further growth,” he said.

“This is the culmination of a strategy we began formulating 10 years ago and forms part of the company’s long-term vision.

“Doric proposes to create something that retains the historical values of the barracks and complements buildings on the 61-hectare site that span a variety of architectural periods over more than 120 years.”

The proposed redevelopment includes the refurbishment of physical fitness amenities, base access, ceremonial spaces, training facilities and accommodation infrastructure.

Defence Minister Melissa Price said the investment in the Irwin Barracks was to support the evolving needs of the defence force and support the sector’s capability.

Work is expected to start on Irwin Barracks in 2023, with construction anticipated for completion in mid-2026.