CIMC Modular Building Systems and Nomad Building Solutions have both unveiled new contracts with Pindan, with works for a new student accommodation facility in Kalgoorlie and Wheatstone worker homes in Onslow collectively worth $38 million.
China-backed CIMC will supply modules to Pindan for the $30 million redevelopment of Curtin University’s Agricola College in Kalgoorlie, which primarily houses students at the Western Australian School of Mines.
The 180-room project will comprise 89 modules, which will be manufactured in China and assembled on site over a matter of weeks.
In total, there will be five blocks of units ranging from three to four storeys.
CIMC's contract is understood to be $12.95 million.
Facilities will include single rooms, disabled access rooms, studio apartments, bike storage, laundry facilities, communal hubs feturing study areas and two common and kitchen areas per floor.
The first batch of modules will arrive in Fremantle in October and arrive on site the following month.
CIMC executive general manager John Zendler said the company had worked closely with Pindan throughout the tender process to develop a new design of modular housing that would be efficient for student accommodation.
“We have found that after working with developers for the past 12 months looking at these sorts of projects it is a very fine line between the construction costs,” Mr Zendler said.
“Making the project viable with an efficient modular design, we can ensure that the project stacks up from a feasibility perspective, and it should be an enabler going forward for more student accommodation projects.”
Mr Zendler also said the deal would assist in instilling more industry confidence in modular methods of construction.
CIMC previously completed a major student accommodation project in Darwin, however for the past two years has been largely focused on the hotels sector.
The company is supplying modules for two DoubleTree by Hilton hotels to be built in Perth, at Barrack Square and on James Street in Northbridge, while it is also understood to be close to finalising a deal to provide modules for the proposed Courtyard by Marriott hotel on Wellington Street.
CIMC will also supply modules for a Hyatt Place hotel proposed to be built at Leighton Beach in North Fremantle.
“We have seen a lot of interest around modular construction in the past 12 months with developers wanting to learn and understand more about the system,” Mr Zendler said.
“As the market changes in Australia we expect that modular construction will certainly grow and you will see more of these modular developments popping up around the city.”
Meanwhile, Nomad Building Solutions has inked a $25 million deal for modular housing in Onslow, to provide homes for workers at Chevron’s Wheatstone liquefied natural gas project.
The works will be done by Nomad subsidiary McGrath Modular under a subcontracting arrangement with Pindan Contracting.
Nomad will supply 50 modular homes in Onslow, with manufacturing to begin in November.
The houses are expected to be complete late next year.
Nomad chief executive Heather Gardner said the deal was a significant win for the company.
“This project highlights that our products, design solutions and strategic problem solving approach are adaptable with these houses specifically designed for one of the most cyclonic regions in WA,” she said.
Ms Gardner said the McGrath business had returned to profitability in the second half of FY2015, with the contract to enhance the company’s growth prospects for FY2016.
