May 23, 2014

A.G. Coombs Projects has successfully installed new central refrigeration plant to the relocated Melbourne Wholesale Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Market at the new precinct in Epping.

The Melbourne Markets relocation project is one of the largest infrastructure projects being undertaken in Victoria and is being managed by the State Government of Victoria. The relocation is seeing the site redeveloped into a modern, innovative and efficient fresh produce trading and distribution precinct.

Appointed by the Principal Contractor Lend Lease Building, A.G. Coombs has installed a new Ammonia and Propylene refrigeration system within both of the major warehouse buildings. The new system will provide cooling to the market’s tenants and produce alike.

The installation was one of the largest of its kind in Victoria. A.G. Coombs worked in conjunction with specialist refrigeration subcontractor Oomiak Industrial Refrigeration to install and undertake Stage 1 commissioning of this large scale plant. Other stages of commissioning will occur once the final fit-out of the tenants stores are completed.

The key challenge was indeed the sheer size and scale of the project, which called for large underground chilled water pipes to be laid during construction. A.G. Coombs maximised the use of its off-site integrated prefabrication facility to design and assemble 124 skid mounted heat exchanger assemblies and 900mm diameter pipework support structures, which were transported to site for installation.

The use of prefabrication methodologies helped to reduce installation time and risks, and improve on-site safety.

Ed Farrell, Services Manager at Lend Lease, is impressed but not surprised by A.G. Coombs’ ability to successfully deliver to such a large scope.

“Constructing such a sizable facility as the new Melbourne Markets demands the skills and experience of trusted service providers”, he said. “A.G. Coombs has a proven track record in effectively managing the complexities brought about by large-scale projects. Adding to this is their integrated prefabrication capability, which is of significant benefit to Lend Lease in reducing risk and improving on-site safety.”

A flexible installation has been delivered allowing for additional future tenancies, if required.

All works have been delivered in accordance with the required environmental standards for the targeted 4 Star Green Star rating under the Industrial Pilot Tool.

For more information on the Melbourne Markets Relocation Project, visit: http://www.melbournemarkets.com.au/market-relocation/.

For more information on A.G. Coombs’ project solutions, please contact us.

A.G. Coombs’ on-site personnel installing the new underground chilled water pipes on the Melbourne Wholesale Fruit, Vegetable & Flower Market project