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References to three are found consistently throughout history and perhaps best captured in the famous Latin phrase Omne trium perfectum — Everything that comes in threes is perfect. As a collection of three A-grade properties owned by ISPT, managed by CBRE, and maintained by A.G. Coombs, Spring Place embodies this ethos of
a flawless three.
Collectively known as Spring Place, 2 Lonsdale Street, 50 Lonsdale Street, and 271 Spring Street form a cluster of commercial buildings in the parliamentary precinct of Melbourne’s CBD.
The A.G. Coombs relationship with this trio of assets began in 2007 with the 34 level 50 Lonsdale Street. When originally constructed in 2005, the building was not meeting expected performance targets, and A.G. Coombs was approached to help to improve the building’s energy and operational performance levels – an engagement that has ultimately contributed to a 5.5 Star NABERS Energy rating and 6 Star NABERS Indoor Environment rating.
A.G. Coombs engagement with the precinct broadened to the 40 level
2 Lonsdale Street and more recently the 15 level boutique office tower for Australian Unity at 271 Spring Street. Originally mechanical maintenance, this involvement has subsequently extended to electrical service.
A cohesive approach
Whilst each asset is independent of each other, a consistent and cohesive delivery model is threaded throughout Spring Place.
Ken O’Brien, Senior Contract Manager at A.G. Coombs Service says the strong three-way relationship between ISPT, CBRE and A.G. Coombs is a key contributor to the success of Spring place. “ISPT is a very proactive owner and CBRE is a leading facilities manager, and they actively support our input and initiatives to achieve their ambitions.”
Beyond mechanical and electrical services, A.G. Coombs provides Advisory, Building Energy Optimisation, and Fire Services through Walker Fire Protection. The combined focus of all A.G. Coombs teams is to ensure maximum efficiency and optimal performance. Testament to this is the very high energy and indoor air quality ratings achieved across all three buildings.
“For upgrade and enhancement projects A.G. Coombs will provide the proof of concept and design to demonstrate to the client that it’s a worthwhile project to commit to,” adds Rob Porter, Senior Contract Manager at
A.G. Coombs Service.”
ISPT prioritises tenant satisfaction with a clear investment strategy consistently looking for ways to improve building performance and reduce the carbon footprint of its assets. The A.G. Coombs Advisory team collaborates closely with the incumbent automation systems team to support building performance initiatives through improvements and refinements to the building controls technology.
Spring Place — fast facts
149,390m2
All buildings
All buildings
50 Lonsdale:
5.5 Star NABERS Energy
5.5 Star NABERS Water
6 Star NABERS Indoor Environment
5 Star NABERS Energy
4.5 Star NABERS Water
6 Star NABERS Indoor Environment
5.5 Star NABERS Energy
5 Star NABERS Water
6 Star NABERS Indoor Environment
6 Star Green Star As-Built
Breeding future success
In addition to the experienced on-site technicians, Spring Place is also home to a passionate cohort of A.G. Coombs apprentices. ISPT and CBRE have provided dedicated training spaces, enabling apprentices to learn on location, refining their skills on test equipment and subsequently applying those learnings on live Spring Place facilities.
A number of A.G. Coombs’ apprentices can attribute their career success to the Spring Place training environment and the opportunities afforded to work on A-grade buildings. Apprentices who have honed their craft at Spring Place have gone on to help maintain other major facilities in the Melbourne CBD.
Spring Place is also a home base for the A.G. Coombs Indigenous Apprenticeship program which actively champions the recruitment of Indigenous candidates — an initiative actively embraced by ISPT and CBRE. This is another example of Spring Place transcending the typical owner, facility manager, and contractor relationship to embrace a culture that seeks ongoing improvement.
On-site culture matters
Team culture plays an important role in successfully supporting a precinct like Spring Place. From the Indigenous workforce and gender diversity of
A.G. Coombs personnel, through to the multidisciplinary spread of services, there is a visible sense of camaraderie and shared responsibility at
Spring Place.
“I speak to someone from A.G. Coombs just about every day,” says Caitlyne Brincat, Senior Facilities Manager at CBRE. “They’re really passionate about getting things done right and consistently going above and beyond —
there’s a real sense of comfort knowing A.G. Coombs is by our side here at
Spring Place.”
Not satisfied with the status quo, there is a constant drive for ongoing improvement within the team at Spring Place. With an enduring theme of collaboration, trust and forward-thinking, Spring Place is living up to its name of rejuvenation and growth.
This article originally appeared in BE — Building Efficiency 2024-2025 magazine.
