Viega Propress System for Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre

Shoppers are not the world's most patient or loyal people. If they cannot get what they want, when they want it, they will go elsewhere. So lengthy interruptions to trade were not an option for retailers or centre management of the busy Pacific Werribee shopping centre in Melbourne, Victoria - a major regional retail complex - when work started on a major construction project to significantly extend it and create an iconic fashion, food and entertainment destination.

Valued at $370m, the staged development is designed to increase the retail space by 35,000sqm. On completion of the extensions and renovations in 2017, Pacific Werribee will be the most comprehensive retail offer in Melbourne's western growth corridor.

Logistical Considerations

The project, which adjoins the existing centre, meant there were strict timelines and access requirements. Contractors had to be accurate in their installations and their timing in order to meet construction schedule deadlines. The sheer number of tradespeople, all working together, and the considerable quality assurances and high level of workmanship required to ensure increased integrity of durability of high traffic areas, had to work seamlessly to enable the general public to enjoy their shopping experience without interruption.

Extensive water and gas lines were required for the project to supply new tenancies with services, while additional services were also allocated for future tenancies. Mechanical heating and cooling requirements also had to be installed for Variable Air Volume cooling as well as large bore gas lines to supply boilers.

Time Constraints

ProBuild, one of Australia's largest construction companies, won the tender with a view of meeting a strict construction schedule, so it was paramount that contractors were able to complete works on time. Any delays would have placed further time pressures on following contractors to adhere to the schedule.

ProBuild had seen the Viega Propress system installed in many of their other projects with an extraordinarily high level of confidence, so they were very happy to see contractors from Highbury Plumbing and Allstaff Mechanical use it. ADP Consulting also understood the benefits and certainty that Viega press fittings offered and quickly endorsed their use. ADP's James Vercoulen said Viega's technical presentations had proved the level of certainty that could be expected of the system.

"We are very happy to specify and support the system," he said.

Centre owner, the Pacific Group of Companies, was consulted and advised of the advantages of contractors using Viega on the project. It also approved the system for joining copper for water and gas services.

Contractors used Viega Propress for hydraulic and gas installations in addition to mechanical services, from sizes DN25 through to DN100. The Propress system was the proven choice for speed and reliability when welding at height or in difficult or flame-sensitive areas. Highbury and Allstaff contractors had used the Viega system across many previous projects, and their confidence in its reliability made it a clear choice for them. Highbury's Andrew Scott said Viega was the only choice for certainty.

"It was great to have Viega assisting to answer all of the technical questions the project stakeholders had," he said. "For all of our future work we will be using Viega and we are also looking forward to any other pipe joining, flushing and drainage systems they may introduce to the Australian market."

Another appealing feature was Viega's patented Smart Connect - Feature, which enables any joins that remained unpressed during installation to become visible upon testing. This means they can then be quickly and simply repressed to ensure certainty of the installed system. The certainty of joins provided by the Viega system gave contractors confidence that they would not need to allow for reworks.

Added Allstaff's Danny Simpson: "Viega was the clear standout for us as a product we can rely on, and the guys at Viega have been really great with their technical expertise."

For more information, visit www.viega.com.au.

Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre