Reidy Park Primary School Redevelopment

Buildings & Structures

Building Structures

Client:
ICE Architects

Location:
Mount Gambier, SA

Project value: $5.3m

Modernised learning environments that support student engagement and flexible teaching.

What we did

Tonkin was engaged to provide structural and civil engineering services for the redevelopment of Reidy Park Primary School as part of the South Australian Department for Education’s Capital Works Program.

Our involvement included structural upgrades to existing buildings, including significant modifications to Building 5, to facilitate contemporary teaching spaces and stronger connections between indoor and outdoor learning areas.

Civil engineering services supported improvements to site accessibility, community connectivity, and campus presentation through car park upgrades, entry and exit repairs, landscaping enhancements, and new shelter structures within the school’s central quadrangle.

Scope of Works

During the concept phase, we worked closely with the architect and ley stakeholders to establish project requirements, assess existing site conditions, identify opportunities and constraints, and develop practical engineering solutions to support the project vision. Our involvement included site investigations, safety in design participation, preliminary engineering assessments, concept design development, and specialist input into project planning and cost estimation.

Tonkin also led the development of coordinated civil and structural engineering designs that aligned with architectural, operational and budgetary objectives. We prepared detailed construction documentation and technical specifications, collaborated with the wider consultant team and authorities, and provided ongoing support to ensure the design remained compliant, buildable, and cost-effective. We also assisted during procurement by supporting tender evaluation and responding to technical queries.

Additionally, Tonkin provided engineering oversight to support the successful delivery of the works. This included reviewing contractor documentation, undertaking site inspections, responding to construction queries, verifying critical structural elements, and assisting with practical completion activities.

How we made a difference

Our ongoing involvement throughout construction helped ensure the completed works remained consistent with the design intent and responded effectively to site conditions as they arose. Through targeted site inspections, review of structural shop drawings and timely responses to RFIs, we provided practical engineering guidance to support informed decision-making during construction. This helped maintain design quality and safety, minimise the risk of construction issues and keep the works progressing in line with the project’s broader objectives.

Problems which arose and resolution achieved

The redevelopment required new works to be carefully integrated with existing buildings and infrastructure, creating constraints around how structural alterations and new elements could be incorporated without compromising the existing facilities. To address this, Tonkin worked collaboratively with the architectural team to develop solutions that responded to existing conditions while supporting the overall redevelopment vision.
The project also required multiple disciplines and design elements to be coordinated as the design progressed. Tonkin contributed to design reviews throughout the concept and detailed design phases, allowing civil and structural considerations to be incorporated early and potential conflicts to be resolved before documentation was finalised. This approach helped produce cohesive design that balanced architectural requirements with structural performance.