Project Overview
On 1 March 2022, two of the three former Woolstores buildings in Wickham caught on fire destroying the buildings. Investec, mortgagee in possession of the site, engaged Catalyst to manage the demolition, remediation, decontamination and removal of remaining tenant items from the site.
What did we do?
Catalyst was the client’s on-site eyes and ears. As Investec moved most of its operations out of the country, it needed someone it could trust to manage all aspects of the remediation programme on its behalf, whilst ensuring that the client fulfilled all their environmental and WHS obligations. Daily site attendance ensured that Investec was receiving timely updates and that all required support was provided to the demolition team to ensure an efficient outcome was achieved.
Catalyst and the project team regularly consulted with the authorities to ensure that the site remediation timelines aligned with the community clean up.
Concurrently, Catalyst managed the safety and security of the remaining building, including a major upgrade of the fire safety system, installation of a security system and general maintenance. Following remediation and site validation, Catalyst assumed the role of a property/facilities manager, completing scheduled safety and security inspections and assisting Invested with the sales campaign of the site.
Project Value
Confidential
What the Client Said:
“Catalyst were recommended to us following a major fire at a site we had exposure to, following which the existing property manager resigned, leaving us in a very difficult position. They hit the ground running and were very quick to get across multiple issues and workstreams, and immediately gave us a strong sense of confidence. They managed a complex demolition and remediation process covering a broad range of issues with a lot of complexity and urgency.
The team have been proactive in relation to anticipating issues and making suggestions, and are always quick to respond to matters requiring attention. They are solution driven and no problem is too large for them.
In addition to being across a range of workstreams and issues they are also very detailed and thorough and have always acted in our best interests in all dealings with third parties, including in their detailed review, interrogation and sign-off of third party invoices.
My only regret is that Catalyst were not managing our site before the fire! I have no hesitation in endorsing them in the strongest terms.”