In November and December 2022, Grace Workplace Solutions had the privilege of executing the transition of over 150 staff and a vast and eclectic collection of heritage pieces at the NSW Parliament in Sydney, New South Wales. The NSW Parliament is a heritage-listed complex and the longest sitting legislature in Australia, making this project particularly challenging. Many pieces within the collection were of an extremely rare and sensitive nature, some even priceless.
The scope of work included the transition of 150 Parliament House staff to temporary accommodations, heritage furniture to secure compounds, careful protective packing and handling of artworks, rare book collections, removal of public chamber sitting benches, dismantling and transfer of loose office furniture and fixtures, and implementation and management of a pre-transfer cleaning process. Additionally, Grace provided secure storage solutions for personal effects within Grace relocation of legislative council and transport of assembly chamber furniture to Canberra and Sydney for refurbishment.
Throughout project delivery, Grace Workplace Solutions provided a holistic consultative and project management service to ensure the transition was completed with seamless execution and to the full satisfaction of The NSW Parliament. Through effective planning, capacity, and experience, Grace were able to complete the scope of works five working days in advance of required completion.
![[Case study] The transition of NSW Parliament staff and heritage pieces](https://www.grace.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/PHNSW3.jpg)
One of the challenges faced during the execution of this project was the timeline of execution as Grace had to accommodate constant amendments to sequences of planned moves to avoid any disruption of schedules the general building contractor, and to ensure satisfaction of all departmental requirements. This challenge was well managed and overcome with effective communication and regular progress meetings conducted by the assigned Grace Project Manager to adjust the program to suit any contingencies.
Furthermore, Grace offered an innovative and sustainable solution to the client in terms of disposal of furniture. Grace leveraged our partner network and engaged with a furniture recycler who upcycled all the furniture that was earmarked for disposal. This solution was greatly appreciated by the client as it prevented them from sending more than 40 tonnes of waste to landfill and contributed to the social responsibility of being more intentionally sustainable through circular economy.
The officials involved in the project from The NSW Parliament showcased their satisfaction with the exceptional execution of the project and have established a strong relationship based on trust and professionalism. Mr. Andrew Taouk, Project Officer says “Thank you for your help throughout the whole decant process. I enjoyed working with the team and had a very positive experience working with Grace”.
Grace provided excellent Project Management with utmost attention to detail, planning, execution, and communication to ensure The NSW Parliament staff got the Grace experience. They completed the project well within budget and ahead of schedule by five days, despite the challenges faced with building contractors working on site and their schedule during the planned program.
The successful execution of this project in a location that holds a permanent place in the history of the nation and history of Grace is a testament to the capability and professionalism of Grace Workplace Solutions.
