Major Defence Appointment

20 March 2012

Sweett Group plc

("Sweett Group" or "the Group")

Sweett Group secures major defence appointment in Australia

Sweett Group, the property and infrastructure professional services consultancy, is pleased to announce its appointment to provide project management and contract administration services on behalf of the Australian Department of Defence on the AUD 120 million (£80 million) redevelopment of the HMAS Watson maritime warfare facility. Located at Sydney's South Head, the facility was first commissioned as the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) Radar Training School in 1945 and currently houses the RAN's warship bridge simulator. 

Commenting on the appointment, Steve Carter, Sweett Group's Defence Sector Leader in Australia and Regional Director, Queensland, said:

"Today's appointment is an exciting opportunity for us to further enhance our relationship with one of our key clients in the region. Due to the critical training activities that take place at HMAS Watson, it is vital to the future operational capability of the Royal Australian Navy that this project is not only planned and programmed with the highest level of detail, but also delivered in a manner which does not impact on the base's operational capability, a project requirement Sweett Group is highly experienced in managing with our large base of projects in highly operational facilities throughout Australia." 

The scope of the AUD 120m base redevelopment, which will be delivered under the Department of Defence's bespoke Managing Contractor Contract, includes demolition and new build construction as well as refurbishment and upgrade of existing training and administration facilities and a base-wide services and infrastructure upgrade. Sweett Group will be project managing and providing integrated quantity surveying services to the redevelopment project during a 24-month development phase, followed by a 36-month delivery phase.

The appointment at HMAS Watson expands the Group's defence sector portfolio in Australia, which includes the Australian Defence Force centre for Mental Health at HMAS Penguin, Defence Plaza Melbourne and Londonderry RAAF Receiving Station.

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About Sweett Group

Sweett Group plc is a global business with expertise in property and infrastructure professional services. Our services include programme and project management, cost management, advisory and PPP/PFI investment.

We aim to forge long term, successful relationships with all stakeholders in the property and infrastructure industry. "Global knowhow, local delivery" is the essence of our business and our reach enables us to put global best practice to use in the local markets we serve.

www.sweettgroup.com