Building Intelligence Apr 28, 2009
As an intelligence and security agency, the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) is by its very nature a little known government department with unique business challenges. But like any other business, sourcing new premises presented an opportunity to create a whole new environment that better meets their needs.
According to Chris Carson, GCSB Chief Financial Officer and Project Manager of the new accommodation, those needs have changed in recent years.
Traditionally, GCSB operated in a very compartmentalised way with few open areas and numerous walled-off offices and locked doors. But because the telecommunications and internet world is changing at such a fast pace and the future is largely unknown, GCSB needs to be flexible and adaptable in its future accommodation needs, he says.
“This means a more open work space environment with generic and modular floor layouts will be the best solution to plan future accommodation needs. The open environment will also be an advantage in recruiting and retaining staff.”
GCSB needs to be a good employer and use the new accommodation to attract and keep the best staff, Chris says.
“That includes everything from an on-site childcare centre through to the latest in green building features – while still having a building infrastructure that will cope with GCSB’s security needs. Our business doesn’t stop. Elements of the operation are 24/7, so there are specialist requirements to maintain that.”
The Building Intelligence Group worked with Dow Group and Greenwood, Roche, Chisnall to ensure these needs were identified in the development agreement for the new nine storey green building that is being developed by Redwood Group in partnership with landowner the Wellington Tenths Trust in the heart of Wellington’s Parliament precinct. Occupation by GCSB is planned from November 2010.
The challenge now is to ensure all the expectations established for the premises are realised, says The Building Intelligence Group Project Director Ian Macaskill.
Chris and the fitout architects Planet Design have recently returned from a tour of international sites to see how other intelligence organisations create a great working environment while still maintaining
security. As the project enters its next phase, The Building Intelligence Group will be focusing on ensuring this knowledge is interpreted, shared and adopted into the project delivery.