The historical-style Ramada Resort graces its guests with luscious outdoor gardens and is located only a short drive from the heart of Ballarat.

While its antique looking exterior has been part of this facility’s allure since its construction in 1878, the interior required a modernisation. Our Geelong team was engaged to help contemporise this heritage-listed facility.

The challenge

The upgrade project at this resort focussed on the full refurbishment of all 39 rooms contained within this accommodation facility. Given the unique complexities involved with the multitude of trades required, savvy project management was necessary to deliver an operationally excellent project. Featuring a mix of standard and deluxe rooms varying in size, the scope of works from one room to another was diverse, creating a challenging prospect for our operations team.

In addition to this the facility, due to its age, featured lead and asbestos. The final difficulty facing our team was the COVID-19 pandemic that became prevalent in the later stages of this project.

Solution

After being successfully awarded this project via tender, our team begun working on a five-stage project plan. The project plan considered cost- and time-effectiveness and enabled the resort to continue to house patrons in rooms throughout. Having repainted the facility in 2017, our Geelong team was familiar with the layout of the facility and utilised this knowledge in conjunction with site visits to curate this operations plan.

The upgrade featured the project management of an extensive list of trades, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, tiling, joinery, plastering, French polishing, underfloor heating, and flooring. Of course, no Higgins project is complete without painting, which our local team of experts also conducted. Our regular safety measures and practices were followed throughout the project, including our guidelines to working with lead and asbestos. The final stages of the project were completed as the COVID-19 pandemic began to emerge. To ensure the health and wellbeing of those involved with the project, COVID-safe practices were introduced.

Results

We were thrilled to have been able to put a modern touch on this historical gem. After signing the project off, we received the following endorsement of our works.

"Higgins recently completed the final stage of an extensive project at our resort in Ballarat. The multi-stage project focused on refurbishing existing rooms, and we have been impressed with their operation team’s demeanour on-site. From their safety measures, through to the quality of workmanship, Higgins have provided us with an exceptional service from start to finish. The decision to select them as our contractor for this project stemmed from the previous painting works they completed for us a few years earlier. The standard of work is consistent now, with what we received then, and we look forward to working with Higgins again in the future."

Project Manager - Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific