RFBI Aged Care (Cessnock)

MBM Project Lead

David Shlom

Client Name

Planix Projects

Sector

Timeline

2021 - Ongoing

Project Value

Confidential

MBM Project Team

  • Kenny Toplis
  • Stephanie Gao

Services Provided

MBM has been engaged to provide full cost management services for the RFBI Cessnock Masonic Village Redevelopment across all project phases, including master planning, design, documentation, tender, construction and commissioning, with allowance for variation assessments and ongoing cost support throughout delivery.

Project Background and Scope

The Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution (RFBI) has appointed Planix Projects and Hines Constructions to deliver a new residential aged care home in Cessnock, Hunter Valley. The project will replace the existing facility, originally built over 40 years ago, with a modern $18.6 million residential care village designed around small households of 15 residents. Each household will include its own lounge and dining areas, connected to a central community hub offering indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces and a range of services such as a fitness centre, coffee shop and hairdresser.

Project Challenges

The redevelopment involves replacing an aged facility more than 40 years old with a modern residential care village while ensuring compliance with contemporary aged care standards. The design’s focus on small household models, each with its own facilities, adds complexity to planning, services integration and cost control. Maintaining alignment with RFBI’s vision and budget throughout delivery is also a key challenge.

MBM Solutions

MBM is addressing these challenges through detailed cost planning, value engineering and risk management across all project phases. Close collaboration with the client, builder and consultant team ensures design intent is achieved, costs are controlled and risks are managed, delivering a high-quality, future-focused residential care facility that meets resident and community needs.