Student Hub Port Pirie

Project Scope: Student Hub Port Pirie

The Port Pirie Student Hub involved the refurbishment of a 550m² area in a regional TAFE SA campus, targeting common amenity spaces such as staff rooms, meeting rooms, and a student kitchen. A key highlight of the upgrade was the installation of Inapod Series 2 W and D study pods, which provided modern, functional learning environments suited to both individual and group use. Mykra managed the procurement and installation of all Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E), including digital kiosks, lockers, televisions, refrigerators, chairs, and tables to support the upgraded facilities.
All works were undertaken within an occupied environment, requiring careful staging and isolation of worksites to minimise disruption to ongoing campus operations. Mykra ensured asbestos materials were properly disposed of, in compliance with relevant local regulations. Additionally, all existing services were capped and sealed as necessary to make way for the upcoming works.

As part of the mechanical and electrical modifications, existing mechanical units were relocated and adjusted to accommodate the new spatial layout. ICT infrastructure and vending machines were deinstalled, and new power, data, and service connections were installed according to engineering documentation. Given the live environment, temporary shutdowns were coordinated outside of high-use periods, and a strong focus was maintained on safety and communication with staff and students. The asbestos register was reviewed and updated prior to further works, ensuring compliance and site safety.
During the course of construction, Mykra identified specific security requirements embedded in the design documentation from TAFE SA. As a result, additional scope was incorporated, including the upgrade and replacement of existing C4K expander modules and keypads, as well as the installation of a dedicated server and workstation. A unified access control system was also deployed to integrate all card readers across the facility, strengthening campus-wide security.
Further variations requested by the client included alterations to aluminium doors, the installation of additional CCTV cameras, and the provision of temporary hot water supply to the hair and beauty area—ensuring that services remained operational during construction. Each of these tasks required close attention to the challenges of working in an active learning environment, where maintaining service continuity was essential.
This regional project was delivered efficiently and effectively within an occupied environment, demonstrating Mykra’s capability to manage complex refurbishments without compromising safety, operations, or user experience. With additional pre-planning and responsive coordination throughout the works, Mykra successfully transformed the facility into a functional, modern, and secure learning environment that meets the evolving needs of TAFE SA students and staff.