Following a long and prolific working relationship at Simpson Barracks in Victoria, Australia, the Defence Consulting team of Woods Bagot has completed the first stages of a new project on the base. 

The first stages of the new Defence Force School of Signals project have officially opened. The need for a new school was established following a review of Defence signals training regimes. Growth and technological advances in communication and information systems training added significant pressure on the previous older style facilities located at Simpson Barracks.

This project combines all of the various training facilities into one single collocated training precinct at the Barracks. The project also considered the impact of full collocation onto supporting infrastructure including living in accommodation, messing, sports and recreation facilities and entry precinct upgrade to meet security requirements.

Woods Bagot has project managed the development of the School since 2005. The first stage was unveiled by Commander Forces Command, Major General David Morrison when he officially opened the 216 Residential Units development supporting the new School.  This was followed shortly after by the opening of the new high security 9,000m2 headquarters of the Defence Force School of Signals by the Head of Modernisation and Strategic Planning - Army, Major General John Caligari.

The Defence Consulting team is project managing another 19 new classroom facilities and refurbishing a further 8,000m2 of teaching accommodation also located at Simpson Barracks. All of the facilities will be used by the Defence Force School of Signals and are highly secure and highly serviced.