In the world of construction, success is often measured by the precision of design.
Brookfield Properties and Multiplex, both known for their landmark projects, have come together to embrace the challenge of creating more than just a building. The result is One The Esplanade, a 6 Star Green Star rated project on Whadjuk Noongar land, and a legacy that celebrates ecological value, cultural heritage and fosters community engagement. The initiation of Multiplex’s program, Jump Start, and the project team’s First Nations engagement strategy, has made One The Esplanade a beacon of how ESG principles can be integrated into every phase of development.
We sat down with Helen Claes, Design Manager at Multiplex and Cliff Winby, Vice President of Developments at Brookfield Properties to further understand the intricacies of the project’s broader ESG strategy and how it has paved a revolutionary path for the construction industry.
Jump Start: A catalyst for change
Jump Start originated from a grassroots campaign in 2018, an initiative led by female graduates from Multiplex aiming to inspire the next generation of women in construction. So, when the opportunity arose to bring Jump Start to WA, the team felt One the Esplanade would be the perfect fit. “The commitment and enthusiasm of the volunteers involved was crucial to success. It’s about more than just administration; it’s about the passion behind the cause,” explained Helen.
This passion has laid the foundation for the project’s broader ESG strategy, where social impact and community involvement are just as important as the final building.
The approach to implementing Jump Start has been strategic. Each year, the program is introduced to one of Multiplex’s most complex projects in Western Australia to provide students with a comprehensive view of the construction industry.
“We hope that as momentum for Jump Start continues to grow, we can train more team members to run the program and bring more schools on board. Our end goal is to run Jump Start on as many projects as possible in WA, involving local schools where the participants can see the project grow in their own community,” said Helen.
The enthusiasm of the students involved, coupled with positive feedback from schools, prompted the program to expand to another project, ECU City, which is targeting a 5 Star Green Star rating. This expansion is a testament to the program’s effectiveness and the potential to transform the perception of the construction industry among young women.
The Jump Start program is a direct response to the industry's ongoing challenge: low female participation.
“Construction still has a long way to go in terms of female participation,” explained Helen.
“It’s essential to show young women that the myriad of careers in construction is both an achievable and interesting career choice. By encouraging them to pursue STEM education and explore the diverse opportunities available, we’re hoping to inspire a new generation of talent.”
To find out more about Jump Start, read more on their website here > Schools | Careers | Multiplex
Indigenous engagement: Honouring Whadjuk Noongar culture
From the project's inception, Brookfield Properties not only wanted to represent Whadjuk Noongar culture but engage with the First Nations community on the ground. The choice to consult with the Whadjuk Working Group early in the process allowed Brookfield Properties to build genuine, strong relationships and lay the groundwork for a culturally safe and informed development. The foundation of this engagement was a comprehensive Cultural Safety Plan, which provided a structured approach to ensure that cultural values were respected at every stage of development. This plan included:
- Design of the built form, landscaping, and public spaces that reflect Whadjuk Noongar culture
- Public art initiatives, prioritising local First Nations artists to create pieces that tell the story of the land.
- Cultural awareness training for project participants to foster respect and understanding.
- Recognition of key construction milestones and cleansing requirements for deliveries
- Employment and training opportunities for First Nations workers.
- Incorporation of cultural safety measures in site inductions.
- Community partnerships with organisations supporting First Nations people.
During the construction of One The Esplanade, Brookfield Properties raised over $75,000 for Ruah Community Services, a local provider of support for vulnerable individuals. This exceeded their $50,000 target and funded several critical initiatives, including:
- The creation of a communal garden and Yarning Circle at Kambarang Place, a space designed for reflection, connection, and healing.
- The purchase of a minivan to help Ruah respond to crises and transport residents to essential appointments.
- Renovations to the kitchen at Kambarang Place, enhancing the daily lives of its residents.
When reflecting on the WWG engagement, Brookfield Properties' Cliff Winby noted that it “helped us to create a place that authentically responded to its historical context and enriched the public realm, delivered within a cultural safety framework that fostered a culture of respect, learning and collaboration amongst the project team that has paved the way for how our future developments will approach First Nations engagement".
A blueprint for progress
This collaboration between two industry leaders exemplifies how modern developments can be more than just buildings. The combined efforts reflect a proud commitment to creating spaces that honour cultural heritage, empower communities and pave the way for future generations. One The Esplanade is not just reshaping Perth’s skyline— it’s shaping the future workforce, creating inclusive opportunities, and setting the foundation for long-term industry change.