When you walk into the brand-new Service NSW centre in Armidale, you’d never know that just weeks earlier the site was nothing more than a cold shell. Today it hums with activity … families updating licences, small business owners getting advice, and locals tapping into government services without needing to leave their community.
Behind that transformation sits Innovatus Projects …
The Brief: Turning an Empty Shell into a Community Hub
The challenge was clear: deliver a government-grade fit-out in just nine weeks, complete with upgraded power, HVAC, security, accessible wet areas and acoustic treatments, all while ensuring every detail complied with strict government standards. For Innovatus Projects, it was an opportunity to showcase what they do best: combine precision delivery with a deep understanding of how people use space.
“Working in regional NSW brings its own set of challenges,” Innovatus Director Nick Halakatevakis. “But it also brings a sense of purpose. You’re not just building a fit-out—you’re helping create a facility that a whole community will rely on.”
On the Ground: Delivery with Care
From day one, the team knew this project demanded more than just technical expertise. With a fixed-cost MW21 contract, the stakes were high. There was no room for delay or compromise.
The Armidale site became a hive of activity. Trades coordinated seamlessly, stakeholders were kept informed, and every milestone was ticked off with precision. Whether it was ensuring accessibility compliance or integrating new building services, the focus was always on delivering safely, quickly and to the highest standard.
“Regional projects really test your ability to collaborate,” Nick reflects. “You’re working with local contractors, balancing supply chains, and adapting to the environment. But that’s where our experience shines … we thrive on that complexity.”
The Outcome: More Than a Fit-Out
Nine weeks later, the doors opened. What had been an empty space was now a 700-square-metre Service NSW centre, modern, welcoming and fully equipped to serve the Armidale region.
For the Innovatus team, the outcome wasn’t just about ticking the box on time and budget delivery. It was about building trust. Demonstrating that regional NSW deserves facilities every bit as polished and functional as those in Sydney or Canberra.
“This project proves that we can deliver premium, government-grade fit-outs anywhere,” Nick said. “Whether it’s the Opera House Green Room in Sydney or a Service NSW centre in Armidale, our promise is the same: spaces that work beautifully for the people who use them.”
Looking Ahead
The Armidale project has strengthened Innovatus’ growing reputation for delivering complex public-sector and commercial fit-outs across NSW. It shows regional councils, government departments and businesses alike that they don’t need to compromise when it comes to quality and capability.
Because at the end of the day, whether it’s in the heart of Sydney or the heart of the New England Tablelands, Innovatus Projects delivers more than construction … they deliver confidence.
Planning a regional fit-out or refurbishment? Innovatus Projects brings city-grade expertise to every corner of NSW. Get in touch today.