Coles National Capital Investment Program

Coles Group is one of Australia’s leading retailers across supermarkets, liquor, online shopping and financial services.  

With an extensive and growing footprint of over 1,800 retail outlets nationally, the complexity of its capital works requires a big picture view of costs, drawing not only from a range of internal sources but also an understanding of broader market conditions.  

Coles Group turned to WT for strategic cost management and advisory support to deliver their Capital Investment Program.   

A NATIONAL APPROACH WITH LOCAL EXPERTISE 

Since 2021, WT has been supporting Coles Group through a dedicated account team of over 55 quantity surveyors, cost engineers and digital innovators.  Team members are based across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, ensuring a consistent national approach underpinned by local knowledge.  

Our scope includes project feasibility, new store delivery, refurbishments, tactical projects and freehold developments. On average we deliver 200 projects per year, with a high degree of cost planning accuracy, limited variations and tight construction programs.   

EFFECTIVE COST MANAGEMENT THROUGH DIGITAL INNOVATION 

Utilising WT’s digital expertise, our team manages a custom-developed “Coles Project Dashboard,” which draws on a range of construction cost data in real-time across Coles Group’s renewal program. Data is pulled from internal sources of store spend and supplier costs, value management, and progress claims. This is complemented by WT’s bespoke national reporting templates, as well as market insight reports prepared by our in-house economist.    

The Project Dashboard is available to Coles Group’s key account managers, providing them with a streamlined overview of costs. Dashboard data is analysed on a regular basis to enable us to drive procurement strategies and advise on capital works cost management. 

SUPPORTING COMMUNITY AND SUSTAINABILITY 

Our integrated client service model with Coles Group has enabled us to be agile and forward-thinking in the face of unexpected challenges, or new opportunities to innovate.  

We supported Coles Group in an agile manner to replace nine stores affected by floods in 2022 and 2023. During these challenging times, we worked with limited information to manage a significant amount of cost risk, while accurately budgeting to redesign and upgrade impacted stores. 

We also work closely with Coles Group to help them achieve their sustainability strategy. This includes supporting the delivery and optimisation of all Innovation Stores, which cost more than a standard store due bespoke requirements and sustainable features. Our team works closely with key suppliers to trial fixtures and equipment, providing cost planning advice and ongoing cost management throughout project delivery.   

ENGAGEMENT EXTENSION UNTIL 2027 

The integration of our dedicated account team within several teams at Coles Group ensures consistent communication and alignment of goals, enabling us to create value on a range of cost management projects.  

In 2024, WT’s engagement to support the Coles National Capital Investment Program has been extended for an additional three years. Our Coles account team was also recognised as finalists in the Team of the Year category at the Property Council Victoria People in Property Awards.