The project involved the transformation of a 32-story office tower, lobby and associated retail space, upper – level roof terrace and three heritage listed buildings on the site. There were two main tranches of work totaling over three years on site. Works included a major overhaul to the office tower and a complete over cladding of the façade with glass reinforced concrete panels resulting in one of the largest installations of its type in Sydney. Major demolition of the two-level lobby has delivered a new ground floor plan. The buildings new interface transforms the existing commercial asset into a fit for purpose workplace for tech companies of all scales. The new internals integrate with a remarkable heritage found site. The Australian Gas light co (AGL) showroom found inside has undergone significant fit-out works to repurpose the space as a contemporary venue hire. Additional conservation works were also carried out on the neighbouring Fire Engine House, Sydney’s first ever fire station. The new rain screen façade cladding applied to the existing precast façade worked to address previous façade safety issues whilst also transforming the appearance of the asset. Several tower cranes and more than 13 mast climbers set across a whole city block, delivered over 17000m2 or 2405 individual panels of GRC to the 32 floor building. Major logistic issues had to be managed by Buildcorp as a result of the panel manufacture in China. To this end Buildcorp directly engaged the GRC supplier for the inhouse design, procurement, freighting and storage of over 2400 GRC panels each weighing between 300-900kg. The works were complex in nature from both a logistical point of view as well as complexities as a result of the ongoing occupation of the building. The project was broken up into ten Work Zones to facilitate the progress to many areas in parallel with the façade and internal works. Extensive planning was required to enable the manufacture of the GRC to be coordinated with the complex delivery schedule while working on several façade elevations at one time. The completed works were achieved in a difficult environment which required high levels of management expertise and consistent communications with all stakeholders for this project to achieve a successful outcome. The works have been completed to a high standard under difficult circumstances.
Category
Construction (Commercial) » Refurbishment/Renovation/Extension
Price
$50 Million & Over
Year
2025
Builder/Company
Buildcorp
Suburb
Haymarket
Prize
Winner
Project
477 on Pitt