Sydney Modern Project Update: April 2022
Stairway to art
A couple of months ago the spiral steel staircase that links our new building with the oil tank gallery was craned into site from Lincoln Crescent, Woolloomooloo.
In a behind-the-scenes video, follow the journey of this immense 20-tonne architectural feature from fabrication to installation by Richard Crookes Constructions into a forest of 20th-century concrete pillars, deep inside the spectacular oil tank gallery.
This vast underground space, a former World War II fuel tank, is one of Sydney’s hidden treasures and will be accessible to the public for the first time when the Art Gallery’s expansion opens in late 2022.
Works update
Safety is the number one priority for the Sydney Modern Project Team, and we are following all health advice for construction sites. A comprehensive COVID-19 Safety Plan remains in place for the project.
Entering the final year of construction on the Sydney Modern Project, on-site activity has intensified as internal fit-out and finishes works get underway. In recent months, the following works have taken place:
Continuation of the facade cladding and glazed facades on Lower Level 2, Lower Level 1, and Entry Level
Completing the structural steel erection for the entry canopy, and installing glazing to the two terrace canopies
Pouring of the internal topping slabs
Construction of internal walls, installation of services and internal finishes proceeding to all levels
Installation of external balustrade channels
Insulation and waterproofing to roofs
Continuation of the contoured rammed earth wall construction on Lower Level 1
Completing the southern stormwater connection
Commencing lift car installation
Installing the pedestrian bridge connecting the external public lift and existing Eastern Distributor land bridge
Completion of the water feature plant room, pouring of southern reflection pool substructure, and commencement of services trenches within the landscape works zone.
Upcoming works
Construction over the next three months will focus on:
Finalising the remaining facade elements
Dismantling of the tower crane within the main building site area
Continued installation of services and internal walls, and progression of finishes, fit-out and joinery
Installation of curved glass to the entry plaza canopy
Installation of photovoltaic panels on the roof of the entrance pavilion as part of the project’s 6-star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia
Delivery and installation of the remaining vertical transportation elements including the lift cars and the commencement of external finishes
Commencement of landscape planting and finishes within the existing Art Gallery building forecourt area
Commencement of landscape works on the Domain side of the pedestrian crossing opposite the existing Art Gallery building to provide universal pedestrian access across Art Gallery Road when complete
Installation of green roofs, including drainage layer, soil media, irrigation, planting and mulch
Testing and commissioning of building systems.
Deliveries via both Art Gallery Road and Lincoln Crescent site gates will continue to support the works underway on-site.
Construction hours
Under the Guidelines introduced in February 2022, extended working hours are permitted on Saturdays and Sundays to make up for lost time associated with Covid. When the current Guidelines end, regular consented construction hours will resume as follows:
Monday – Friday: 7am – 6pm
Saturdays: 8am – 3:30pm
Sundays and public holidays: no construction work to be carried out
Pedestrian and vehicle access
Access around the Sydney Modern Project site continues in line with the wayfinding map shown below. While all parking bays in front of the existing Gallery building have been removed as part of the landscaping works, two accessible parking bays, indicated in yellow, continue to be provided.
The Art Gallery Road footpath adjacent to the site is closed to pedestrians, however the Domain side footpath remains open. Pedestrian access to the Gallery remains open near the pedestrian crossing. An accessible ramp is located on the southern side of the Art Gallery.
Keeping you informed
We are committed to keeping the community informed as the project progresses.
For more information about the Art Gallery’s expansion and transformation, see the Sydney Modern Project FAQs.
If you have other questions or you wish to register your interest in the project or to provide feedback, please contact Richard Crookes Constructions:
Tel 1800 717 705
smp@richardcrookes.com.au