We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of New South Wales stands.

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.

Map showing alternative route to/from Woolloomooloo and accessible route to/from Woolloomooloo via lift (or stairs). The latter route includes a steep gradient. Pedestrian access routes may temporarily change with signposting to advise alternative routes.

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