Downing Centre
- Description Vertical transportation upgrade
- Location Sydney
- Sector Commercial
- Sub-Sector Commercial, Community, Workplace
- Specialties Fitout, Heritage, Live Environment, Refurbishment
- Contract Type Fixed Lump Sum, GC21
- Delivery Method Construct Only
- Client New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice
- Architect DEM
- Photographer Paramount Studios
The vertical transportation upgrade at the Downing Centre was undertaken to improve accessibility, circulation and operational efficiency within one of New South Wales’ most significant justice precincts. The project enhanced connectivity between key levels of the heritage building, supporting the ongoing delivery of essential court services while improving access for staff, legal practitioners and members of the public.
Delivering the works within a live and highly secure courthouse required meticulous planning, staged delivery and close coordination with the New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice. Construction activities were carefully sequenced around ongoing court operations, with strict controls implemented to manage access, safety, noise and disruption within the occupied heritage building.
The project involved the installation of a new lightweight lift servicing Levels 4 and 5, supported by significant structural modifications to accommodate the new vertical transportation system. Extensive structural penetrations were undertaken through the existing building fabric, requiring the design, fabrication and installation of a substantial steel support structure to transfer new loads through the existing building. Working within the constraints of the heritage structure demanded detailed investigation, precise engineering coordination and carefully staged installation methodologies to ensure structural integrity was maintained throughout construction.
The structural works included the installation of large transfer beams, braced steel framing and associated supports to form the new lift shaft and accommodate the lift infrastructure within the existing building footprint. Close coordination between structural, services and specialist lift contractors was critical to manage interfaces with existing services, minimise disruption and maintain programme certainty in a constrained environment.
The completed upgrade delivers improved accessibility, safer and more efficient movement throughout the facility and enhanced operational functionality for the Department of Communities and Justice. By successfully integrating modern vertical transportation infrastructure within a heritage and live operational environment, the project strengthens the long-term capability of the Downing Centre to continue serving the community.
