Innovation and sustainability reach new heights at this new art museum experience.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales’ new Sydney Modern building has won a 2023 National Award for Public Architecture presented by the Australian Institute of Architects.

RCC worked with the design architects SANAA, executive architects Architectus, the Art Gallery and Infrastructure NSW to deliver this exceptional project in one of the world’s most beautiful cultural precincts. Inside the building – a series of art pavilions that cascade down the challenging site – the spatial complexity of SANAA’s design is evident. ‘Floors and ceilings swoop and fall, revealing views to the park and the harbour as well as other parts of the building,’ the award citation noted.

A key element of the design was the industry-leading sustainable features that achieved a 6-star Green Star design rating, the first for an Australian art museum. Among the highlights the RCC team delivered was more than 8,000sqm of green roof and landscaped areas and the installation of 735 solar panels covering close to 1,500sqm of roof space.

The adaptive re-use of two World War II naval oil tanks was an intricate and unique component of the development, with one of the decommissioned tanks being transformed into a spectacular art space. The scale, structure and acoustics of the 2,200sqm Tank gallery are remarkable.

RCC’s project team delivered innovative solutions to realise this significant piece of public infrastructure – one which will contribute to Sydney’s arts and cultural life for generations to come. Congratulations to the global team of collaborators who helped bring this new art museum experience to life.

The building was awarded the prestigious Sulman Medal for Public Architecture by the AIA (NSW) earlier this year.

 

Critical social infrastructure due for completion by late 2025.

Works will soon commence on the Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment project – this critical social infrastructure will enhance healthcare services and facilities for the Hunter New England community and beyond.

In partnership with Health Infrastructure and the Hunter New England Health District, RCC will deliver the Early Works and ECI package. Works include a new single level hospital building encompassing an inpatient unit, expanded emergency department and modern birthing and maternity suites.

Additionally, a new main entry and reception will be created through the refurbishment of the former community health entry.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said, “All hospital services will continue to operate onsite during construction, which follows significant planning and design work by the project team, in collaboration with staff, stakeholders and the community.”

An Arts Working Group has been established to ensure the new hospital is a welcoming environment that reflects the heritage and culture of the region.

Main works construction is expected to be completed by late 2025. For more information visit Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment.

Raising vital funds for youth homelessness.  

Team RCC will sleep rough for one night at Centennial Park in support of the Property Industry Foundation (PIF)’s  SleepOut. As our second consecutive year as Gold Donor, we are committed to championing this vital initiative which aims to provide housing for the homeless youth 

Grant D’Arcy, General Manager – Sydney and Major Project at Richard Crookes Constructions, emphasised the significance of partnering with organisations in our operational areas. He commented, “By supporting our charity partners, our people have the opportunity to contribute to local communities. Together, we are cultivating a positive shared legacy that fills us with pride.” 

Every night, thousands of young Australians go without a safe and secure place to sleep. All funds raised at SleepOut go towards recent PIF refurbishment projects such as the Jannawi Family Centre, Summer Hill, Girls and Boys Brigade Surry Hills and Redfern’s Jarjum College.  

If you’d like to show your support, please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. All contributions are greatly appreciated. 

Advancing our industry and building a better future for all.

Our people share a common purpose – building a shared legacy. In the leadup to the NAWIC 2023 Awards for Excellence, we want to acknowledge two incredible women nominated in recognition for their impact on both the industry and our community. 

Regional Woman of the Year finalist, Ashley Barnes is a Design Manager who is working hard to champion equity in the construction sector. “I’m responsible for helping ensure the glass ceiling within this space is shattered. If I can do that, my daughters will have the level playing field they – and all women – deserve.” 

Ash’s role as a client-centric Design Manager is focused on delivering cost-efficient, well-considered design solutions that seamlessly integrate with the surrounding environment. 

Outside of project delivery, Ashley advocates for importance of workflow innovations in regional communities in her role on three Property Council of Australia boards. She is currently liaising with Minister Crankanthorp to highlight the importance of continued large-scale developments in Newcastle and the wider Hunter New England region, and has secured additional meetings to scope funding. 

Future Leader nominee, Isabella Spinolo is a Senior Project Engineer who is working on long term initiatives to increase female representation in the construction industry. Isabella championed a Student Engagement Program for students of the Mone Sant’ Angelo Mercy College which has been praised by students, the college and industry colleagues. 

Isabella developed a program of content which exposed students to a range of industry leaders from construction, architecture, finance, planning disciplines. Nicole Christensen, Principal at Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College, praised Isabella’s program, “It has had a transformational impact on our students. I truly believe that Isabella has set our students up to thrive, in our college and throughout their careers.” 

Ashley and Isabella are part of a large cohort of changemakers who proactively create safe and enjoyable places to work. By promoting inclusion and equity, they support the next generation to thrive – and ultimately to advance our industry. 

Preserving Sydney’s rich design and architectural history.

Sydney’s built environment represents the very best of our past. It also provides a huge opportunity for local communities through restoration and sustainable development.

A loved landmark in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, the City Tattersalls Club’s rich design and 127-year history adds a distinctive identity to the city’s skyline.

In collaboration with Urbis and RJC Group, RCC’s dedicated project team sought pragmatic and creative solutions to balance the use of heritage assets with the need for restoration and preservation. In accordance with the approved Urbis Salvage Plan and Protection Strategy, an array of heritage salvage and protection works were initiated at project commencement.

One such heritage asset is the impressive horse sculpture, known as the rampant horse, which sat atop the former City Tattersalls Club at 202 Pitt Street. Standing an impressive 2500mm tall x 2500mm long x 665mm deep and carved out of sandstone, the original feature has been a strong symbol for the club, given its bookmarking and horse racing roots. Now an important part of their legacy, our team of experts are working to restore the original sculpture and develop a replica.

Removed from the parapet in 2003 due to condition reasons, the rampant horse has since been in storage for 12 years awaiting restoration. Planned repairs include the reconstruction of the missing front leg from the knee joint to the hoof – once complete, a mould will be taken for the replacement statue. While the materiality of the replica has not yet been decided, options include GRC, fibreglass, bronze, brass or copper. Structural investigations of the original sculpture will take place to determine if it can be reinstated as a display within the Club.

Following this, the City Tattersalls Club Redevelopment team will focus on the below highly significant heritage areas;

• The Low Bar
• The Corinthian Room
• The Sydney Room and
• Billiard / Ballroom

Through the delivery of history-rich social infrastructure such as the City Tattersalls Club, we hope to leverage Sydney’s historic associations while maintaining its unique architectural and design integrity.

Collaborating to empower the next generation of industry trailblazers.  

What a day! We were lucky to be joined by 70 students from UTS for a site tour of our Woolworths Moorebank Regional Distribution Centre (MoRDC) project. 

Craig Barry, Director at CKB Projects & Consulting Pty Ltd and Lecturer for UTS’ School of Built Environment, shared his feedback on the event, “RCC’s team organised such an engaging presentation and site tour. The students could not believe the scale and complexity of the project and felt incredibly lucky to observe such a feat. RCC’s team were also incredibly generous with their time coordinating access and parking on site so students could safely travel to the site by car. Thank you RCC!” 

This tour gave students the chance to join RCC’s team of multidisciplinary professionals and see theoretical concepts actualised in a real, three-dimensional space. The processes and mechanisms involved in construction are complex – site visits help show how they all come together in the built environment.  

Hai Pham and David Li, Site Engineers, greeted students at the state-of-the-art warehouse facility, before discussing challenges and solutions that engineers and contractors manage onsite. It was a great opportunity for the RCC team to share their knowledge and explain how their expertise can be applied in real life.  

Once complete, the 71,790m2 automated warehouse facility will deliver truck wash and maintenance facilities, MHE and battery charging facilities, a main office, staff canteen, transport office, driver amenities and gate house. 

In addition to this, we will deliver an interconnecting conveyor and pedestrian airbridge connecting MoRDC to the National Woolworths Distribution Centre (MoNDC) – which is being delivered concurrently by RCC’s Industrial division. Once complete both MoRDC and MoNDC will cover an 85,000m2 area, which is equivalent to five SCG ovals! 

We’re proud to collaborate with universities across the nation – working together to support the bright young minds that will, no doubt, make their mark on the construction and property industries.

Projects that enhance local NSW communities.

RCC’s ACT division has been awarded the Cowra Hospital Redevelopment. In close collaboration with Heath Infrastructure and the Western NSW Local Health District, we’ll deliver improved infrastructure that meets the needs of residents in Cowra, now, and into the future.

The new hospital will include upgraded inpatient beds, contemporary facilities and new health services, including the hospital’s first CT scanner. The project also includes demolition of the existing hospital and completion of car parking and landscaping.

We’re proud of our commitment to delivering projects that enhance local NSW communities. The Cowra Hospital Redevelopment will create meaningful opportunities through:

• A 6% target for Aboriginal participation supported by key cultural awareness, employment and training initiatives
• Adopting a Safety, Health and Wellbeing plan to support the holistic wellbeing of teams
• A 20% target of the trades workforce as Apprentices.

“RCC’s reputation in this industry is second-to-none. Our high-performing team looks forward to partnering closely with Health Infrastructure & CWPM on this project,” said Richard Brown, ACT General Manager.

Celebrating four wins at the MBA Newcastle Excellence in Building Awards 2023.  

Last week, RCC’s Hunter New England project teams took home four gongs at the prestigious Master Builder Association’s (MBA) Newcastle Excellence in Building Awards. These awards celebrate building excellence in the Hunter, Central Coast, Manning Great Lakes, Oxley and Tamworth regions, recognising local craftsmanship, expertise and excellence in construction.  

Luke Gerathy, General Manager – Hunter and New England, was quick to share his praise, “Congratulations to everyone in our project teams on your outstanding work. This is a massive achievement – one that every member of our Hunter New England team can take pride in.” 

Congratulations to all involved in the following projects: 

• Winner: Interior & Shop Fitouts over $30m – Central Coast Clinical School & Research Institute 
• Winner: Restoration of an Historic Building over $20m – QT Newcastle 
• Winner: Commercial Projects over $10m – Newcastle Knights Centre of Excellence 

The night didn’t end there, with RCC awarded the 2023 Commercial Builder of the Year! We were also proud to celebrate the success of two of our most valued trade partners: 

• Vogue Joinery: Winner – 2023 Subcontractor of the Year 
• FC Glass & Aluminium – 2023 Best Use of Glass 

We’re incredibly proud of our long-term relationships with clients, consultants and subcontractors and these accolades reflect our dedication to ensuring the growth of our regions.  

Building to give back.

Making a positive impact on our community is at the heart of RCC’s culture. We strongly believe our business, and the wider construction industry, has a responsibility to contribute to building positive, resilient communities.

We were privileged to work with the Starlight Children‘s Foundation on the recent refurbishment of the Starlight Express Room at John Hunter Children’s Hospital in Newcastle. Now, we’re thrilled to be working with them again to fit-out the Starlight Express Room at Canberra Hospital. Uniting with talented industry partners at cost price to transform the hospital experiences of sick kids and their families to create a community within the hospital that provides a sense of escape and a feeling of stepping out onto your back deck.

Starlight is Australia’s broadest-reaching children’s charity with Starlight Express Room’s in every children’s hospital around the country. Hospital can be a scary place if you’re a kid and Starlight Express Rooms are filled with fun and laughter and feel a world away from the reality of hospital. It’s where Captain Starlight helps kids forget about everything they’re going through and just be kids.

Once the refurbishment is complete, sick kids and their families will enjoy a completely transformed space that features a new children’s play area, parent’s lounge area, video game play zone and outdoor zone.

Shining a light on refurbishment works at John Hunter Children’s Hospital

Measuring the positive impact of previous Starlight Express Room refurbishment works is important to RCC and our passionate delivery partners. Our friends at Starlight helped shed some light on the impact of these works on the local Newcastle community.

At any one time, two Captain Starlight’s are working from the John Hunter Children’s Hospital’s Starlight Express Room, with additional Captains working on the wards doing ‘Rocket Rounds’ to visit kids who may be too unwell to leave their beds.

In 2022, Captain Starlight created over 2000 positive experiences for sick kids, in the newly refurbished room. From arts and crafts to video games and visits from VIP’s the Starlight Express Room provides a space to keep sick kids and teens of all ages happy and distracted. It also provides a physical space for Starlight to film and produce daily segments for ‘Starlight TV’ which is broadcast to sick kids across the hospital and those too unwell to visit the Starlight Express Room. In 2022, Starlight launched an online home for Captain Starlight, Planet Starlight. As a live and fully interactive platform, Planet Starlight connects hospitalised kids with the fun of Captain Starlight, anywhere, anytime. Some of the live shows are broadcast online from the team in the John Hunter Children’s Hospital Starlight Express Room.

Projects like these are the cornerstone of our commitment to our community. By supporting our charity partners through the delivery of outcomes beyond the build environment, we leave a meaningful and lasting legacy. Thank you to all the generous and talented local contractors and consultants who will help us deliver this rewarding project.

Five cyclists are pedalling 100km for Tour de PIF – can you help us reach our goal? 

37% of homeless people – which is 45,000 – are under 25.  

Five of RCC’s fitness guns are taking on the 2023 Tour de PIF, cycling up to 100km to raise vital funds for the Property Industry Foundation – an independent not-for-profit that increases the number of bedrooms available for homeless youth. 

In 2022 alone, the Property Industry Foundation built or refurbished five houses, developing 20 more bedrooms to the market for vulnerable youth. This brings their total to 238 bedrooms, home to 335 young people, and 86,870 safe nights of sleep.  

We are proud to be joining the ranks of corporate partners around Australia who are fundraising to bring 44 bedrooms to life in 2023. When asked about the importance of having their own bedroom, a former resident said, “I had my own room, my own things and people who cared about me. Every morning I knew that my Carer and I could have breakfast together, and after a while, I actually wanted to come home for family dinners.  

The best part was that I knew I wasn’t leaving any time soon. I could start thinking about my future. I made good friends in the Lighthouse community and my Carers helped me to start making positive choices.”  

We’re so proud of our incredible riders who are taking part in this challenge – pushing themselves, and raising much-needed funds at the same time! 

If you’d like to support our riders, please click here: https://give.pif.com.au/fundraisers/richardcrookesconstructions