Structure Complete at 32 Smith

September 17, 2020

Topping out the 28-storey structure marks a major milestone in the delivery of this A-Grade 26,500sqm commercial building in Parramatta’s CBD.

RCC and GPT Group welcomed Parramatta’s Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer and representatives from the Western Sydney Business Chamber and future anchor tenant, QBE to join our collective team on site and celebrate project progress, with the ceremonial magnolia tree craned on to the roof slab.

GPT’s Head of Office & Logistics Matthew Faddy, spoke to the contribution the completed development will make to the City of Parramatta’s vision of a world-class commercial and cultural centre in Western Sydney and to the effort of our collaborative team thus far;

“This project is being delivered in exceptionally unusual circumstances.  The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a curve ball at all of us this year. I would like to thank the Richard Crookes Constructions team, the Parramatta City Council, our consultants and the GPT development team for working together to ensure that the 1,500 people who have worked on the 32 Smith project remained safe and this vital project could be delivered on time.”

Matthew Faddy – GPT

 

Similarly, on behalf of RCC, George Bardas noted the collective effort responsible for progress on the landmark project;

“Success on projects which create a lasting legacy in our community, goes beyond the completion of a quality building. We are honoured to partner with GPT, Icon, our talented consultant and subcontractor team, project stakeholders and the local community to deliver one of Parramatta’s smartest buildings”.

George Bardas – RCC

 

 

MORE ABOUT 32 Smith Street Parramatta

The building will include a ground level ‘urban room’ event space, an elevated podium terrace facing the Parramatta River, a tree covered sky deck with panoramic views, as well as state-of-the-art End-of-Trip facilities with bike storage and lockers for future tenants.

“This A-Grade office building will be one of Parramatta’s standout landmarks and will only bolster the City of Parramatta’s vision to transform the CBD into a world-class commercial and cultural centre…
We are delighted QBE and Coleman Greig are committed to occupying this iconic building. 32 Smith Street will deliver state-of-the-art premises which promote cutting-edge technology and a workspace design set to accommodate modern working practices.”

Matthew Faddy – GPT

 

Consistent with GPT’s recently announced 2024 target of net zero carbon across their portfolio, the environmentally sustainable 32 Smith Street design was awarded a 6 Star Green Star rating and is targeting a 5 Star NABERS Energy rating.

More about 32 Smith

 

RCC to Fitout State-Of-The-Art University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute

August 28, 2020

The Central Coast Research Institute (CCRI) and University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School (UONCCCS) will house state-of-the-art research and learning areas including simulation wards and laboratories.

RCC is honoured to continue our partnership with the University of Newcastle (UoN), on the fitout of Central Coast Clinical School; after working with Health Infrastructure (HI) and the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) to design and construct the six-storey research and education facility base build on site at Gosford Hospital.

Being able to leave a legacy in our local community and deliver a facility which will have an enormous impact on students, staff and the Australian and international research community for generations, makes this project incredibly rewarding.

The Member for Robertson, Mrs Lucy Wicks MP commended RCC’s selection on this next stage of the development;

“As we move from the structural phase of construction to the detailed fit-out of the building, the reality of this world-class facility gets closer and I’m pleased that a regional business is continuing its work on this world-class facility”

Mrs Lucy Wicks MP

RCC has been awarded this third stage of the development, having had the privilege to be on site since 2017 delivering the previous Carpark and Building A Base Build projects. The Building A Base Build took more than 85,000 man-hours and included a curtain wall façade with over 500 individual panels and a stair void which stretches over 4 floors.

 

More about the CCRI and UONCCCS

The CCRI and UONCCCS will operate partnerships between the University of Newcastle and the Central Coast Local Health District, with staff and students expected to move into the new building in 2021.

Fly-through vision released this week by Mrs Lucy Wicks MP, Member for Terrigal Mr Adam Crouch MP, UoN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, and CCLHD Chief Executive Dr Andrew Montague.

 

A future world-class research and state-of-the-art learning hub

Researchers will have access to dedicated and collaborative spaces, including specialist anatomy, histology and molecular laboratories and a microbiological physical containment level 2 – or PC2 – lab fit to carry out world-class research.

Lucy Wicks MP highlighted the broader long term impacts of the facility for the community;

“This first for the Central Coast will not only create a centre of excellence in healthcare, research and education right here on the Central Coast, but will also prove to be a huge economic boon for the region. We know that Universities can transform local economies like the Central Coast and help drive future job growth and opportunities.”

Lucy Wicks MP

The UoN’s new clinical school’s features include a 100-seat lecture space, library, simulation labs, and laboratory settings which are designed to provide students with exposure to real-life scenarios they are expected to encounter when they enter the public health workforce.

“The University of Newcastle believes that our new Central Coast Clinical School will strengthen the connection for students between education and healthcare on the Central Coast”.

UoN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO

Read more about this exciting facility from the University of Newcastle.

 

RCC has engaged with each project partner to ensure this multi-purpose facility meets the needs of each stakeholder and functions as a collaborative space to ultimately enhance user experience as well as education and research outcomes. The opportunity to be involved in delivering a building which will play a role in keeping our community healthy and well is such a rewarding part of what we do.

 

 

 

 

Meet Ana – She Loves Her Job

August 27, 2020

In celebration of being awarded the 10th Best Place to Work in Australia by Great Place to Work, RCC has interviewed 10 employees who love their job. RCC is honoured to have such passionate employees who jumped at the opportunity to share what they do, and why they love it.

 

Meet Ana Cella – A Design Manager with the RCC Industrial division.

Meet Ana Cella. Ana joined the RCC team over 5 years ago as a Project Engineer and progressed to her current role as Design Manager. Ana says it’s the strong family values at RCC that makes her job one to love.

“Before joining RCC, I was a client-side PM and was able to work with various RCC staff on a number of different projects. I was always intrigued by the family values and team approach to projects compared to other companies”

Since joining the team, Ana says she has been fortunate enough to receive invaluable mentorship from various department leaders, which has allowed her to build her own skill set through their industry knowledge and experience.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with a variety of talented individuals in project delivery, new business, the executive team and design who have all been absolutely amazing. They are all such unique individuals who have succeeded in different ways, with different approaches. They have all been great mentors by always demonstrating the company values and showing me the RCC way.”

Over the years, Ana has gained valuable experience across a number of sectors and is now primarily working with RCC’s Industrial division on 2 or 3 live projects at one time. Ana says she has been surprised by the Industrial sector, with the project designs being so much more than a shed. Each bespoke project involves detailed coordination to ensure all components work and flow together and often integrates automation or considers food or medical storage requirements which makes the design process really interesting.

“Industrial warehouses have become more sophisticated, more complex and more exciting than they ever used to be”

With her sights set on becoming a Senior Design Manager or a Design Director in the future, Ana knows she is at the right place with her family at RCC.

“When I come to work and see the Crookes family in their offices, I know I am in the right place with my family…We are lucky to have the family’s strong passion and care on every project. To me, it is very important to have that level of care from the top set the tone for everyone on each job. It’s not just about the numbers, there is warmth and care there.”

We’re proud to have a workplace that promotes strong family values, but it’s our staff that ultimately make this possible.

 

MORE ABOUT THE 10TH BEST PLACE TO WORK

The Great Place to Work assessment is a feedback-based study obtained from a confidential survey of our 700+ employees. It involves an independent audit across areas like hiring and integration, health and wellness, as well as workplace culture.
2018 was the first year RCC entered the assessment and we were thrilled to be awarded 17th Best Place to Work. Within a year, we rolled out a number of new initiatives to better the experiences of our people. To be recognised as the 10th Best Place to Work this year is a credit to our continued commitment to ensuring that everyone at RCC genuinely looks forward to coming to work each day.

 

 

 

Wyong Hospital Topped Out

August 12, 2020

Topping out marks a major milestone in the delivery of this important health facility for the Central Coast Community.

Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, Health Minister Brad Hazzard, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch and Member of the Legislative Council Taylor Martin joined RCC, Health Infrastructure, the Central Coast Local Health District to site to mark structural completion of the new six-storey building.

Impacts Beyond State-Of-The-Art Health Facilities

At such a key time during delivery, it was also a chance for us to reflect on the positive impact our project is having on the local workforce and economy.

To date, the project has created more than 800 jobs. With local workforce engagement already above 80% and 33 apprentices engaged thus far, the Wyong Hospital Redevelopment delivery is making a significant contribution to the local economy, now and into the future.

Thank you and congratulations to all our project partners; together we share a sense of pride in reaching this milestone on a facility which will service the local community for generations.

 

More About the Wyong Hospital Redevelopment

With the traditional topping out ceremony now complete, our team will now focus on fitting out the interior of the building.

The Wyong Hospital project involves the delivery of a new Clinical Services Building, which will provide the local Central Coast community with a new Emergency Department, additional operating theatres, and ICU/HDU capacity, mental health expansion, additional inpatient beds for medical and acute services, clinical and non-clinical support services and parking.

 

Take a virtual tour through the proposed new facilities, with this short Wyong Hospital Redevelopment fly-through:

 

Due for completion in 2022.

 

 

Riverview Assisted Living Apartments

July 15, 2020

RCC is excited to confirm we will be partnering with Carrington Care and Impact Group to deliver the new facility which will provide a service between Independent Living and Residential Aged Care.

We will proudly deliver 41 luxury apartments and a high-end building featuring a rooftop garden and shared spaces for future residents. The facility will offer a full suite of clinical, allied health and housekeeping services, a full-time concierge and opulent dining area.

RCC and Carrington Care signed the contract this week, with the team celebrating the first of many milestones as we work together to deliver this project.

We look forward to working with our project partners to deliver this bespoke facility in South West Sydney.

 

MORE ABOUT THE RIVERVIEW ASSISTED LIVING APARTMENTS PROJECT

Design and construction of:

  • 41 assisted living apartments (29 x 1 and 24 x 2 bedrooms) situated across 3 levels
  • A semi basement parking level for 29 vehicles on Level 1
  • Service and Utility spaces on each residential floor
  • Hotel standard community facilities on Level 4 consisting of a prep Kitchen, dining room, private dining room, lounge and a multipurpose lounge room /library with associated amenities
  • Landscaping on ground surrounding the building and a landscaped roof terrace on Level 4

 

MORE ABOUT CARRINGTON CARE

Carrington is a non-profit, charitable public benevolent organisation situated approximately 4kms south west of the historic town of Camden in New South Wales.

Carrington’s vision is to be the provider of choice which enriches and enables the quality of life for all people in our community.

Find out more about Carrington Living Care Communities

 

Molecular Horizons – University of Wollongong

Molecular Horizons is a purpose-built facility dedicated to illuminating how life works at a molecular level and solving some of the world’s biggest health challenges.

The opportunity to be involved in delivering this high impact research facility is as rewarding as our collaborative delivery experience, partnering with University of Wollongong and our team of consultants and subcontractors.

 

DELIVERING MOLECULAR HORIZONS

Delivering buildings we are proud of, and knowing the important contribution they make to our community is why we love what we do.

Hear from those who were part of the Molecular Horizons project about their experience of working with RCC to deliver this incredible building.

 

“The researchers that are in the building they love it. Here they are in a state-of-the-art bright building with new facilities, expanded space and a lot more research capability for them as well and also a higher level of lab certification so they can do higher levels of research.”

Blake Preston
Senior Manager Project Delivery – University of Wollongong

 

“this was a project where the end users requirements, the scientists, and the process of construction and building was so tightly integrated I think this was a real example of a team of people, academics and construction people, who really had to find each other early on and become a real team with tight and frequent communication. And that was a process that was really good to see that happen very efficiently.

I have received lots of advice in my career never to be involved with the construction of a new building, but I have to say having done it now it was just an absolute pleasure and a real adventure and I think that’s in large part because of RCC”

Antoine Van Oijen
Director, Molecular Horizons
School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience – University of Wollongong

 

 

MORE ABOUT THE MOLECULAR HORIZONS PROJECT

Design, construction and integrated fit out of the five-storey facility within the operational University of Wollongong campus. The building includes office and administration areas with meeting and conference rooms; research and chemistry laboratories (including PC2 and BC2 certified); animal housing; and an astronomy and chemistry roof platform with rooftop mechanical plant.

These state-of-the-art facilities house some of the world’s most revolutionary technology, including Australia’s most powerful biological electron microscope, the Titan Krios cryo-EM microscope.

Hear more about University of Wollongong’s vision behind this world-leading Molecular Life Sciences facility.

 

 

MORE ABOUT MOLECULAR HORIZONS RESEARCH

Research Grant for Director OF Molecular Horizons

Congratulations to UoW researcher, Distinguished Professor Antoine van Oijen who was recently awarded $1M for antimicrobial resistance research – a project which will develop a new approach to understanding and tackling drug resistance.

Read more

 

First Publication from Molecular Horizons

“The first publication out of the facility was something called ATP synthase; that’s a protein in your body that creates the energy source for life which is what your cells use; which is Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) so that was exciting”

James Bouwer
General Manager of Cryo Electron Microscopy – Molecular Horizons
School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience – University of Wollongong

 

 

TRN House

Delivering TRN House

June 26, 2020

Oran Park Towns’ First Standalone Commercial Building Was Built on Collaboration

The first step in successfully delivering commercial developments is listening. In our experience, understanding the needs, wants and concerns of our clients and the end user early allows us to establish a collaborative partnership with the wider project team, and leverage the diverse stakeholder input to realise an informed, functional design and high performing asset.

Hearing from our project partners that this approach makes a difference to them, makes our commitment all the more rewarding. Glenn Fordham at TRN Group and Wayne Perich at Greenfields Development Company wrote to us acknowledging the impact that this collaboration had on the team and the completed TRN House building;

“We proudly now have an outstanding building incorporating a new bespoke head office to call our home for many years (and hopefully generations) to come…
We will be forever grateful for the RCC team’s assistance throughout the build and in particular, our office fit-out”

(Full testimonial later in article)

Glenn Fordham
Director, General Manager – Projects
TRN Group

 

“Greenfields Development Company joint ventured with TRN Group to construct the first standalone commercial building at Oran Park. RCC was selected as the builder and delivered an A Class quality building. The synergy between Greenfields, TRN, and RCC could not have been better. The RCC team were easy to work with and had the clients’ interests at heart.
Honesty in the building game is hard to find and it was evident throughout our experience with RCC. Thank you.”

Wayne Perich
Director
Greenfields Development Company

 

Priding ourselves on maintaining long term relationships with our clients and project partners, RCC is invested in the long-term performance of their commercial assets, beyond project completion. A ‘one team’ approach with our clients, tenants, consultants and subcontractors, where we are all working towards a shared goal, encourages innovative, solution focused delivery, driving value, efficiency and an enjoyable journey for all stakeholders.

THE TRN HOUSE STAKEHOLDER EXPERIENCE

The collective GDC, TRN and RCC team worked collaboratively with the wider consultant and subcontractor team throughout delivery, which included celebrating project milestones together. The Topping Out Ceremony in late 2019 was a significant event, marking completion of the structure on Oran Park Towns first standalone commercial building, as well as an opportunity to raise funds for a worthy cause.

The entire project team joined RCC to see the ceremonial tree craned onto the roof slab, with most guests wearing pink to promote Pink Up Oran Park; a breast cancer awareness and fundraising campaign supporting the McGrath Foundation, which involved several sites across Oran Park Town turning a shade of pink during the month of October.

Pictured (left to right): Terry Fordham (TRN), Ron Perich (GDC), Glenn Fordham (TRN), Mark Perich (GDC), Tony Perich (GDC), Wayne Perich (GDC)

 

“We worked with RCC on the Oran Park Commercial 1 development (now known as TRN House) under unique circumstances as both a subcontractor and client. In addition to this, we are an end user in the development. This was our first experience with a commercial build, let alone one of this scale.
From the outset during tender stage, the consistent team gave us confidence in their understanding of the proposed build within the project’s constraints and specifications. A great rapport developed with the team throughout the build and any unexpected issues were dealt with honestly in an ‘open book’ fashion and resolved quickly through to final completion. We proudly now have an outstanding building incorporating a new bespoke head office to call our home for many years (and hopefully generations) to come.
Working with this team has restored my faith in Building Contractors and I look forward to the opportunity of working with them again one day soon to deliver another significant building in the Macarthur area in which we are based. We will be forever grateful for the RCC team’s assistance throughout the build and in particular, our office fit-out. This has been a positive experience we will fondly remember and are truly grateful for.”

Glenn Fordham
Director, General Manager – Projects
TRN Group

Some of the RCC delivery team, including (Pictured front row, three on right): Michael Ryan (Project Manager), Richard Crookes (Executive Chairman) and Cameron Waller (Construction Manager).

 

MORE ABOUT TRN HOUSE

(Formerly Oran Park Commercial)

Completed in April 2020, the project involved the design and construction of a new 6 storey A Grade equivalent commercial centre with a GFA of 10,307sqm featuring:

  • 3 storey basement carpark with 320 vehicle spaces and 20 motorcycle spaces
  • 3 glass passenger lifts (including glass lift shafts) servicing 9 levels and 1 car lift servicing the roof
  • Landscaped roof-top terrace and ground floor central atrium space
  • Associated street level landscaping and public domain works; and
  • Dedicated loading / delivery dock areas
  • The team also completed the Integrated fitout of Level 5 – TRN Group’s head office which included:
    • Collaborative, open plan work spaces,
    • Various offices and meeting rooms,
    • Kitchenettes and an outdoor terrace entertaining area &
    • Custom signage throughout

 

 

Stage 1B of Inverell Hospital

April 28, 2020
The RCC Hunter New England team is incredibly proud to have been awarded the next stage of the Inverell Hospital Redevelopment.

In uncertain times where there is much reflection on the importance of our health care facilities and workers, we are celebrating the role we are able to play in delivering quality facilities for our hospital staff to keep our communities healthy and well. For the members of the RCC team, whose family and friends rely on this local hospital, there is a shared sense of pride in the contribution their work will make to their community, now and for future generations.

For RCC, working on critical projects which support the delivery of essential services in our local communities is an important part of what we do. We take pride in our work and the impact it has, particularly in regional and remote areas. As they approach the completion of the first stage of the Inverell Hospital upgrade, the team say their involvement in this project means so much to them and their families, beyond the opportunity to be employed to do what they love each day.

 

THE INVERELL HOSPITAL PROJECT

Stage 1a (RCC Completed 2019)

The project involves the alteration and refurbishment of the Inverell Hospital, essentially doubling the existing space and improving flexibility for staff. Facilities include:

  • Emergency Department including emergency care for children and mental health-related presentations
  • Inpatient Unit, with paediatric, maternity and birthing facilities and general adult services including palliative care
  • Medical Imaging space including identified future expansion zone
  • Operating Theatres
  • Central Sterilising Unit
  • Day Surgery Unit (increasing from 1 space up to 6)
  • Renal Dialysis unit
  • Refurbishment of main entry & admissions area
  • Mortuary
This Stage (1B)

This stage specifically entails the decanting of staff and patients from the existing hospital floorspace into the newly completed Stage 1a building, as well as the demolition, refurbishment and upgrade of the existing Inverell Hospital building into a Community Health Centre. This facility will provide additional community services for chronic disease, allied health, oral health and women and paediatric services, as well as office and education spaces.
This stage will also include new external carparking, services upgrades and CT scanner fit out.

 

THE PASSIONATE TEAM DELIVERING INVERELL HOSPITAL

Beyond the physical building, the completed Inverell Hospital facility will have a long-lasting legacy for the local Inverell community and those in the surrounding areas. We asked a few of our team to share what the project means to them:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet Mo – He Loves His Job

February 28, 2020

In celebration of being awarded the 10th Best Place to Work in Australia by Great Place to Work, RCC has interviewed 10 employees who love their job. RCC is honoured to have such passionate employees who jumped at the opportunity to share what they do, and why they love it.

 

Meet Mohommed Dunia. Mo’s journey with RCC began just over 2 years ago when he joined us as a cadet.

As a Construction Management student, Mo undertook a Cadetship with RCC to access paid employment and gain practical industry experience early in his degree. Mo Says that the rotational program structure across various roles in the business allowed him to better understand his strengths and interests before deciding on his chosen career path.

“Doing the RCC cadetship meant I had the opportunity to rotate between engineering, design, estimating and planning and contract administration. I initially wanted to be a Site Engineer but after working as a Contract Administrator on our Quartet project in Lane Cove, I knew that’s what I loved.

I have had other roles in the industry, and I like that RCC view cadets differently. They really care about and invest in you.”

Mo told us that for a university student starting his degree, the opportunity to gain broad industry exposure in such an immersive way helped him acquire the diverse skills needed to pursue a long-term career in construction, which is just one reason he loves his job.

It made us proud to hear that our varied program structure allows the future leaders of our business to make informed career decisions and ensures they are well rounded in whatever particular role they choose to pursue.

“The exposure I gained in my cadetship means I now have an understanding of estimating and engineering and I bring this knowledge to my role as a Contract Administrator on every project. For you to be successful in any one position, whether it’s CA, Site Engineer or Estimator you need to understand the other roles and their function and outcomes.
Doing the cadetship gave me the confidence to do things without second guessing myself.”

Within two and a half years, Mo progressed from a Cadet to a confident and capable Contract Administrator. Now working on the iconic Walsh Bay Arts Precinct project on Sydney Harbour, Mo brings an infectious enthusiasm to the job – something he says is a reflection of how supportive his team is of him and his goals as a young professional in the industry;

“I love RCC because at the end of the day, we’re all working together. Once you get the work done you can enjoy the successes with your team.
I have a lot of mentors here and I know if I need anything, I can always call on them.”

With his sights set on eventually progressing to a Project Manager role, Mo says he feels confident that RCC can provide him with the right support and development opportunities to achieve his long-term goals. But for Mo, it’s the added bonus of RCC’s family values that make this journey special.

“We’re excited to see each other at work because of the real sense of family here. I’ve been here for 2.5 years and I’m very comfortable.”

 

MORE ABOUT OUR CADET PROGRAM

The RCC Cadet Program provides first-hand experience across various aspects of our business through a structured 2-year, rotational program. Cadets rotate between four areas of the business to gain exposure across a variety of roles and ensure they build the skills necessary to progress upon graduation.
The program is designed to provide employment and on-the-job experience to students as well as support their studies so when they graduate, they can make an informed decision about their career path and step into a fulltime role in their chosen area.

 

MORE ABOUT WALSH BAY ARTS PRECINCT

As Managing Contractor on the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct project, RCC is responsible for the design and construction of this redeveloped public arts and cultural hub on Sydney’s waterfront, whilst preserving the industrial heritage of the existing structures.

Stages 1, 2 & 3 are currently underway and involve the delivery of:

  • Demolition and upgrade of existing arts facilities on Wharf 4 & 5 for the Sydney Theatre Company, Sydney Dance Company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Sydney Philharmonia, Gondwana and Song Company;
  • Adaptive reuse and upgrade of facilities and performance spaces on Pier 2 and 3 for the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Bell Shakespeare and Australian Theatre for Young People
  • New commercial retail spaces throughout the precinct
INTERESTING PROJECT STATS
  • 10-15km of electrical cabling in Theatre 1 alone
  • 800 tonnes of structural steelwork has been installed on Wharf 4/5 with 700 tonnes of steel yet to be installed for Pier 2/3
  • Just under 290,000 site hours have been worked so far (that’s nearly 33 years)
  • A site boat is utilised for under-wharf inspections, rather than land machinery