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: December 2021

Two years of construction...in less than a minute

We’re marking another major milestone for the project with two years of construction completed. Despite the challenges of 2021, Richard Crookes Constructions has made great progress on site with the structure of the new Art Gallery building now fully formed.

To give you a glimpse of the work going on behind the hoarding, the last two years of construction have been captured by timelapse video available here.

Construction update

We recently celebrated an exciting construction milestone - the ‘topping out’ - marking the new building reaching its highest point: the entrance pavilion at just over eight metres. In recent months the following works have taken place:

  • Continuation of the facade cladding on Lower Level 2 and installation of the first glazed facades. Cladding is also progressing on Lower Level 1 and the Entry Level

  • Installation of escalators is underway

  • Installation of services and internal walls on Lower Level 2, Lower Level 1, and Entry Level

  • Structural steel erection for the terrace canopies and installation of the spiral stair in the oil tank gallery

  • Energisation of the site’s power supply

  • Continuation of the contoured rammed earth wall construction on Lower Level 2

  • Finishes progressing on Lower Level 4 and Lower Level 3

  • Demolition and earthworks for the landscaping works in front of the existing Art Gallery building including concrete elements being formed and poured

  • Dismantling of one of the two site tower cranes, and erection of a final tower crane for the landscaping works in front of the existing Art Gallery building.

Christmas shutdown

Richard Crookes Construction (RCC) project site office will close from COB Thursday 23 December 2021 and will re-open on Wednesday 5 January 2022.

During this time, some priority activities may occur on site (except for public holidays and weekends) with the impact on nearby properties expected to be minimal. Appropriate RCC site supervision will be in place.

The Sydney Modern Project team wishes you and your family a happy, safe and healthy festive season.

Upcoming work

Construction over the next three months will focus on:

  • Enclosing the completed structures with the remaining facade elements, continuation of services and internal walls, and the commencement of finishes

  • Delivery and erection of remaining structural steel to the entry plaza canopy, terrace canopies, and entrance pavilion roof substructure steel

  • Installation of photovoltaic panels on the roof of the entrance pavilion

  • Delivery and installation of the remaining vertical transportation elements including the lift cars, and the commencement of external finishes

  • Commencement of landscape modification works within the Domain precinct, providing universal pedestrian access across Art Gallery Road when complete.

Deliveries via both Art Gallery Road and Lincoln Crescent site gates will continue to support the works underway on-site.

Pedestrian and vehicle access

Access around the Sydney Modern Project site continues in line with the wayfinding map below. The Art Gallery Road footpath adjacent to the site is closed to pedestrians, however the Domain side footpath remains open. An accessible ramp is located on the southern side of the Art Gallery.

While all parking bays in front of the existing Art Gallery building have been removed as part of the landscaping works, two accessible parking bays, indicated in yellow on the map, continue to be provided.

SMP-outdoor-signage-december-2021

COVID-19

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.

Under the Guidelines introduced in July 2021, extended working hours are permitted on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays up until Christmas this year to make up for lost time from the earlier construction pause. 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.

Keeping you informed

We are committed to keeping the community informed as the project progresses. For more information, to register your interest in the project or to provide feedback, contact us via the details listed below.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Gallery’s expansion and transformation are available here.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via:

Phone: 1800 717 705

Email: smp@richardcrookes.com.au