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: July 2020

Works update

Construction works by Richard Crookes Constructions are progressing on schedule. Works over the past few months have included demolition, bulk earthworks, piling, and high voltage works around the site. Piling and bulk excavation and demolition will be completed by the end of July. The first tower crane has been installed on the lower part of the site.

The project team is practising physical distancing and has implemented additional health and personal hygiene measures consistent with health advice to ensure work can continue safely on site. The health and safety of the community and everyone working on the project is paramount.

Upcoming works

Works over the next three months include minor demolition and detailed excavation. The completion of bulk earthworks will see the project enter the ‘build phase’ with the commencement of structure including the pouring of concrete foundations and erection of structural steel. The second tower crane will be installed on the upper part of the site in September.

Protective hoarding has been constructed overhead along the western footpath of Lincoln Crescent, Woolloomooloo to provide pedestrian safety from construction zone tower crane operations. New hoarding graphics being installed will feature artworks from the Gallery’s collection.

There will be ongoing delivery of plant and material associated with these works via both Lincoln Crescent and Art Gallery Road.

Truck routes

Dedicated construction vehicle routes are defined by the State Significant Development Application, Council, Roads and Maritime Services and Transport for NSW. The project’s Construction Pedestrian Traffic Management Plan approved by these authorities requires trucks to use Wylde Street and Macleay Street, Potts Point when exiting the site. A copy of the plan is available on project status.

Pedestrian access

The reconstruction of the stairs next to the Ausgrid zone substation is almost complete and they will reopen in the coming weeks. Following this, the stairs located at the intersection of Lincoln Crescent and Cowper Wharf Road adjacent to the Eastern Distributor will close for reconstruction and upgrade to be compliant with the Building Code of Australia and Disability Discrimination Act.

Pedestrians will be directed to use the new stairs next to the Ausgrid substation for access between Woolloomooloo and the Royal Botanic Garden. Please note the accessible route to/from Woolloomooloo via the lift (or stairs) on Bourke Street near Wilson Street remains open.

Impacted areas will be signposted to advise of alternate and updated routes.

Extended working hours

The current Environmental Planning and Assessment (COVID-19 Development – Construction Work Days) Order 2020 allows construction sites in NSW to operate on weekends and public holidays. Construction works spread across more days of the week makes it easier for workers to abide by physical distancing rules to keep infrastructure projects progressing. You can view a copy of the Order by searching for Government Gazette No 68 on www.gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au.

In line with the Order, high impact activities such as rock breaking, rock hammering, sheet piling, pile driving, or similar activities will continue to be restricted to the work hours stipulated in the approved SSDA for the project: 9am to 12pm, and 2pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday; and 9am to 12pm, Saturday.

As of 16 May 2020, the hours of construction are as follows:

  • Monday to Friday – 7am to 6pm

  • Saturday – 7am to 6pm

  • Sunday and Public holidays – work to be undertaken as needed and required.

The Sydney Modern Project team understands the potential impacts this may cause to neighbours and is taking all feasible and reasonable measures to minimise noise, traffic and vibration impacts during these extended work hours. We thank you for your patience, understanding and ongoing co-operation as we undertake construction works.

FAQs

For answers to frequently asked questions, see Find out more.

Keeping you informed

The Sydney Modern Project team is keeping the community informed as work progresses and regular updates will be available on the website.

The team looks forward to delivering an expanded public art gallery for everyone to enjoy. For further enquiries or to provide feedback, call 1800 717 705 or email smp@richardcrookes.com.au

The Gallery remains open during construction, which is scheduled for completion in 2022.