Buildcorp has started on site to restore the historic Campbell’s Stores development in The Rocks, Sydney Harbour. The $32 million heritage refurbishment will bring the State Heritage listed building, built in 1839, back to its former glory and modernise its amenities, accessibility and connectivity to the Harbour area.
Buildcorp is working in partnership with client Tallawoladah Pty Ltd and Property NSW, as well as other local authorities to achieve the vision to restore and protect the heritage features, and ensure the development is fit for the future as an enhanced destination dining precinct. The project team will work with heritage consultants to implement processes that identify and work sensitively with the archaeological and heritage significant elements.
Along with the heritage restoration of the façade, roof and internal areas, the project scope covers: demolition of existing tenancy fit-outs, an archaeological dig prior to excavation works, new building services, new external dining paving, new external toilets and internal amenities, new lifts and accessibility features.
Archaeological dig
- Before undertaking the full dig, test trenches will be created to investigate the likelihood of finding items of archaeological significance.
- A small excavator will be used to break ground and if anything is found, the team will use hand held tools to safely uncover the artefacts.
- The artefacts will be classified into one of three categories to assist consultants to determine how they are processed.
Protecting the heritage and structure
- Restoration works will first involve heritage salvaging to catalogue the structural elements such as windows and doors and either restore them in-situ (such as the ironwork) or offsite (timber frames).
- To ensure the centuries-old materials remain structurally sound, works to install new footings and create new openings in the stone masonry will be undertaken with specialist techniques such as: needling (through-wall support structures) and propping of existing lintels (horizontal blocks above openings).
- The deteriorated roof slate tiles will be replaced with new slate tiles supplied from Wales and create a weather tight environment for the next 100 years to come.
The whole transformation will be complete for a re-opening in late 2018, where the revived dining and entertainment precinct, and the surrounding public domain, will give the area a new lease of life.
