News

Nilsen reach project milestone at UTS Central

June 2019

Nilsen was engaged by Richard Crookes in early 2017 to design and construct the Electrical, Communications, Audio Visual and Security installation for the for the University of Technology Sydney: Central Building. Notably, Nilsen have completed other large projects on the UTS campus including the comprehensive Electrical package for the spectacular Engineering building on Broadway in 2012 and at the 8-storey Science building in 2014.

The UTS Central project is a new 47,000m² building located at the Broadway City campus consisting of new library, reading room, student study spaces and a publicly accessible retail food court that will open onto Alumni Green. The 17-storey state-of-the-art glass-encased podium and tower will give the UTS campus another iconic landmark building while contributing significantly to the amenity of the streetscape along the southern gateway to Sydney’s CBD. The Faculty of Law is also located on the upper four floors with a diverse arrangement of learning, teaching and research facilities, Super Lab, three large high-tech collaborative theatres and research spaces for the Faculty of Engineering and IT.

The Main Building portion of the project reached Practical Completion for Nilsen on July 23rd which was a fantastic achievement for our site team, who have been praised for their high level of quality by both the client UTS and Richard Crookes. Overall construction work on UTS Central is on track to be complete by mid-July, although with technology commissioning, relocations and fit-out works ongoing, the building won’t be completely occupied until 2020. However, all external hoardings will be down by July, allowing the public to fully appreciate the building’s striking glass façade and integration with Alumni Green. Come late July 2019, the first of UTS Central’s public spaces on levels 3 and 4 will open their doors. The key attractions will be the food court, a Careers and Student Services hub and extensive informal learning spaces. Rising from the Jones St entry on level 4 up to level 7, a staircase designed to emulate a double helix will also be a must-see.

Nilsen are also on track for completion of the Law Fitout of levels 14 to 17 later in November. Commanding spectacular views, especially to the north, Law’s facilities will include a purpose-built Moot Court and two Trial Court facilities, which replicate real-life courtrooms. The building is also targeting a 5 Star Green Star Rating with the Green Building Council of Australia.

Nilsen’s UTS Central scope includes:

• establishment of new basement high voltage chamber substation
• main switchboards, consumer mains and distribution boards
• power factor correction equipment
• installation of submain cabling
• general lighting and associated control systems, including external street lighting
• power outlets and permanent connection
• monitored emergency lighting and exit sign systems
• final sub circuit wiring to lighting, power outlets and fixed equipment
• skirting duct system
• emergency stop buttons in laboratories
• general cable management systems
• EMI shielding
• floor boxes
• lightning protection system
• lighting controls including sensors, dimmers, and interface with audio visual and BMS systems
• structured communication Siemon Cat6a system
• integrated voice and data cabling system for Information Technology, Audio Visual and Security Systems originating from TSG Rooms

The installation is of an exceptionally high standard to meet the UTS design guidelines and specifications for the state-of-the art technological and modern teaching facility. Nilsen have applied value management and engineering to the design of the project to deliver the UTS with a high quality product with real value for money.

Nilsen have had up to 100 electricians and technicians on site during peak periods with an accelerated services installation schedule to meet the challenging building programme. What’s more, Nilsen have been holding a weekly BBQ to maintain team morale and thank the team for their efforts on this iconic Sydney project, which notably has also recorded ZERO LTI’s.

The project has also been shortlisted for the 2019 NSW NECA Award for Best Large Commercial Project and will soon be featured in the Australian National Construction Review.

Congratulations to the Nilsen UTS Central team on an impressive installation and reaching this key project milestone!