From Bus Stops to Big Business – we’re busy building Canberra.

It has been a busy quarter for Rork Projects’ Canberra team, completing several major projects across the National Capital then quickly migrating across to new work – all while working in-line with COVID-19 restrictions and management plans.

Our Canberra crew has recently proudly handed over several stunning projects despite the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on workplaces and construction sites.

Rork Canberra successfully delivered a handful of projects secured under the ACT Government’s recent stimulus package – fast tracked to support local businesses during this pandemic.

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This package saw Rork Canberra engaged by Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) to provide restoration services on some of Canberra’s heritage listed shelters – described as ‘Canberra’s most endearing piece of urban architecture.’ The shelters were designed in the Brutalist style by Canberra architect Clem Cummings in 1974.

The work from TCCS also saw works at Mugga Quarry, upgrades to driver amenities across Transport Canberra’s Bus network and roadworks and stormwater upgrades at Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre.

During this period, Rork was also engaged by the City Renewal Authority for high impact urban landscape improvements of the Canberra City Centre Precinct - in particular Garema Place and City Walk. This scope included civil works relating to replacement of pavements, replanting trees, placement of furniture and other associated works superintending the construction.

The project got underway back in July with a traditional Smoking Ceremony by Ngunnawal man Richard Allan. (Smoking ceremonies are used to ward off bad spirits, cleanse a site and protect its future.)

The City Walk upgrade will be completed in early spring.

 

According to Scott Lamb, Rork Projects ACT General Manager, the recent stimulus package enabled Rork to engage a multitude of local small subcontractors and suppliers, protecting jobs and supporting Canberra households and businesses.

“We can proudly say that hundreds of local Canberra families have benefited from the ACT Government stimulus package which saw vital dollars injected into the local economy.”

“It’s welcomed support and leadership from the ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr to prioritise supporting local businesses during this pandemic,’ Scott added.

Recent completed projects for Rork Canberra included:

  • design and construct services for a high end fit out for Westpac of their premium office space in the new ‘Civic Quarter’ on Northbourne Avenue.
  • a refurbishment of Level 3 office space at Endeavour House in Manuka where the intensive scope of works also included new fire hydrants and the introduction of a new sprinkler system to the entire level.
  • design and construction of a new goods lift and steel mezzanine walkway at the Canberra Institute of Technology Fyshwick
  • Sewerage upgrade works and road resurfacing and chiller replacement at Canberra Institute of Technology’s Bruce
  • a Medical Education/Health Facility fit out at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) Signadou campus which saw the Lewin Library transformed into a first class Paramedicine facility.

 

“We can proudly say that hundreds of local Canberra families have benefited from the ACT Government stimulus package which saw vital dollars injected into the local economy.”

Work currently continues on several sites across the ACT including at:

  • the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Bruce which sees Rork as the construction manager for $6M major mechanical upgrade works.
  • City Walk and Garema Place where we are working as the construction manager to revitalise Canberra's City Centre into a beautiful city green space for all Canberrans to enjoy.
  • the High Court of Australia for the construction of a new security control room and refurbishment of the ground floor lobby with staff entry. The project includes working with the heritage architect on matching the existing building’s unique details, including the bush hammer concrete finish and extension of the existing tiling to the lobby.
  • a new Clinic in Belconnen for ACT Health.
  • the John Knight Memorial Park and Lake Tuggeranong, seeing construction of much needed new amenities.
  • the Amaroo School for additional refurbishment works which follows recent work at the school and also at the nearby Florey Primary School.

In addition to our project work, we’ve been busy supporting the local community by proudly signing on again as an Official Sponsor of the ACT’s Premier Rugby competition – the John I Dent Cup.

It is the second consecutive year that Rork Projects has officially backed local rugby in the ACT through sponsorship of the local competition.

This year also saw Rork Projects Canberra partner with Plus 500 Brumbies for the Super Rugby AU's Indigenous Round on August 1.

Rork Projects ACT GM Scott Lamb notes that while it has been a challenging time for all, it’s also been an opportunity to create stronger partnerships and relationships with local businesses and clients.

“We know we’re all in this together and I know as a sector we’re all keen to come out the other end of the pandemic and economic issues with a stronger and modern Canberra.”

“And Rork not only looks forward to contributing to that - but also to help drive that change,” he concluded.