Centuria | The Belltower NSW

Originally constructed in 1887, The Belltower is a historic building, located in Eveleigh. It was once used as a sounding system to indicate when railway yard workers started and finished their shifts at the Locomotive Workshop, before being converted into a two-storey heritage office building which we’ve recently had the pleasure to transform into a modern office space for Centuria…with bells on.

We were initially called upon to undertake ECI on the project and review the proposed design, with the goal to modernise the space to meet the needs of today’s tenants, whilst keeping the integrity of its history.

When the construction works began, it was a full undertaking of internal and external works, included a full strip out and demolition of all existing offices, ceilings, roof insulation, floor finishes, bathrooms and services. Plus, an upgrade to existing accessibility provisions throughout the buidling, including the glass sliding entrance door, the existing staircase, a DDA bathroom and the installation of a lift, including the pit, shaft and lift carriage.

During the works, we created two floor-to-roof voids, enabling natural light to permeate between floors whilst installing all new base building services including mechanical, fire and electrical service provisions and the installation of roof insulation to meet Jv3 requirements of the building.

Removal of internal double-brick walls with no pre-existing structural plans, due to the age of the building, were challenges that required ongoing investigations and close working relationship with structural engineers, to balance and maintain the overall structural requirements of the building and the bell tower, whilst upholding the design aesthetic of an open plan space.

The building then underwent refurbishment to existing timber flooring throughout both levels, including tiled transitions and ramps to create a seamless flow – plus the installation of new flooring, where required.

Despite the age of the building, we were able to ensure a quality finish throughout, by including skim coat preparation and lead removal of all internal walls, prior to painting.

The external refurbishment included painting the façade, sills, windows, lighting, guttering replacements, bike racks, rear fence and parking bollards alongside installing a 10mm mild steel external awning at the front entrance with “Bell Tower” Signage.

In adhering to the Heritage listed building standards, heavy consultation was required throughout the project with the City of Sydney and heritage consultants who undertook pre-approvals during construction inspections, post completion inspections and sign off.

Design decisions were required to be made and modified while the project was underway, as there were many unknowns with the building prior to demolition, which is a testament to our capability to flex to the needs of a project.

The final bells and whistles were the heritage interpretation elements that were featured including an external noticeboard, backlit silhouettes to the existing balustrade, a “The Belltower” blade sign, and an internal feature was added to the existing ladder, leading to the bell tower itself on the roof.