Restoration and refurbishment of the Chullora Heritage Hub Tank Annex, constructed from 1941-1942 for production of domestic ‘cruiser tanks’ during World War II. The conservation works was constructed as the first stage of the Heritage Hub Project for the adaptive re-use of the site for Transport Heritage NSW.
The purpose of the project is to conserve the heritage location and provide a safe, weatherproof, and functional location in which to store heritage trains and carriages. Arenco was responsible for all construction works, and completion of an existing design.
Works included demolition and removal of redundant structures including contamination, rectification of structural elements, concrete slab stabilisation for new rail tracks to be laid, weather proofing of the building, new services for communications, lighting, fire, mechanical, hydraulic and passive ventilation, a new office annex including amenities and external works.
Weather protection of the building included new wall cladding, glazing, roof sheeting and roller doors as well as restoration of existing structural steel and support framing. External works provisioned for new landscaping, egress paths and access roads, parking areas, signage, vehicle barriers and line marking.
Restoration and retaining of heritage significant items and protection of heritage artifacts and findings. This included a historic ‘turntable’ which was preserved, and feature brickwork interpretation incorporated into the works.
Incorporating innovations such as the use of heat reflective paint to decrease the temperature fluctuations inside the annex and protect further damage to the stored goods.
Successful design & construct of the critical fire systems to ensure the safety of those attending the new annex site.
