The CarriageWorks project involved the restoration and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings at the former Eveleigh Railway Workshops to create a new contemporary performing arts centre.
Constructed over 120 years ago, the buildings are some of the finest examples of industrial architecture and cover more than 34,000 square metres. The scope of works comprised an upgrade to protect the heritage values of the buildings and to make them BCA compliant as well as construction of the performing arts centre within the building envelope.
The performing arts centre facilities include a large performance space capable of seating up to 800 people as well as rehearsal rooms, administrative offices and workshop facilities for sets, costumes and props, kitchen, bars and cafe facilities.
The transformation of this significant historical site presented challenges for the project team and innovation was required to successfully manage such challenges as preservation of the existing heritage fabric and structure, excavation within the heritage structure, remediation of hazardous materials, corrosive subsoil environment, in-situ reinforced concrete walls and proximity to suburban rail corridor.
