The HomeCo Gregory Hills Town Centre project included the extension of the existing retail centre complete with a new ALDI supermarket, one mini major, two food and beverage tenancies and two specialty tenancies.
Project challenges included working within close proximity to the existing riparian/ bushfire zone. The issues were resolved by developing fire engineering strategies for the building extension. Both challenges were overcome through performance solutions, which included dual attack hydrants, an eastern ALDI wall achieving 90 mins FRL and by using fire rated steel.
Construction challenges included condensing a delivery program by 35%. There was the added challenge of the Lessee fitout, which was run as a separate contract. Integration of these works was critical to achieving the condensed program. 
Additional challenges included maintaining access to the existing shopping centre and adjacent kid’s park, lockdowns due to COVID restrictions, material and labour shortages, and inclement weather delays. Through smart site management, split shifts and weekend work the team was able to deliver the extension on the original date of Christmas 2021.
The judges were impressed by the high standard of finish achieved in a very tight and restricted area, with a fast-tracked program. HomeCo Gregory Hills Town Centre Extension by Mainbrace makes it a worthy winner.