Museum of Contemporary Art redevelopment awarded to Watpac Construction

Watpac’s Construction division has been awarded the refurbishment and construction contract for the $53 million Museum of Contemporary Art redevelopment (MCA) in Sydney.

Watpac representatives and dignitaries attended the building site today as the first sod was officially turned, signifying the start of construction works.

The project at Sydney’s Circular Quay will see the MCA redeveloped into a world-class art and educational facility. The $40 million construction build will expand the Northern wing of the Museum to increase the size of the MCA by almost 50 per cent. It will also create a National Centre for Creative Learning, comprising educational workshop spaces, facilities for young people with specific needs, a digital classroom, multimedia room, library and resource room, and a 120-seat lecture theatre.

The redevelopment will also involve a new fully accessible entrance, and expanded commercial spaces. Two new function venues on the top level of the existing MCA building will offer views of Sydney Harbour, while a rooftop caf and sculpture terrace will also adorn the development. Sustainability is at the heart of the construction project, which will see the inclusion of environmentally-sustainable design initiatives such as a state-of-the-art sea water heat exchange air-conditioning system.

Martin Monro, Watpac Construction National General Manager, said the Company was eager to begin work on the redevelopment.

“Watpac considers the MCA to be an iconic part of Sydney’s cultural landscape, and we are delighted to be responsible for undertaking a redevelopment that will enhance and continue the museum’s reputation for excellence,” Mr Monro said.

“The project offers many exciting challenges to our experienced construction team, who have been responsible for the quality construction of a number of high-profile projects throughout Australia. We are looking forward to working closely with the MCA and all stakeholders to deliver a world-class, landmark complex that is both environmentally friendly and meaningful to staff, artists, and patrons alike.”

The new-look museum will open in early 2012. It has been funded by the Federal and State Government, as well as the City of Sydney. Sydney philanthropist Simon Mordant and his family also generously donated $15 million to realise the project.

Other projects recently undertaken by Watpac in the Sydney area include the Channel 7, Global Television Services, and Pacific Magazines headquarters at 8 Central Avenue, Eveleigh; Trio Luxury Apartments, Camperdown; UNSW Student Accommodation Project, Kensington; 8 Australia Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park; and the Australian Film Television and Radio School, Moore Park. The team is currently undertaking the construction of the Cochlear Global Headquarters at Macquarie Park, the Woolworths Data Centre at Eastern Creek, and a number of projects for Housing NSW.

Note to editors:
•Watpac is an ASX-listed company specialising in construction, civil engineering and mining, specialty services (including refurbishments), and property development. We have offices in Brisbane, Townsville, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. More information can be found at www.watpac.com.au.

•The MCA is the only museum in Australia dedicated to exhibiting, collecting and interpreting both local and international contemporary art. The MCA is located on one of Australia’s most iconic sites on Sydney’s West Circular Quay and has consistently been voted by Sydney residents as the city’s favourite museum or gallery. The MCA is a hub for creative learning and a world renowned and locally loved institution. More information can be found at www.mca.com.au.