Kingston Building was engaged by Lake Macquarie City Council to refurbish the office and reception areas at the Lake Macquarie Depot. Initially awarded as a construction-only contract, the project scope changed when demolition works revealed structural inadequacies, making the original design impossible.

Working closely with the client and engineer, Kingston proposed design efficiencies, including replacing structural steel with structural timber. This allowed loads to be carried safely while fitting into the existing framework. The substitution also eliminated long lead times associated with steel, reducing potential delays and streamlining construction.

Delivering the project within a live environment required careful planning and close collaboration with multiple stakeholders to minimise disruption. A further challenge arose from existing services, where a complex mix of redundant and live cables and conduits demanded careful management to ensure safety.

The refurbishment successfully modernised the facility, redesigned the layout, and created a more efficient, free-flowing workspace tailored to the client’s needs.