Project Overview
Contemporary Plumbing was engaged by Fore Group for both the Base Building and Fitout packages to deliver hydraulic services for the refurbishment of West Block—one of Canberra’s most historically significant government buildings.
Originally constructed in the 1920s, West Block underwent a comprehensive refurbishment to provide secure, contemporary office accommodation while preserving its heritage significance. The project required the seamless integration of modern hydraulic infrastructure within a heritage-listed environment, demanding meticulous planning, precision installation and close collaboration across the project team.
Your Reliable Trusted Local Plumbing Team
Project Scale
- Major Commonwealth Government heritage refurbishment
- Heritage-listed building within the Parliamentary Triangle
- High-security government facility
- Multi-stage refurbishment involving extensive building services upgrades
Scope of Works
Contemporary Plumbing delivered a comprehensive hydraulic services package to 24 x new bathroom and state-of-the-art End Of Trip facilities, including:
- Hydraulic services installation and upgrades
- Hot and cold water reticulation
- Sanitary drainage systems
- Stormwater infrastructure
- Trade waste systems
- Plumbing fixture installation and fit-off
- Civil hydraulic works
- Testing and commissioning
- As-built documentation and project handover
Project Challenges
Refurbishing a heritage-listed government building presented several unique challenges, including:
- Installing modern hydraulic systems while preserving the building’s historic fabric and architectural features.
- Working within a secure Commonwealth Government environment with strict access, security and compliance requirements.
- Coordinating hydraulic services within constrained ceiling voids, risers and existing structural elements.
- Managing the interface between retained infrastructure and new building services without impacting programme or quality.
- Maintaining flexibility to respond to unforeseen conditions commonly encountered during heritage refurbishment projects.
Canberra’s Most Go-To Plumbing Team
300+
years combined experience
45+
TEAM MEMBERS
2K+
JOBS COMPLETED
900+
PROPErties serviced
Our Approach
Contemporary Plumbing worked closely with Fore Group, project consultants and other specialist trades to ensure hydraulic works were delivered efficiently and with minimal disruption to the broader construction programme.
Through proactive coordination, experienced site supervision and rigorous quality assurance processes, our team identified and resolved potential issues early, maintained programme certainty and delivered workmanship that met the exacting standards required for a landmark government refurbishment.
Project Outcome
The West Block Refurbishment successfully transformed one of Canberra’s most historically significant government buildings into a premium, contemporary workplace while preserving its rich architectural heritage.
Contemporary Plumbing delivered a high-quality hydraulic services package that met the project’s demanding quality, programme and compliance requirements. Through close collaboration with Fore Group and the wider consultant team, our works were completed to support the successful delivery of this complex heritage refurbishment.
The broader project received significant industry recognition, including:
Commercial or Retail Fitout, Refurbishment or Alteration (Over $10 Million)
National Fit-out Award (Over $10 Million)
These awards recognise the exceptional quality, innovation and collaboration demonstrated across the project team and highlight Contemporary Plumbing’s experience delivering hydraulic services on award-winning commercial and government developments.
Project Snapshot
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Principal Contractor | Fore Group |
| Client | Australian Government – Department of Finance |
| Sector | Government / Heritage |
| Project Type | Fit Out & Refurbishment – Heritage |
| Delivery Environment | High-Security Government Facility |
| Scope | Lump Sum Hydraulic Services Package |
| Completed | 2023 |
