Rapid Construction Pty Ltd is proud to announce that the Ultimo TAFE Building A – Façade Conservation project has been Highly Commended in the Built Conservation category at the 2026 National Trust Heritage Awards.
Delivered by NSW Public Works in collaboration with Minister’s Stonework Program (NSWPW), NSW Heritage Stoneworkers, Jiwah, Rapid Construction Pty Ltd, Stoneshape Pty Ltd, Heritage Roofing Group Pty Ltd, National Painting Group Pty Ltd and Chris Reilly & Sons Scaffolding Pty Ltd, the project recognises the specialist heritage conservation work undertaken to preserve one of Ultimo’s important historic education buildings.
Preserving a Significant Heritage Asset
Rapid Construction was engaged by Heritage Stoneworks (HSW) as Principal Contractor to deliver a comprehensive façade conservation program for Ultimo TAFE Building A, located at 19 Mary Ann Street, Ultimo NSW.
The project focused on the conservation and repair of the building’s Central Gable and surrounding façade elements, with works carefully carried out in accordance with Australian Standards, project documentation and heritage conservation requirements.
Scope of Works
The façade conservation program involved a wide range of specialist restoration and remedial works, including:
- Stone replacement and indent carvings
- Synthetic stone repairs
- Full re-pointing, desalination and biocide cleaning
- Brickwork cleaning and repointing to the main façade and Entry Court/Portico
- Timber repairs to deteriorated joinery elements
- Replacement of window sills
- Full repainting of windows, doors and metalwork
- Glazing panel replacement
- Lead weathering and flashing installation to gables and parapets
- Stormwater line clearance and associated remedial works
These works were undertaken with a strong focus on preserving the building’s heritage significance while ensuring long-term durability and performance.
Rapid Construction’s Role
As Principal Contractor, Rapid Construction was responsible for the delivery and management of the project on site, including:
- Full-time site supervision
- Site establishment and coordination
- Craneage, traffic control and scaffold management
- Permit and council compliance
- Inspection, transport, handling and safe storage of replacement stone supplied by Heritage Stoneworks
- Coordination of quality, safety and environmental controls across the project
Given the building remained occupied by TAFE staff during the works, the project also required careful staging, compliance with noise restrictions, and close adherence to approved inspection and testing requirements.
A Recognition of Collaborative Heritage Conservation
Receiving a Highly Commended recognition in the Built Conservation category is a meaningful acknowledgement of the collaborative effort behind this project and the care taken to conserve a significant heritage structure for future generations.
Rapid Construction is proud to have contributed to a project that reflects the value of skilled heritage trades, strong project coordination and thoughtful conservation outcomes.
We thank NSW Public Works, Heritage Stoneworks, and all project partners involved in delivering this important conservation work.
