‘Topping out’ ceremony at Leichhardt Centre, Leichhardt

Greenland Australia and principal contractor Richard Crookes Constructions today celebrated the final concrete pour of the first of five low-rise buildings at Leichhardt Green in George Street, Leichhardt. To mark this significant achievement, it is traditional to place a tree on the roof of the completed structure. A Christmas tree was chosen to represent the festive season and to symbolise the team’s hard work throughout the year. There was also a site BBQ for all the workers whose efforts have made this possible.

Above average rainfall and storm events throughout the middle of the year combined with the pre-existing contamination issues on the site saw earthworks delayed. This site is no different to many others in Sydney in having an industrial past. The team worked successfully with the NSW Environment Protection Authority and its consultants to ensure the legacy issue poses no health risk, and have brought the project back on target. The construction team have now finished excavation, piling as well as the watertight ground slab.

Structural work on the remaining four buildings that make up Leichhardt Green will continue between now and the first half of 2017. Award-winning architectural and interior design firm Bates Smart have created a unique village environment with all five buildings connected by pedestrian walkways, and expansive landscaped grounds. Final fit-out and landscaping by Richard Crookes Constructions will occur in the second half of next year. More than 50 per cent of the 1-hectare site will be green space, creating a sense of tranquillity, and a place where residents will be able to relax with family and friends – or enjoy a few laps in the pool.