December 2008
Client:Competitive Foods Australia Pty Ltd
Project Management:Clifton Development Consultants Pty Ltd
Brief:Total restaurant restoration following fire damage
Info:Through some unforeseen and still unknown conditions, Murphy struck close to home on the afternoon of Friday Nov 28th at approximately 3.30pm. It has been theorised that a fire started in the restaurant's kitchen, damaging the entire ceiling.
As diners were safely ushered out of the restaurant away from the danger of the fire and harmful fumes, they were finally able to see what was going on. The grey heavy fumes (making their way through the exhaust system sneaking through six levels) were quite visible and excessively unusual for a run-of-the-mill exhaust. Obviously this unfortunate event took many by surprise. From dining customers to bystanders and motorists, from people in adjacent office windows or the flying helicopter overhead.
The fire happened unexpectedly and surely the situation would've developed beyond the serious if not handled quickly and efficiently by the Sydney Fire Brigade. They evacuated the hotel above and surrounding businesses in a timely and non-chaotic manner.
Some journalists couldn't help but baptise this unlucky accident as an "inferno".
The exaggerated use of words parallels with Stirling Silliphant's novel and later on movie "The Towering Inferno" with Paul Newman and Steve McQueen.
In circumstances where chaos can easily prevail, putting things in true perspective is the rule of thumb of a successful approach.
The recovery should be quick and the refurbishment schedule maintained so this Hungry Jack's flagship restaurant is back serving its regular customers. Clifton Development Consultants managed the recovery process, from fire reinstatement works to the complete refit. Vegagroup was called in from the initial outset to commence as soon as the investigators finished their meticulous combing through the place. Surely the damage was high, especially in the kitchen area where the ceiling has turned to charcoal, electrical cables melted and weighed down from the heat, services pipes damaged and once shiny stainless steel equipment encrusted with the effect of burning amber.
But the most concern was the ever penetrating black soot covering every square inch of the once glittering restaurant; and of course the unrelenting burning smell permeating within the nooks and crannies, reaching all the way to the dining room in the basement.
The job ahead is a formidable task and a herculean undertaking. At first glance, it might be construed as over-ambitious to contemplate a full recovery of business operations within four weeks, with the promise to open the day after Boxing Day. But everyone involved were determined to bring about a great outcome to this unfortunate accident. This was certainly exemplary in our trades and their vigilant involvement in the smallest details.
When the go ahead was given, Vegagroup setup a construction site for fire reinstatement works. The undamaged and unaffected areas of the restaurant were completely bubble-wrapped for protection from further damage as the demolition commenced in the kitchen and adjacent areas, including the upper 1st and 2nd floor walls for riser access.
The collective debris, mostly damaged ceiling & roof sheeting as well as air ducts were hoarded off-site to the rubbish depot during night-time; this is to avoid the heavy pedestrian traffic around the restaurant and motorists using George and Liverpool streets.
Fortunately, no strict restrictions on night works were imposed by Sydney City Council, which meant that we were able to move forward at full steam with 24-hours rotating shifts, day-in day-out. Moreover, given that the process was elaborate, we made good efforts to communicate to neighbouring businesses by informing them of certain work schedules, and making sure they are not affected by our activities. And certainly we had busy activities, sometimes over 30 people, tradesmen and leading hands present performing their scheduled tasks. The work site resembled a war room, somewhat overwhelmingly active coupled with precision co-ordination; there were electricians, carpenters & gyprockers, painters, tilers, plumbers, cleaners and support personnel, all on a mission.
The access parking was a bit of a concern and parking fines costs escalated. But what options do you have when you attempt to conduct an elaborate refurbishment recovery operation in the middle of the CBD? Given the 24hours shifts, personnel & premises security were a high priority and security was provided for night shift works to minimise any incidents.
So where are we today? Hungry Jack's Century re-opened its doors for eagerly awaited diners on Dec 27, 2008 for a great Christmas break; a great transformation, a revival or re-incarnation.
If you walk inside the restaurant today, you wouldn't think about all the efforts made to get this landmark restaurant back on track; all thanks to the countless hours of dedication of many individuals who made it all happen.
Time to complete:Dec 01 2008 - Dec 27 2008
Special thanks to the following companies,
trades & individuals:
Advanced Solutions Group Pty Ltd http://www.solution4u.com.au
Nicholas Stansell
Carrier Australia / Air-conditioning http://www.carrieraircon.com.au
Sam Sayed
Coates Signco Pty Limited http://www.coatessignco.com.au
Coca-Cola Australia / Drinks dispensers http://www.coca-cola.com.au
Andrew
DEM Fire & Essential Services Group http://www.demfire.com.au
Paul
Elicho Tiling Pty Ltd / Tiling
Elie
Gadsden Signs Pty Ltd
Peter Brown
K&J Super Interior Pty Ltd / Gyprocking
Michael
Lunna Plumbing / Hydraulics
Roger Boueiri
M & J Phones Systems Installation
NU-Glass & Glazing Pty Limited http://www.nuglass.com.au
Rod
Paul's Locksmith Services
P.E.B. Waterproofing Service
Powell Mechanical Services http://www.powells.com.au
David Abbott
Henry Graham Pty Ltd
Trading as Reliable Shopfitting
Lake
Yannakis Richard
Trading as RKM Electrical / Equipment Commissioning
Fischer's Cleaning Pty Ltd
Trading as Steamatic
Nathan
Stowe Australia Pty Limited http://www.stoweaustralia.com.au
Mark Grainger - Project Manager
Trent Roby
Sydney Wide Maintenance Group / Building works
T & A Sahyoun
Trading as Matthews Kitchens
Tech Sound
Dean
Teco Australia Pty Ltd / Air curtains http://www.teco.com.au
This Solution Pty Ltd
http://www.thissolution.com
Paul Azad
Ceravolo Holdings Pty Limited
Trading as Tilecraft - Punchbowl / Tiling Supplies
Torston Olson / Hydraulics
Vegagroup project management team
Louis Elagha - Site Supervisor
Nick Stansell - Project Supervisor / OH&S
James Khoury - Project Assistant
Joe Khoury - Project Delivery / Head office
Nick posted this on 29/12.

Links:http://www.hungryjacks.com.au
http://www.cfal.com.au
http://www.fire.nsw.gov.au
http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

November 2008
Client:STA Travel LTD
Project Management:Vegagroup
Brief:Air-conditioning installation
Info:The installation took place on a not so hot day, so no drama there. The temperature on that overcasted Tuesday was about 20 degrees with 86% humidity. Out task was to replace a faulty air-conditioner in the office with a newer and more efficient unit. The new unit had to be installed above the awning for maximum efficiency.
STA Travel Newtown's office is located at 308 King Street or 313 Princes Hwy; take your pick given they are the same roads changing into each other. Started in 1970 as a travel service to meet the travel needs of students, STA Travel today operates in more than 75 countries with a worldwide network of more than 450 branches, and more than 100 in Australia and New Zealand.
Time to complete:Nov 11 2008 - Nov 11 2008
Naji posted this on 12/11.

Link:http://www.statravel.com.au

October 2008
Client:Competitive Foods Australia Pty Ltd
Project Management:Clifton Development Consultants Pty Ltd
Brief:Fitout of new food court tenancy and remote storeroom
Info:Westfield Hornsby is considered the oldest mall in the Westfield chain, opened in 1961 (The first Westfield location was at Blacktown.)
The Hungry Jack's store is an in-line restaurant located in the Foodcourt on Level 3 at Westfield Hornsby. Since its refurbishment and handover on December 04, 2008, it has drawn an enthusiastic response from customers.
The extensive renovations have converted the existing restaurant and décor into a more modern space; more in-line with Hungry Jack's new & contemporary look.
Works commenced with site-preparation prior to general demolishing and removal of existing fixtures and facilities. Walls were scanned to locate, identify and mark hidden electrical services. At the same time, walls, hob & plinths building, electrical & plumbing rough-in, gyprocking and ceiling grid works were underway. Few days later, air-conditioning rough-in and exhaust booster installation were initiated through Westfield. Coolroom and Freezer construction spanned over two weeks; these are customised and especially suitable for temperature and humidity controlled environment applications to meet Hungry Jack's specifications and the Health Department Standards.
At the beginning of week two, epoxy application on floors & sheeted walls took place. This is specifically designed for floor and wall applications where durability in heavy traffic areas and chemical abrasion resistance is required. Then installation commenced on Mechanical Services, Electrical and Plumbing. The remainder of services included painting, stainless steel for the kitchen area, kitchen equipment installation, front counter frame & servery area, Corian benchtops, bulkhead, glazing works on counter and walls, signage, phones, point-of-sale equipment, POS, fire services extinguishers etc. This was later on followed by Equipment Commissioning.
Westfield Hornsby is situated at the Cnr of Florence and Hunter Sts. The centre's opening hours are Mon to Wed 9.00am to 5.30pm, Thu 9.00am to 9.00pm, Fri 9.00am to 5.30pm, Sat 9.00am to 5.00pm and Sun 10.00am to 5.00pm. Westfield Hornsby offers 4 hours of Free Parking for cinema goers. When you see a Movie at the Center's Greater Union Theater, simply validate your parking ticket with your movie ticket at Greater Union for the extra free hour.
Time to complete:Oct 31 2008 - Dec 04 2008
Ant posted this on 05/12.

Links:http://www.hungryjacks.com.au
http://www.cfal.com.au
http://westfield.com.au/hornsby/

September 2008
Client:Singapore Airlines Limited
Project Management:Vegagroup
Brief:Office Refurbishment of the customer service area in the Public Ticket Office
Info:Singapore Airlines' Public Ticket Office was relocated from Bridge Street to Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport in March 2008. The move to the International Terminal demonstrates the airline's commitment to further service its customers in this conveniently located office. This follows a year of success for the Airline, which saw the launch of the world's first commercial flight of the A380.
The building works focused on refurbishing and re-arranging the customer interface area. This changed staff access ways and modified their point of contact with customers. The front counter was modified and new roller shutters were erected. A wall opening between the customer waiting area and the back offices served to facilitate interactions and enhance the atmosphere. Film application to existing glass partitions provided the required privacy for office staff. General painting of waiting area walls further matched the existing mood provided by the new fluorescent down lights.
Trades involved Gyprocking, Joinery, Electrical, Data cabling & Security, Painting & Glass frosting works.
Singapore Airlines' Public Ticket Office is located on Level 3 at the International Terminal.
For enquiries about Flight Arrival or Departure phone 1300 654 475.
To call the Public Ticket Office, phone 02 9350 0149. Office operating Hours are from 8:45am to 5pm (Monday - Friday)
The Public Ticket Office is closed on Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays.
Time to complete:Sep 06 2008 - Sep 29 2008
James posted this on 30/09.

Link:http://www.singaporeair.com.au/