The Melbourne Quarter (MQ) rail undercroft is situated in the northwest corner of the Flinders Street and Spencer Street intersection, on the boundary of Melbourne’s Docklands district. The project was originally fast-tracked for completion by April 2020 to coincide with completion of the landmark MQ development. The project was critical to MQ opening, as it provided safe and amenable pedestrian access from the new mixed-use development to the CBD via Spencer Street. The scope included a Disability Discrimination Act compliant ramp, stairs, retaining wall, new lighting and extensive stainless-steel balustrading and handrail.  Approximately 1,000m2 of new bluestone paving was also laid across the site, following significant earthworks involving cut to spoil.

Johnstaff performed the dual role of Project Manager and Superintendent from the tender phase through to completion and handover.

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically affected the project, with award of the construction contract delayed by more than nine months. When bulk earthworks commenced, it was discovered that the majority of the site was underlain by a circa 1800s bluestone pavement layer, which was associated with the old market route between the Yarra River and the CBD. Discussions with Heritage Victoria led to authorisation to remove the bluestone under a ‘Heritage Consent’.

Other site condition challenges involved the extensive presence of contaminated material within the site. The extent of contamination was unknown at the time of award, however the works required most excavated material to be disposed of in a licenced landfill. We provided strategic advice to Development Victoria on how to navigate a complex claims environment and ensure a fair and reasonable outcome was accepted by both client and contractor.