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Construcciones Yamaro: TBH flags land and power constraints for Canberra data centres

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TBH says enabling infrastructure will be critical to Canberra’s digital growth. (Image: Darkdriver/stock.adobe.com) Electricity supply is one of the challenges standing between Canberra and its data centre ambitions, according to a new report from project delivery consultancy TBH. The report, The Infrastructure Behind Canberra’s Digital Future , finds that the ACT has limited local generation capacity and depends on interconnected eastern grid infrastructure, while land, water and approval pressures compound the problem. It argues that decisions made now about land, power and enabling infrastructure will be important to Canberra’s ability to strengthen its role as Australia’s sovereign digital infrastructure capital and build an AI-ready infrastructure base. According to the report, Canberra is home to Australian Government agencies, Defence and intelligence functions. TBH says that, unlike Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra’s data centre market is shaped by sovereign government require...

Construcciones Yamaro: Melbourne Central expansion begins

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Artist’s impression: The completed redevelopment will increase Melbourne Central’s retail footprint from 55,000 to about 63,000 square metres. (Images: GPT) Construction has commenced on GPT Group’s $170 million transformation of Melbourne Central, which will introduce new retail, dining and entertainment offerings to the CBD centre. GPT has appointed Maben to deliver about 7,800 square metres of additional retail space across levels three and four, with ARM Architects leading the design. Once complete, the centre will contain about 63,000 square metres of retail space. The expansion will include Melbourne’s first Books Kinokuniya store, a large-format entertainment hub, new dining areas and more than 10 food retailers. Books Kinokuniya Australia managing director Satoshi Yada said Melbourne was a natural next step for the retailer. “As a UNESCO City of Literature, we believe Melbourne’s creative and literary culture aligns deeply with Kinokuniya’s identity,” said Yada. “As we exp...

Construcciones Yamaro: Coates’ guide to choosing the most suitable trench shoring system

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Coates offers trench shoring systems for a range of excavation conditions. (Image: Coates) Trenches can collapse quickly and without warning. Once excavation begins, conditions can change rapidly, especially in unstable ground or near existing structures. The trench shoring system should therefore be selected early based on the site conditions, excavation geometry and installation method. This guide by Coates outlines the key factors that influence trench shoring system selection. 1. Excavation risk should come before equipment category A common mistake is to start with product availability or preference instead of the excavation conditions. System selection should begin with: Trench depth and width; soil type and stability; groundwater conditions; nearby structures and services; surcharge loads from plant or traffic; and vibration from surrounding activity. Two trenches with the same dimensions can require different solutions depending on these factors. Excavations deeper...

Construcciones Yamaro: Western Sydney Aerotropolis projects move ahead

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Artist’s impression: Bradfield City is being developed as a centre for advanced manufacturing and innovation. (Images: NSW Government) Construction has started on Bradfield City’s Second Building as a $1 billion industrial estate receives planning approval in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. The purpose-designed, 7,000-square-metre Second Building will house Australia’s first commercial Semiconductor Advanced Packaging Facility. The facility will give local businesses access to semiconductor packaging, microelectronics and precision manufacturing capabilities to support the commercialisation of Australian-developed technology. It will feature ISO 5 cleanroom laboratories supported by advanced microscopy, electronics, taping and dicing capabilities. The facility is intended to support developments in quantum computing, photonics, sensing, communications and medical technology. The new building will also include a second advanced manufacturing hall to expand the capabilities of the i...

Construcciones Yamaro: Architects’ peak body welcomes national data centre focus

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Australia’s data centre boom is gathering pace. (Image: TechNova Graphics/stock.adobe.com) The Australian Institute of Architects has welcomed the Federal Government’s recent announcement on AI , particularly its focus on greater national coordination of data centre development. The institute’s national president, David Wagner, said data centres require strategic planning from the outset because of their effects on energy networks, water supplies and surrounding communities. “If we get the planning right now, data centres can support economic growth while balancing the needs of communities, infrastructure and the environment,” said Wagner. Related stories: Data centre boom strains construction workforce Australia sets expectations for data centres and AI infrastructure Delivering high-performance data centres “We welcome the Federal Government’s acknowledgement that this needs a solid strategic framework and national coordination, and we look forward to working with the new O...

Construcciones Yamaro: Atlassian Central tops out

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Atlassian Central was designed by SHoP Architects and BVN Architecture. (Image: Dexus) Atlassian Central has reached its full structural height of more than 180 metres in Sydney, with its project partners describing it as the world’s tallest hybrid timber tower. The 39-storey development uses a hybrid structural system combining mass timber, steel and concrete. According to the project team, the tower is about 100 metres taller than Milwaukee’s 25-storey Ascent building – the previous record holder. Timber reduces the weight and embodied carbon of the structure, while steel and concrete provide strength and stability. The building also incorporates a four-storey ‘habitat’ structure, featuring natural materials, daylight, ventilation and spaces designed for work and collaboration. The project is targeting a 50 per cent reduction in upfront embodied carbon across its structure compared with a conventional premium commercial office tower. It is also targeting a 50 per cent improvement...

Construcciones Yamaro: Bechtel joins Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail project

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The proposed network would connect major cities along Australia’s east coast. (Image: Chalabala/stock.adobe.com) Bechtel has been appointed delivery partner for the development phase of the proposed Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail. The company will work with the High Speed Rail Authority as planning progresses for the project, which forms the first stage of a potential high-speed rail network connecting major cities along Australia’s east coast. According to the authority’s business case submission, the Newcastle to Sydney project could contribute $250 billion to the national economy and create up to 99,000 jobs. It is also expected to support housing development and improve access to employment and economic opportunities. Bechtel managing director of public infrastructure in Australia Dr Richard Freer said the company was proud to partner with the High Speed Rail Authority on the project. Related stories: Seven tenders released for High Speed Rail Newcastle to Sydney What ...