Heritage & Adaptive Reuse Across Sydney

9 October 2025

Building conservation is a highly specialised field of engineering, one that demands both technical precision and a deep respect for architectural legacy. Eckersley O’Callaghan’s engineers bring global expertise to the challenges of preserving, restoring and adapting heritage structures.

In Australia, our Sydney office is proud to be delivering a range of heritage and adaptive reuse projects. Each project represents a distinct heritage typology to ensure the engineering response aligns sensitively with architectural and cultural significance.

For the Northern Districts Cricket Club (NDCC) Pavilion at Mark Taylor Oval, we are providing structural engineering services from concept through to construction for the adaptive re-use and refurbishment of the existing building. Working in collaboration with Archer Office and Westbury Construction, the project will achieve a highly detailed two-storey upgrade that combines modern functionality with the character and form of the original structure.

Our work on projects such as Bank Street Park and the Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway further demonstrates how engineering can support transformation while retaining historical context.

For the development at Marrickville Timberyard, EOC provided structural engineering services to determine the feasibility of re-using the 80-year-old steel warehouse framing, with existing cladding removed, to become a sculptural centrepiece in the public domain precinct. Supporting Aileen Sage Architects and the Real Living Company (RLC) on the project, we also provided advice on the methodology and demolition phase.

Set to become the new heart of LQBTQIA+ culture, history and education, Qtopia Sydney will see the adaptive reuse of the building’s former home of Darlinghust Police Station. A new concrete and steel-framed extension is being added at the rear of the existing heritage building, along with a reconfiguration of the existing building’s layout. EOC conducted investigative studies on historical documents to collaborate with Archer Office on the best way to increase ground-floor level and enhance the museum space, while minimising intervention works to meet the requirements of our client, CreateNSW.

With every heritage project, Eckersley O’Callaghan approaches design with empathy, understanding the reasoning behind heritage considerations and ensuring that every intervention enhances the longevity, usability and integrity of the original structure.