JAMES COOK UNIVERSTIY, WESTERN CAMPUS
Snapshot
In 2024, DEMEX was appointed principal contractor by James Cook University (JCU) to undertake large-scale demolition works on the university’s Western Campus in Townsville. The project involved the removal of 16 multi-storey buildings in varying states of deterioration, many of which contained asbestos and presented additional challenges due to environmental and wildlife conditions. The works supported a major site redevelopment initiative while ensuring safety, sustainability, and minimal disruption to the live campus environment.
Project Role
Principal Contractor
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Project Scope
DEMEX completed the full demolition of structures, slabs, footings, carparks, and underground services. Works were conducted in two zones separated by an operational children’s daycare centre and required the safe mobilisation of machinery and personnel from Brisbane to Townsville. Asbestos removal, internal strip-out, demolition, and remediation were coordinated in alignment with JCU’s strict health, safety, and environmental guidelines. Collaboration with an environmental consultant ensured demolition timing aligned with wildlife protections, including daily inspections for bat populations.
Project Highlights
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Demolition in a live tertiary environment, with strict planning to avoid disruption to over 17,000 students and staff, particularly near an operational daycare centre with restricted access.
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Proactive environmental management, including daily pre-dawn bat inspections and sediment control to protect surrounding areas.
- Extreme weather resilience, with works delivered during peak cyclone season and under high heat and humidity, requiring fatigue management strategies and program flexibility.
- Adaptive asbestos management, with on-site adjustments made in collaboration with JCU and hygienists to accommodate discrepancies in initial contamination reports.
- Preservation of cultural heritage, supporting JCU in safely removing and relocating a culturally significant mural to retain campus history.
- Remote project execution, with successful mobilisation of teams and heavy equipment over 1,300km, demonstrating DEMEX’s logistical and operational capability in regional settings.
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