Project Overview
On March 9 in 1985, the Middleback Theatre was officially opened. In its 30 years the centre, run by Country Arts SA, has grown to incorporate a modern 210 seat cinema and the 478 seat theatre has been upgraded to accommodate Australian and international performances including ballet, drama, theatre and music. It is the cultural and artistic centre of Whyalla.
McMahon Services were engaged by Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure as the General Building Contractor to upgrade fire safety and mechanical services systems including new hydrants, fire main, detectors, fire resistant theatre curtain and fire doors, and installation of new air-conditioning system.
Scope of Work
Due to the ageing fire safety infrastructure and the slow failure of the mechanical ventilation system, the Department of Transport and Infrastructure awarded McMahon Services the contract to install improved systems and bring the services up to levels complaint with relevant regulations.
The scope of works under the contract primarily consisted of the upgrade of two systems;
Mechanical Ventilation System
Works required the complete demolition of the existing air-conditioning system and the supply and installation of an upgrade. The new system incorporated 3 new roof top package units, four split ducted single units, one general exhaust fan and motorised diffusers.
Fire Safety System
Fire Safety System works included the supply and installation of fire detection and alarm systems including a new Fire Indicator Panel, one new mimic panel, new sprinkler system. Upon completion of the installation works, the redundant system was removed.
Additional works for the fire system upgrade consisted of the provision of new 150mm fire service connection pipes, three new 100mm double head hydrant risers and a new 150mm booster cabinet. Ancillary works included the supply and installation or relocation of new emergency lighting, exit lights, pierlights and GPOs.
Roof Safety System
Included within the scope for the contract was the supply and installation of a roof safety access system comprising of 61m of walkway, 12m of guardrail and two mini ladders with grabrails and 1m landings.
General Building Works
Extensive building works were also required including removal and replacement of approx. 30m2 flush plasterboard ceiling, installation of four ceiling access hatches, construction of a hebel wall to the foyer (35m2) as well as any building works/penetrations associated with mechanical services.
McMahon Services also installed 12 replacement fire doors, eight replacement standard timber doors as well as the upgrading of various other doors hardware. To complete the upgrade McMahon Services supplied and installed a new fire-resistant Proscenium curtain.
Safety Performance
The project was completed with Zero medical treatment injuries and Zero Lost time injuries.
