The Eastern Tunnelling Package (ETP) demolition formed a key part of the NSW Government’s Sydney Metro West project, enabling a new metro rail connection between the Sydney CBD and Parramatta through the removal of multiple existing structures. The ETP demolition scope involved the removal of 17 structures across four CBD sites, representing one of the largest urban demolition programs undertaken in Australia. The works incorporated complex sequencing, large-scale hazardous materials remediation, and integration with future tunnelling and construction activities, while managing significant logistics, safety, and stakeholder demands within a live city environment. The scale and complexity of the project were unprecedented, with over 81,000m² of structures demolished across multiple sites, generating more than 70,000 tonnes of material while maintaining strict environmental, safety, and program requirements. The project required coordination of over 30 subcontractors, seven structural engineers, and extensive hazardous materials remediation, alongside tight CBD constraints, high workforce density, and complex logistics. Significant technical challenges included the demolition of structurally complex buildings such as 28 O’Connell Street, which featured suspended pre-stressed façades supported by ‘mega columns’ and required intricate temporary works, load transfers, and controlled sequencing. Additional complexity arose from the need to install tower cranes through basements, manage sensitive ground conditions above future tunnels, and deliver demolition concurrently with basement shoring and early construction works within a compressed program. MANN implemented highly engineered demolition methodologies supported by over 250 temporary works designs and extensive structural analysis. At 28 O’Connell Street, a bespoke propping system with over 1,500 props and 17,000 tonnes of support capacity was installed, combined with sequenced saw-cutting and controlled de-stressing to safely transfer loads and enable top-down demolition. Across all sites, demolition was tightly coordinated with concurrent activities, including the installation of basement retention systems through over 100 slab penetrations and 250 anchors, ensuring seamless progression into excavation works. Major logistical operations, such as the installation of two 80m tower cranes, were executed through carefully planned road closures, heavy lifting strategies, and detailed engineering assessments to manage ground loading across sensitive underground assets. MANN successfully delivered one of Australia’s largest and most complex urban demolition projects safely and on program, with no major incidents. The project achieved a 98.6% resource recovery rate and enabled immediate transition into tunnelling and construction works, providing significant time savings. Through technical leadership and strong stakeholder coordination, MANN set a new benchmark for large-scale, inner-city demolition delivery. “MANN were able to meet and exceed key safety, environmental and sustainability requirements including implementing initiatives to donate furniture to the project charity, reuse office furniture for JCG’s project office and divert more than 95 percent of waste from landfill to approved recycling facilities. ” – John Holland CPB Contractors Ghella Joint Venture Eastern Tunnelling Package
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