The work is piling on at the Ipswich CBD redevelopment.
About 50 workers from Hutchinson Builders are on site, with another 150 expected by the start of 2020.
And the first signs of the “heavy lifting” have begun with a large piling rig moving in to begin the groundwork for the Ipswich Central Library, civic space and Ipswich City Council Administration Building.
Workers started on the foundations for the admin building this week. This phase of work includes the drilling and installation of piles and is expected to take eight weeks.
Hutchinson Builders have alerted nearby businesses and residents that their peace might be disturbed in the short term with some noise from the pile driving.
More than 130 holes will be drilled to a depth of 12-15m, with a 0.75m diameter.
When the holes have been drilled to the correct depth, they will be cleared of any existing underground water and air, reinforced with steel and then filled with fresh concrete to create the new piles.
Once the new piles are in place, a fresh foundation slab will be laid before work commences to build the upper floors.
Other recent activities at the site have included:
• Driveway connection to Bremer Street completed, including boom gates
• Worker amenities completed at carpark, Bell Street
• Building approval received for basement levels and demolition
• Library roofing removal commenced
• Access to carpark lift has been reconfigured
Power will be shut down Thursday night (10pm-5am) to enable demolition work in some areas.
A footpath along Brisbane Street at the top of Nicholas Street will be diverted while paving is completed.
