Bonython Tower | Northrop

Direct Client John Singleton Group
Developer John Singleton Group
Architect CKDS Architecture
Builder Stevens Construction
Sectors
- Commercial & Fitout (inc retail)
- Hotels and Hospitality
- Residential, Student Accommodation & BTR
Services
- Civil
- Structural
Value $40M
Year 2019
Location Gosford, NSW

Last Project
Next Project

Partnership

Northrop and the John Singleton Group have worked on many development projects together, noting that Bonython Tower was the very first one, paving the way for a trusted partnership over time.

Project

Bonython Tower is a 14-storey mixed-use development comprising 1,200 square meters of commercial space, 56 boutique apartments, and two luxury penthouses. This project marked John Singleton’s first major development in Gosford, aimed at igniting the redevelopment of the Gosford CBD. The main challenge was managing complex ground conditions, including a soft ground profile and a high groundwater table. These challenges prompted a redesign of the building, driven by our idea of deleting the basement and moving the car park to level 3, which ultimately helped reduce construction costs significantly.

Delivery

Initially, our role was to provide a concept structural design, which we developed to an advanced stage to enable accurate pricing of the project. It became clear that the project was not feasible within the proposed budget which led to Northrop presenting an alternative solution that relocated the car parking from the basement to the third level via a new car lift. This change proved to be a game changer, making the project financially viable and allowing for its successful completion.
In the structural design, the project featured post-tensioned slabs, a standard concrete frame column structure, and precast concrete in areas where construction was near the boundary. Civil engineering challenges arose, particularly with stormwater management, due to the high groundwater table. In addition to the building occupying the entire site area, addressing these challenges was crucial to the overall design and construction process.

Impact

Bonython Tower played a pivotal role in kickstarting the redevelopment of Gosford. By investing his own funds into a high-quality residential and commercial development in the CBD, John Singleton set a benchmark for other developers. At the time, it was the tallest building in Gosford, and while it has since been surpassed, this only underscores the success of the development.
The project had a lasting impact on both the client and the community, providing a modern, upscale space that drew attention to the potential of the area. The development also contributed to revitalizing the local economy by attracting new businesses and residents.
“We’re incredibly proud of this project. It was a significant demonstration of the value we, as engineers, can bring to a development, one that may never have come to life without our involvement”, said Trevor Clack, Northrop Central Coast Local Leader.