Macquarie University Central Courtyard Redevelopment
- Acoustics
- Electrical Engineering
- Hydraulic & Fire
- Mechanical Engineering
- Sustainability
Partnership
Northrop partnered with Lahey Constructions and the broader design team to deliver structural and sustainability services for the Wiigulga Sports Complex. Engaged during the tender phase, our early involvement enabled us to identify key value engineering opportunities while contributing to the project’s sustainability goals. Working alongside Populous and APP Corporation, we ensured our design advice supported the delivery of a high-performance, inclusive community facility aligned with long-term environmental and operational outcomes.
Project
Wiigulga Sports Complex is a regional community facility located in Woolgoolga, designed to support sport, performance, and cultural events. The precinct includes indoor courts, multipurpose rooms, a stage, café, and playing fields for a range of sporting codes. Northrop provided structural engineering and Green Star advisory services, working closely with the project team to deliver a robust, functional, and sustainable development that reflects the diversity and aspirations of the community.
Delivery
Northrop was engaged by Lahey Constructions to provide structural and sustainability services for the Wiigulga Sports Complex. Our structural team reviewed the tender documentation and developed alternate framing schemes that reduced structural steel tonnage by approximately 90 tonnes (a 35% saving), contributing to a more efficient and cost-effective outcome. In parallel, we provided Green Star advisory services to help guide sustainability decisions in line with Council objectives. Our role included advice on material selection, operational energy considerations, and overall design alignment with Green Star principles. Throughout the project, we worked collaboratively with the builder, architect, and project manager to ensure that our solutions integrated seamlessly with the broader design intent and community outcomes. Our contributions helped support the delivery of a durable, efficient, and high-performing facility for the North Coast region.
Impact
The Wiigulga Sports Complex delivers a lasting community legacy for Woolgoolga and the broader Northern Coast region. With a focus on inclusivity, cultural identity, and active living, the facility supports a diverse range of users and activities. Northrop’s structural and sustainability services helped shape a high-performing, future-ready development. Our structural redesign reduced embodied carbon and improved buildability, while our Green Star advisory role supported environmentally responsible decision-making from design through to delivery. The result is a flexible, resilient facility that reflects best-practice engineering and a strong commitment to long-term community benefit.
Photos supplied by Lindsay Moller Productions
Related Projects
Everleigh AFL Clubhouse
- Civil
- Structural
St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School Sports Precinct
- Civil
- Structural
Bonython Tower
- Civil
- Structural