About
What We Do
We drive the built world forward through rewarding construction journeys, where the process is enjoyable for all. That's our purpose, our promise and our legacy.
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Quick Facts
Annual Turnover
$300M
Project Range
$1M – $150M
Repeat Work
84%
Why we do it
There’s nothing quite like looking at a finished building and reflecting on the great partnerships that made it be. We’re driven by the challenge and reward each project offers as well as the relationships we build along the way.
We know construction is a complex process, so we’ve made it our mission to ensure our project partners enjoy the design and build journey as much as we do.
Capabilities
We’re built for versatility with the tools to deliver across all construction sectors.
CONSTRUCTION TYPE
New Construction
From medical facilities to mining infrastructure, schools, supermarkets or seniors communities, Higgins delivers.
Our experience covers new projects on greenfield sites, and redevelopments or new extensions to brownfield sites.
We can assist through the entire project lifecycle, including council permits and applications, authority works, design, procurement, and project delivery.
We plan and build with pace, with knowledge in accelerating works and reducing timeframes.
Refurbishment
Our portfolio is filled with complex refurbishment and modernisation projects with scopes spanning demolition, base build and interior fitout. We carry out 90% of these contracts in live environments, from multi-storey hospitals to confined school campuses, busy shopping centres or a home to 100 aged care residents.
Our expertise in programming, decanting and staging strategies, risk management, and cost control, ensures a smooth delivery with safety as the highest priority. When the unknown unfolds, our team is hands on, working collaboratively to adapt, resolve and push ahead.
We can execute multi-scope and multi-site programs such as the Government’s Building Education Revolution (BER) Scheme or the Coles ‘Project One’ national refurbishment program.
Heritage
Working within Heritage listed buildings requires a delicate approach. We understand the intricacies, parameters and processes involved with this kind of construction.
We’re experienced in working with Heritage authorities and principal design teams, with an established network of specialist consultant partners.
The chance to continue a building’s legacy through adaptive reuse is highly rewarding, whether the objective is to meet contemporary needs or engage a new group of end users.
Cladding Rectification
Our group is a specialist in cladding rectification works, trusted by Cladding Safety Victoria. Through an end-to-end design and construction service we lead the investigations, reports, permits, design, communications plans and delivery methods with our specialist consultant partners.
We’ve helped a range of organisations make their buildings safer, including retailers, schools, aged care providers and commercial tenants.
From Our Clients
“
The satisfaction of the Client has always been apparent when working with SJ Higgins. Their quality of workmanship and proactive approach is second-to-none.
IAN SMITH
PROJECT MANAGER, STOCKLAND
PROJECT: +10 PROJECTS
“
SJ Higgins Group’s attention to detail, quality craftsmanship, and ability to manage the construction process has been invaluable. Your team has done a wonderful job in understanding the project’s objectives and communicated the requirements and concerns with honesty, working with the entire team to address every single issue.
SHADI MARSHALL
PROJECT MANAGER, THE APP GROUP (FORMER)
PROJECT: DROMANA PRIMARY SCHOOL
“
The project has been completed on time and within our reasonably tight budget. The construction component of this project has been managed very professionally, with great technical knowledge and always with a respectful understanding of the needs of Seymour Health.
Chris McDonnel
Chief Executive Officer, Seymour Health
PROJECT: SEYMOUR DISTRACT HOSPITAL, RENAL ONCOLOGY EXTENSION
“
SJ Higgins has been the construction contractor for three major development projects at Mayflower Brighton spanning a period of eight years. We have found them to be a firm that has a strong customer focus and delivers a high quality product.
ROSA GINEVRA
CHIEF EXECUTIVE, MAYFLOWER GROUP (FORMER)
PROJECT: MAYFLOWER BRIGHTON (STAGES 1-3)
“
Construction within a school can be challenging and this was the largest undertaking the school has embarked on to date. To have SJ Higgins Builders partner with us in bringing this project to fruition has been wonderful. This is due to the pride and professionalism you, as Builders, have taken throughout this challenging project.
SHOLTO BOWEN OAM
PRINCIPAL, HUNTINGTOWER SCHOOL
PROJECT: HUNTINGTOWER SCHOOL PAC
Key Partners
We strive to be recognised as a trusted construction partner – a dependable choice for our clients. Key relationships are at the core of our business. They extend many years and many projects.
History
From humble beginnings to a national presence, Higgins has navigated many market hurdles to emerge stronger today.
As we reflect on four decades of quality construction, we credit the resilience of our leaders, the dedication of our team and the support of our valued partners.
Some Key Moments
Higgins was born! Our founding Director, Steve Higgins, established a project management company, SJ Higgins Pty Ltd in January. Some of our earliest projects include the Ultimate Sporting Club in South Yarra, Victoria Private Hospital (40-bed) and the Dendy Plaza Complex in Brighton.
1980
Ewen McPherson was appointed as Director in June. During the year, SJH commenced seven projects, which included a private residence in Hawthorn, an apartment complex in South Yarra (14 Motherwell Street), a factory renovation, an extension to a retirement living complex and new offices at 614 Hawthorn Road, East Brighton.
As an Non-Executive Director and our longest serving team member, Ewen continues to contribute to SJH's future trajectory and strategic initiatives.
1984
SJH ventured into property development, as part owners of three retirement villages, which we later built. During this endeavour, we were struck by the '90s recession, which sent interest rates soaring and put our developments in serious trouble. Through careful management and re-financing, we were able to successfully construct approx. 400 independent living units over the next decade. These seniors living communities continue to operate today.
1986
Bruce Turnbull joined the partnership in December. Under the leadership of Steve, Ewen and Bruce, our group grew significantly in capability, through countless successful projects to development ventures to the signing of our initial EBA agreement and eventually, executing national contracts with leading developers.
Here’s a rare snap of the trio together, taken during a time when SJH was celebrating 38 projects in just four years of operation.
1988
This was also the year SJH won the tender to refurbish the iconic Windsor Hotel in Melbourne. This turned out to be the first stage of many and we eventually renovated every room within the hotel over a number of years.
1987-1995
SJH reached new heights! We completed our first multi-storey project, 2-8 Wellington Parade, which is still standing strong in East Melbourne.
1989
We built a new office building for the United Meatworkers Union at 62 Lygon Street, Carlton. What was so special about this project? It saw the first Higgins tower crane embrace the Melbourne skyline.
1991
Here's an old write up on the new Toyota & Lexus in Brighton, constructed by SJH. This intricate build, managed by Peter Baldwin, was one of our early award-winning projects and one that we're still very proud of. While not a Director, Peter was an important part of SJH's growth during this decade.
2001
Remaining close to our Bayside roots, SJH-VIC moved into our current Melbourne office, 348 South Road in East Hampton.
2002
SJH secured the $106M Coles 'Project One' contract.
As the sole builder, from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, we refurbished 69 supermarkets all over Australia. In just three, years we expanded our retail portfolio by over 500% and acquired valuable expertise in managing many sites concurrently. Following this program, we delivered another 90 projects for Coles.
2003-2006
Peter Sandys and Carl Scavo joined our Director group. Starting with SJH in 2004, Peter led our financial operations and played a major role in our continued growth. Carl joined SJH in 1995 after graduating University and has been heavily involved in our new business department, bringing expertise in cost management, design development, and contract negotiation. Carl continues to lead our pre-construction division in Victoria.
2008
Hello sunshine state! Whilst SJH had been delivering projects in Queensland for some time as SJ Higgins Constructions Pty Ltd (registered in 2005), this was the year we established our first office in Acacia Ridge. Nick Raselli played a key role in this expansion, relocating from Melbourne to Brisbane to lead our growing team.
2009
As part of the Building Education Revolution (BER) program, we delivered over 74 school projects across Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. Over three years, our teams in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne efficiently managed multiple sites at once, enhancing educational infrastructure across many regions.
2009-2014
SJH diversified into the mining sector. The first of our projects included infrastructure expansions at Burton Coal Mine in the Bowen Basin and Lake Vermont Mine in Dysart. We then developed a key partnership with Liebherr Australia and delivered other industrial projects across WA.
2012
Nick Raselli joined our Director Group. Starting as an SJH Building Cadet during University in 2000, he has progressed through many roles, including Site Labourer, Project Manager, Business Development Manager and Operations Manager. As Director, Nick continues to oversee all SJH-QLD operations whilst managing the group’s national retail client base and leading strategic marketing initiatives.
2013
Ken De Souza joined our Director group. After eight years with SJH as a Senior Project Manager, Ken leads our construction division in Victoria. He has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, enhancing our capability to execute highly complex projects, particularly in the health, education and seniors living sectors.
2016
Higgins celebrated 40 years in business, a significant milestone that saw us change up our look with a celebratory campaign. This year we took a moment to thank all our clients, consultants, subcontractors, industry partners and importantly, SJH team members. Without their contribution our achievements would not have been possible.
2020
Higgins moved into Metroplex. To accommodate our growing team, SJH-QLD found a new Brisbane home under the Gateway Bridge.
2022
Terry Binyon joins our Director group. From Senior Project Manager to Construction Manager, Terry continues to lead our Victorian construction division as a Higgins partner.
2024
We may look a little different to our days of the red 'H', but the core values of our company remain unchanged. Whether you refer to us as SJ Higgins, Higgins, SJ's, or SJH (we've acquired a few nicknames in our +40 years), you can rely on us to provide quality service in design and construction. As Higgins approaches 50 years in operation, we continue to build on our strong reputation.