Woolworths Maryborough flooded on 26th January 2013, with waters engulfing the trading floor to a depth of 690mm. On 28th January, a second deluge further inundated the building, raising water levels to 590mm.

In February, we undertook an extensive clean-up, ahead of a remodel of the entire store. This significant transformation saw us strip the building down to its three external walls and roof structure. We then embarked on a meticulous revamp, encompassing floor levelling, fireproofing, new roofing, service trade installations, and laying the groundwork for all new building services. Subsequent stages involved intricate internal works, excavating for a new travelator pit in the front airlock and erecting the airlock structure.

To accelerate delivery, we began the refit before the drawings and work scope were finalised. Our team faced 168 design modifications during the build, demanding adept management and adaptability.

On a small footprint of only 800sqm, Woolworths Burleigh Heads features a small-format concept spanning two-levels with associated parking and café amenities. Engaged by the local developer, Higgins delivered the design and construction of this project, collaborating with Woolworths as the tenant.

Working within the constraints of a severely sloping site, we built the trading floor on the lower level, and the carpark at street level.

Being the third of its kind in Australia, this store required a unique construction approach, including a combination of blockwork, tilt panels and shotcrete. Unlike a regular Woolworths supermarket, the small-format concept didn't have a refined 'design brief kit'. Because of this, our team worked through many challenges relating to design, including the management of a new building application mid-program.

The expansion of Woolworths Kingscliff is one of the multiple projects Higgins has completed at the Kingscliff Shopping Centre. As part of the store extension, we upgraded and expanded the existing services, enhanced the preparation areas, constructed a new plant deck, and delivered a complete internal fit-out.

We delivered this upgrade one month ahead of schedule, working within a live supermarket environment while ensuring minimal disruption to operations. At our client’s request, we accelerated the construction of the trading floor and preparation areas, completing them four weeks earlier than originally planned.

This fast-tracked timeline presented unique challenges, not only due to the complex sequencing but also because we conducted the works in full view of customers. To ensure a safe and seamless shopping experience, we implemented enhanced cleaning protocols, increased on-site supervision, and maintained clear safety measures.

A robust communication strategy was central to our success, enabling seamless collaboration between SJH, the Woolworths construction department, and the store team. Through a highly coordinated approach, we achieved an ambitious milestone while upholding the standards expected by our client and their customers.