FDC Construction & Fitout has completed Ascent on Bourke, a multi-storey warehousing and office facility in Sydney for Charter Hall. Located at the intersection of Gardeners and Bourke Roads, the development addresses demand for efficient, sustainable industrial spaces in a constrained market.
Spanning over 30,000 square metres across three levels, Ascent on Bourke introduces vertical warehousing solutions with high-clearance space featuring 9m floor-to-floor heights. Designed to support high racking loads of up to six tonnes, the facility accommodates semi and B-double truck configurations. It also includes 5,000 square metres of office space, with Schindler Lifts Australia and Coles Group among its future tenants.
Proximity to the CBD, Sydney Airport, Port Botany and the M8 motorway enhances connectivity for last-mile logistics, supporting the growing demand for rapid delivery services.
Delivering a multi-level industrial facility on a constrained site required innovative engineering. With in-ground services limiting buildable space, FDC cantilevered Levels 1 and 2 over the ground floor, integrating 1,200mm deep structural beams to ensure stability. Due to the high 20kPa live load on Level 1, conventional connections were unsuitable, prompting a custom design where beams passed through columns, which were later fabricated around them. This solution managed strength requirements, expected floor deflections and heavy precast façade loads.
Given the project’s scale, FDC produced over 10,800 shop drawings for structural steel, ensuring precise integration with other building materials. Careful coordination between construction disciplines helped maintain efficiency and minimise conflicts.
Related stories:
- FDC signs Simpel to optimise worksite operations
- FDC Construction awarded $350 million Sydney data centre project
- National construction excellence honoured at 2024 awards
The site’s high-traffic location and boundary-to-boundary footprint presented logistical challenges. With no external staging zones, FDC adopted a phased approach, constructing the outer structure first and infilling the central zone last. A full-time logistics manager coordinated heavy vehicle movements to avoid disruptions to surrounding roadways and businesses.
“Our FDC team is proud to have worked alongside our long-term partner, Charter Hall to bring the Ascent on Bourke project to life, connecting Australian businesses with access to warehousing facilities in a key metro area to meet evolving customer expectations,” said Russell Grady, managing director of FDC.
“Spearheading this project demanded innovative thinking, leading expertise and collaboration at every stage. From engineering complex load-bearing structures, to incorporating cutting-edge technology for tenant operations, we’re proud to have delivered a facility that sets new benchmarks for urban warehousing.”
Ascent on Bourke is targeting a 5 Star Green Star – Design & As-Built rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. Sustainability features include a 300kW solar installation, rainwater harvesting, deep soil landscaping, low-VOC finishes for improved indoor air quality, and end-of-trip facilities to encourage green travel.
