Sydney Catholic & Anglican Schools

Delivering Integrated, People-First Solutions Across Multiple Educational Campuses

CORE has developed a strong and ongoing partnership with Sydney Catholic & Anglican Schools, delivering end-to-end engineering consultancy services across a number of primary and secondary education projects throughout Greater Sydney and regional New South Wales.

Our multi-disciplinary capabilities have supported the successful planning, design and delivery of projects at:

  • Holy Spirit Catholic College, Lakemba
  • St. Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Mortlake
  • St Michael’s Catholic Primary School, Meadowbank
  • Shellharbour Anglican College
  • St Aloysius College, Cronulla

These projects reflect our ability to respond to the complex and evolving needs of educational environments, delivering tailored solutions that prioritise safety, efficiency, and long-term value for students, educators, and administrators alike.

Our scope of services across these campuses has included electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, fire, civil, structural, and facade engineering. Each site presented unique challenges – from site constraints in dense urban settings to integration with existing infrastructure and staged construction around live school environments.

Through close collaboration with architects, project managers, and Sydney Catholic Schools’ planning teams, CORE ensured that all building services were designed to meet modern educational standards while supporting sustainability objectives, operational efficiency, and ease of long-term maintenance.

Engineering Educational Spaces for Performance and Longevity…

Educational environments require a people-first approach that goes beyond technical delivery. Considerations around student wellbeing, acoustic comfort, natural ventilation, lighting, and safety are central to our design philosophy.

Our ability to deliver coordinated, in-house consultancy services means fewer handovers, faster issue resolution and a more unified outcome that aligns with the school’s vision and values.

Whether designing for new learning spaces, administration buildings, or upgrades to essential infrastructure, CORE consistently provides thoughtful, responsive engineering solutions that support the holistic development of school communities.

Nan Tien Temple – Berkeley, NSW

CORE was engaged to provide multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy services for a highly sensitive and culturally significant project at the Nan Tien Temple – Australia’s largest Buddhist temple, located in Berkeley, near Wollongong.

Our scope included electrical, mechanical, civil, fire, façade, and structural engineering services, all delivered in support of the integration of a new lift system within the temple’s existing structure.

This upgrade was intended to enhance accessibility for worshippers and visitors, while ensuring minimal disruption to the function and integrity of the temple.

Timeline: 6 weeks – design

Mindful Integration Within a Living Place of Worship

Given the spiritual and cultural importance of Nan Tien Temple, our design approach was deeply respectful and mindful of the environment we were working within.

Faith-based buildings demand not only technical expertise but also a nuanced understanding of how engineering interventions affect the daily operation, acoustics, atmosphere, and visual harmony of the space.

The addition of the lift required significant coordination across all disciplines – structural adaptations to accommodate the lift shaft, re-routing of mechanical and electrical systems, and careful integration of fire safety requirements – all while preserving the aesthetic and spiritual ambience of the temple.

The project was completed under a fast-tracked design timeline, with CORE delivering a comprehensive and coordinated design package in a matter of weeks. This quick turnaround was achieved through close collaboration between our in-house teams, allowing us to anticipate service clashes early and propose efficient, buildable solutions.

By taking a people-first engineering approach, we ensured that our designs supported not only the functional upgrade of the facility but also the comfort, dignity, and spiritual experience of its users – reinforcing our commitment to engineering with empathy and precision in spaces that serve communities.

ISKCON Temple – North Sydney, NSW

CORE recently completed the design phase for a unique and culturally significant engineering consultancy project: the redevelopment of the ISKCON Hindu Temple at 180 Falcon Street, North Sydney.

Engaged by Potentia Group and ISKCON, our team was responsible for delivering comprehensive building services, including electrical, Level 3 electrical design, mechanical, hydraulic, fire, and vertical transport.

The new temple is set to replace the existing structure, spanning four basement levels and four above-ground levels in a highly visible location at the intersection of Miller and Falcon Streets.

Timeline

Spatials/Concepts – 2 months

Design – 6 months

Construction – TBC

Collaborative Design for Spiritually Significant Spaces 

Working on a place of worship requires a thoughtful, collaborative approach that balances technical excellence with a deep respect for cultural and functional needs.

The Hindu temple presented unique challenges, particularly in ensuring that all services complemented the architectural vision and the sacred function of the space. For instance, the large, open-plan worship areas required innovative
ventilation solutions that preserved the spatial openness while achieving comfort and efficiency.

Our team designed a series of vertical risers extending to the roof level – an intensive process that involved iterative design coordination and detailed spatial planning. Over a two-month spatial and conceptual design phase, followed by
six months of detailed design, we worked closely with the project architect, a sustainability engineer, and the town planner to ensure full integration of all building systems.

This coordination was crucial in a development where aesthetics, spiritual significance, and community use had to be sensitively considered alongside compliance and technical performance. CORE’s capacity to deliver a full suite of services under one roof streamlined communication and enhanced the outcome for the client – ensuring that the final design is not only technically robust but also reflects the temple’s cultural importance and community role.

‘Uniting Bramley’ Aged Care Village, Beecroft, NSW

Situated in leafy Beecroft, Uniting Bramley is favoured amongst locals for its location – just moments from Beecroft Place shopping centre and Beecroft train station, it is perfect for those needing to downsize.

CORE has been engaged to provide electrical, fire, hydraulic and structural engineering consultancy services pertaining to Uniting Bramley’s aged care village. The village consists of 46, 2-bedroom aged care residences that are spread across three low-rise buildings.

The scope of work will see significant upgrades and modernisation carried out to existing buildings with the objective of optimising usable space and delivering on end-users changing requirements.

Working closely with the architect, AI Design, the CORE team are tasked with assessing existing assets and preparing a recommendation that supports the Client’s vision, timelines and budget. We are also facilitating DA lodgment with Hornsby Council.

Our MEPF and Structures divisions are working closely to provide a design that enhances Uniting Bramley’s residences with tenant comfort and experience in mind. We are also providing rectification solutions to improve elements of the original design to ensure these locations reflect and align with proposed modern additions.

Timeline

Currently undergoing design (3 – 6 month estimate)

‘Anthem Care’ Residential Aged Care, Hornsby, NSW

CORE were initially contacted by Blissett Group to provide pre-engagement advice regarding a new residential aged care development in Hornsby. During this period, our team collaborated with both the Client as well as their preferred local and international suppliers to determine optimal construction methods.

Testament to our quality advice and having gained a strong understanding of Client objectives, CORE was formally engaged to deliver design services from concept to completion across all major disciplines: mechanical, electrical, fire, hydraulic, facades, structures.

Timeline

Our team is currently undergoing design for the 12-storey aged care facility with commercial tenants and assisted living units. We estimate a 6 – 9 month completion timeframe for design.

A Welcome Addition to Hornsby’s Community Hub

Located in the middle of the Pacific Highway and adjacent to Hornsby station and key community sites such as Hornsby Westfield, Anthem Care’s new facility is a welcome addition to Hornsby’s community hub.

This project is a great example of what CORE does best – showcasing our ability to deliver 360-degree engineering solutions via our in-house team of experts, providing seamless project coordination of multi-disciplinary services and all bolstered by exceptional communication.

CORE are committed to delivering on the Client’s vision, with superior engineering and Client experience at the helm of our offering.

Electrical – Switchboard Reviews & Upgrades

Our Expertise

CORE has been delivering switchboard upgrade consultancy services for an array of long-term partner portfolios such as: City of Sydney, MBM, Investa and AMP Capital and has also supported electrical upgrades for a broad host of clients across several industries and sectors.

Our team has extensive technical experience and an intimate understanding of the integration between the main switchboard (MSB) and other interfacing electrical elements and building services. Known for our expertise in existing buildings, our team have successfully implemented MSB upgrades for buildings of various ages and at different stages of their lifecycle for compliance and capacity purposes.

Our approach to all MSB upgrades is to ensure our recommendations align with future building plans, seeing us offer long-term value and MSB solutions that support each asset’s requirements for years to come.

Imperative to providing our clients with customised and cost-efficient solutions, CORE has developed a strong understanding of the extensive MSB and distribution board market and its suppliers.

From evaluating your building’s requirements through to sourcing optimal equipment and managing upgrade works all the way to completion, our engineers deliver a robust solution to switchboard upgrades.

Some of our most recent switchboard upgrades include:

  • Coronation Hotel – Park St, Sydney
  • 9 The Crescent – Annandale, Sydney
  • Bay St Depot – Ultimo, Sydney
  • Victoria Park Pool – Camperdown, Sydney
  • SDN Surry Hills Long Day Care Centre – Surry Hills, Sydney
  • Reginald Murphy Activity Club – Elizabeth Bay, Sydney
  • Rex Community Centre – Elizabeth Bay, Sydney


MSB Impact on Building Safety and Performance…

It’s important to know the age and condition of your main switchboard along with any supplementary distribution boards powering your building to ensure they comply with current BCA standards.

Non-compliant MSBs can restrict accessibility, limit the ability to carry out maintenance services and can also pose a significant safety hazard to users – carrying serious risks such as electrocution, particularly when the expected lifespan for circuit breakers is reached or close to expiry.

Switchboards that are newer to the market are equipped with ‘earth leakage detection’ safety mechanisms, enabling minor current leaks to be detected and trapping the circuit immediately.

When not upgraded, the MSB can also damage cables and other distribution boards having a costly, flow-on effect to other electrical components and in turn, impacting a building’s overall performance – an issue that can be managed and avoided.

When was your building’s last switchboard review?

It is recommended that an electrical assessment, visual inspection and subsequent report be completed every 5 years. This is especially important prior to any building services upgrades/maintenance being implemented as the impact on the MSB must be considered.

Approximately a 1-day engagement for inspection and reporting, CORE conducts visual evaluations of an asset’s electricals including but not limited to: power, lights and switchboards – evaluating their expected lifespan and notifying
Building Managers of all findings and any identified defects. A report is then provided, detailing item prioritisation and recommendations with indicative costs and information on whether further testing is needed to verify potential defects.

For what is a critical piece of infrastructure, that is often overlooked for inspection and maintenance, the switchboard inspection and testing process is a relatively quick, low-cost exercise that can prevent future faults or problems, and ensure your building and its people are well protected.

Investa: NSW, VIC, QLD Portfolio

Our Partnership

CORE has delivered facade auditing and fire consulting services for Investa’s NSW, VIC and QLD portfolio of 21 assets for more than 10 years.

As Investa’s base building consultants, our team has gained an intimate knowledge of each building as well as a strong understanding of the operational and compliance excellence expected of Investa’s suppliers, along with their key drivers of success.

Achieving 100% Compliance with Inspection and Legislative Requirements, Codes and Authorities.

Working in close collaboration with the Investa management team, and in accordance with all state requirements, CORE has successfully delivered a national program of facade inspections and management of identified defects achieving and maintaining 100% compliance with Investa’s inspection requirements.

Our development and management of Investa’s fire compliance and certification process has seen CORE create a bespoke model that is well above industry standard and is reflective of the unique service requirements of Investa. This model continues to strengthen and evolve as we aim to deliver an efficient, sustainable and customised fire consulting services for Investa for years to come.

The People Behind the Buildings…

Paramount to our partnership’s success is CORE and Investa’s mutual commitment to effective communication and nurturing relationships throughout all streams of engagement.

With dedicated Site Managers and State Managers assigned to each location, CORE facilitates a personal, consistent and streamlined communication experience for both parties an approach that is supported by our operational processes and systems.

We understand the importance and value of clear, accountable communication flows and believe this to be one of the most critical components of what we deliver.

Experts in Existing Buildings.

Heavily integrated with other major disciplines, facades and building services play a significant role in determining the overall value, performance, safety and sustainability of a building.

CORE’s multi-disciplinary teamwork means we differentiate in facade excellence – delivering continuous improvement and setting new benchmarks in the industry.

More than 70% of CORE’s business is in existing buildings.

Our team are experts in this field – acutely aware of the challenges and constraints that arise throughout the building lifecycle and equipped to provide solutions that minimise tenant disruption whilst offering the safest, most efficient
and cost-effective outcomes.

It is our choice to only work with select clients to manage their premium building portfolios via our bespoke methodology and boutique client service. This approach enables us to deliver and uphold a high-quality, turn-key solution that
encompasses both technical engineering and project management practises seeing us take on all administrative, technical and cost analysis responsibilities so that our clients can focus on servicing their tenants.

Being at the forefront of the industry for compliance management – we’re always keeping commercial and regulatory requirements top of mind and working closely with clients to navigate and deliver in alignment with the ever-changing
compliance environment.

City of Sydney, NSW Portfolio

Our Partnership

Since 2019, CORE has been proudly appointed by MBM as City of Sydney’s partner of choice for the delivery of multi- disciplinary, technical engineering services across a portfolio of 125 assets.

An Array of Prominent, Flagship Locations that Shape the City of Sydney…

  • Town Halls
  • Aquatic Centres
  • Community Centres
  • Childcare Centres
  • Libraries
  • Leisure & Entertainment Venues
  • Commercial Offices
  • Industrial Warehouses

Experts in Existing Buildings, Delivering Turn-Key, Multi- Disciplinary Engineering Solutions.

Our dedicated CORE team are responsible for the provision of:

  • Technical due diligence investigations and reporting
  • Facade inspection services
  • Condition reporting
  • Feasibility studies
  • Design and specification
  • Construction services
  • Building safety upgrades
  • Fitouts / refurbishment projects
  • CAPEX projects
  • Certification

Leading with a ‘People-First’ Approach and an Unwavering Commitment to Operational Excellence.

Operating as a true extension to the City of Sydney team, CORE places a strong focus on the simultaneous delivery of high-quality engineering and exceptional customer service.

Working with a diverse group of stakeholders – from Facilities Managers, engineering and project management divisions, the sustainability team, through to tenants themselves, we pride ourselves on delivering a customised approach
and handling each interaction with care.

Communication, flexibility, a high level of responsiveness and the commitment to addressing priority items with urgency are integral to our approach.

Managing the unique, ever-changing requirements of each asset, City of Sydney’s diverse portfolio has required an intimate understanding of existing buildings and their lifecycle, along with experience in navigating the sensitivities
and intricacies of government requirements.

In addition to governance and regulatory obligations, historic value, cost and sustainability requirements, risk management and impact on end-users are always carefully considered to ensure the delivery of exceptional engineering
solutions and long-term value for our client.

As we continue our work with City of Sydney, we look forward to increasing our knowledge of their buildings and seeing them flourish within the community.

Next Practice Medical Centre, 20 Bridge St, Sydney, NSW

Next Practice Health aims to deliver a new level of healthcare, offering the very best in medical services and facilities in a modern, reimagined setting that has patient experience at the very heart of its vision.

With a mission to continually innovate the healthcare journey and extend services into Sydney’s CBD, Next Practice prepared to transform a prior office space at 20 Bridge St into what is now best described as a ‘clinic of the future’.

Timeline

8 weeks – design
10 months – construction

Engineering ‘Clinics of the Future’

Having strong experience in the Healthcare sector and in delivering high-end solutions for complex, live environments, CORE was engaged to deliver a 360 multi-disciplinary fitout solution that included the following engineering consultancy services:

  • Mechanical
  • Electrical
  • Hydraulic
  • Fire
  • Structural

Working closely with Next Practice to bring the client’s vision to reality, the CORE team engineered a meticulous combination of design and functionality for the space. Beyond a standard fitout, the project required several points of coordination and intrusion with base building services. Electrical requirements were unique for lighting and equipment specification for mechanical services was critical to achieving the client’s clinical ‘consulting pod’ concept.

Paramount to the project’s success, our team’s strong level of coordination, exceptional attention to detail and focus on collaboration and communication with key stakeholders has positioned CORE as the preferred partner for Next Practice Health’s national portfolio of clinics.

One Sydney Harbour – Watermans Quay, Barangaroo, NSW

Featuring three striking residential towers (Residences One, Two and Watermans Residences) designed by Pritzker Prize winning master architect Renzo Piano in collaboration with Lendlease, One Sydney Harbour is the final piece of Barangaroo South’s transformation.

Our team’s strong relationship with Lendlease over the years, combined with our expert knowledge in BIM coordination and REVIT modelling, saw CORE selected as a partner of choice for the design of Electrical Vehicle (EV) infrastructure spanning 4 luxury car park levels at this impressive location.

Timeline

3 months – design development
2023 – scheduled installation

EV Charging Stations: the answer to future mobility

Being the last building services design component for One Sydney Harbour, it was imperative that all existing services were considered and integrated into our proposed EV infrastructure solution, with impeccable coordination one of the key
drivers of success.

Boasting a total capacity of 844 car spaces across 4 levels, CORE thoughtfully designed a 2400 Amps supply solution that allows for the installation of a charging station at each car bay supported by a strategically specified load management system that secures and maintains electrical services whilst managing energy consumption.

A solution that future proofs requirements in line with Government predictions that foresee 50% of new car sales being electric by 2030.

Accurate 3D modelling (LOD400) was a critical component of this project as upon completion, all building services management and maintenance schedules will be carried out via a 3D management system.

It has been an honour to apply our expertise to a project of this stature and most importantly, to design electrical infrastructure in support of an eco-friendly approach to future mobility.