Project: Melbourne Central Tower
Communications Antenna Masts
Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Client: Lewis Constructions Pty Ltd

Contract Value: AUD$1.1M

The two Melbourne Central Tower communication antenna masts stand 254 metres above ground level and form a very prominent part of the $1.5B Melbourne Central Development.  This project involved the manufacture of two steel antennae, followed by erection of each from level 53 of the tower structure.  Each antenna weighs 35 tonnes and comprises of five sections giving an overall length of 55 metres.  Project management of this work was undertaken by personnel who have since joined the KLJ Consulting Group.

Fabrication of the antennae was quite complex and required specialist techniques due to the materials used and their configuration.  The masts are constructed entirely from large bore steel pipe, configured in a triangular cross section tapering through two transitions from 6 metre sides at the base, to 1 metre sides at the top.

The size of the antenna sections presented a challenge both in their transport to the site and in their erection.  Local government restrictions required delivery of each section into the Melbourne CBD before 6am.  Sections were required to be lifted from street level before 7am in order to avoid any disruption to normal city business.  A small dedicated crew of four personnel completed the erection of each mast section on top of the Melbourne Central structure within an eight hour period.