140 William Street

Another Australian icon has recently undergone a Higgins facelift though you’re unlikely to hear about this one in a sporting magazine or tourist brochure; architects on the other hand would gladly discuss its place in history ad infinitum.

140 William Street was designed by Yuncken Freeman, Skidmore Ownings & Merril (also associated with that other Melbourne landmark the Sidney Myer Music Bowl) and constructed as BHP House over 5 years from 1967. At 152m it was at the time the highest structure in Melbourne now eclipsed by the Eureka Tower at around twice the height.

Still, 41 floors is a long way up and as a high risk project for Higgins Coatings, OH&S procedures long established and constantly updated were incorporated to ensure maximum safety over a 6 week repainting process.

Registered with Heritage Victoria and the National Trust, this soaring steel and glass sculptural building at the heart of the financial/legal district required the Higgins team supervised by Derek Stephens to access the exterior of the edifice via massive swinging stage.

Managed by Ben Manning and Neil Bewley, client REST Superannuation completed regular inspections and was happy with the progress and outcomes. 

Division: Repaint
Region: VIC
Customer: HSB Consulting Pty Ltd