Client

Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ)

Location

Sydney

Background

The heritage-listed Downing Centre and John Maddison Tower are among NSW's largest and most complex justice facilities. DCJ required accurate, up-to-date spatial information to support planned refurbishments, future upgrades and ongoing asset management. NSW Public Works was engaged to create a comprehensive digital record of the precinct, providing reliable as-built information to inform planning, maintenance and lifecycle management while supporting the continued operation of essential justice services.

Our role

NSW Public Works partnered with DCJ to develop a detailed digital representation of the Downing Centre precinct and John Maddison Tower. Following the initial client brief, NSW Public Works prepared a comprehensive reverse brief that clearly defined the project methodology, accuracy requirements, delivery formats and quality assurance processes. This proactive approach ensured alignment between project objectives and delivery outcomes from the outset.

The team coordinated specialist survey and digital engineering services to capture the precinct using high-resolution 3D laser scanning, survey control networks, BIM-ready Revit modelling, 360-degree walkthrough photography and targeted ceiling scans. A strategic sequencing and coordination approach was required due to the operational nature of the justice facilities. Spatial capture activities were undertaken both outside normal operating hours and during an unplanned facility shutdown, allowing extensive data collection while minimising disruption to court operations and proceedings.
By integrating survey outputs with digital engineering datasets, NSW Public Works delivered a consistent and reliable foundation for future planning, design and asset management activities across the precinct.

Outcomes

The project delivered a comprehensive digital record of the Downing Centre precinct and John Maddison Tower, providing DCJ with accurate and updatable information to support future decision-making. The digital asset includes detailed 3D models, 2D documentation and integrated survey datasets that can be used to inform refurbishment projects, future upgrades, maintenance programs and long-term asset management strategies.
The precision and completeness of the captured information reduce the need for repeated site investigations and provide a trusted source of asset information for future works. The digital models and supporting documentation will enable more efficient planning, improved coordination of future projects and better management of building assets throughout their lifecycle.
By establishing an accurate digital foundation for these significant justice facilities, the project supports the ongoing operation, maintenance and resilience of essential justice services, helping ensure these assets continue to meet the needs of the NSW community into the future.