BGIS - Downing Centre DB Replacement & Upgrade | Project

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Platinum Electricians was engaged by BGIS on behalf of the Department of Communities and Justice to deliver a major distribution board replacement and electrical infrastructure upgrade at the Downing Centre Courthouse in Sydney. The project formed part of the Downing Centre reactivation works following flood-related impacts and involved the replacement and upgrade of critical electrical infrastructure across multiple levels of one of NSW’s busiest and most security-sensitive courthouse environments.

The works included distribution board replacements, submain cabling upgrades, MIMS cable replacement, metering integration, fault protection improvements,
testing, commissioning and asset documentation. Delivery required careful staging around courthouse operations, strict access control, security coordination and after-hours works to avoid disruption to judicial activities.

SCOPE OF WORKS

Replacement of up to 66 distribution boards;
Main Distribution Board replacement works;
Replacement of MIMS submain cabling;
Installation of fire-rated cabling and containment;
Replacement of tee-o box fuses with MCCBs;

Fault current and discrimination studies;
Metering integration with the existing BMS system;
Replacement and upgrade of switchgear;
Lighting control assessment and prefabrication;
Fire sealing of electrical penetrations.

DELIVERY APPROACH

The Downing Centre project required a delivery approach suited to a secure, high-profile and operational justice facility.

Platinum Electricians developed a staged methodology that prioritised business continuity, safety, access control and the sequencing of critical electrical shutdowns. Disruptive works were programmed around courthouse operations, with specific consideration given to staff return dates, sheriff availability, after-hours access and the duration of required shutdowns.

The delivery strategy included:

Site inspection and verification with BGIS and DCJ;
Security onboarding and site-specific inductions;
Submission of SWMS, permits and risk assessments;
Booking and coordination of outages with site stakeholders;
Daily pre-starts and toolbox briefings;
Progressive replacement of distribution boards;
Sequenced submain replacement works;
Testing and recommissioning before progressing between stages;
Uploading of documentation, reports and asset data through project systems.

This ensured the works could be delivered safely within a live courthouse environment while maintaining control of operational risk.

Secure Courthouse Environment

The Downing Centre presented strict security, access and operational constraints. Works were required in areas controlled by courthouse security and, in some cases, under sheriff supervision.

SOLUTION: All personnel completed required onboarding, security and induction processes. Works were coordinated with BGIS, DCJ facilities teams and courthouse security representatives to ensure access, isolation and work zones were properly controlled.

Live Judicial Operations

The courthouse remained operational during the broader project period, meaning electrical works had to be carefully staged to avoid disruption to court functions.

SOLUTION: Platinum Electricians planned works around operational periods, with disruptive shutdowns programmed after hours and on weekends where required. The staging plan prioritised high-impact works before key courthouse occupation dates.

Scale and Complexity of Existing Infrastructure

The project involved a large number of distribution boards, existing MIMS cabling, riser works, fire-rated penetrations and integration with existing services.

SOLUTION: A progressive stage-by-stage methodology was used. Each stage included isolation, removal, installation, testing, recommissioning and sign-o prior to moving to the next work area. This reduced risk and maintained clear control over the live installation.

Compliance and Documentation Requirements

As a government courthouse project managed by BGIS, the works required a high level of WHS, environmental, quality and asset documentation.

SOLUTION: Platinum prepared project-specific WHS plans, risk registers, SWMS, emergency procedures, commissioning documentation, asset registers, thermal imaging reports and O&M documentation in line with BGIS and NSW Government requirements

PROJECT OUTCOMES

The Downing Centre project demonstrated Platinum Electricians’ capability to deliver complex electrical infrastructure upgrades in a live, secure and operational government environment.

Key outcomes included:

Replacement and upgrade of critical electrical distribution infrastructure;
Improved electrical safety, fault protection and system reliability;
Successful staging of works within a live courthouse environment;
Careful management of security, access and shutdown requirements;
Integration of upgraded metering and asset documentation;
Fire-rated cabling and penetration management;
Comprehensive testing, commissioning and compliance reporting;
Delivery methodology aligned with BGIS and NSW Government project requirements.

This project is a strong example of Platinum Electricians’ ability to manage high-risk electrical upgrades where operational continuity, stakeholder coordination, security and compliance are all critical to successful delivery.