Piccadilly Theatre & Arcade
- Envar
- Commissioning
- Custom Fabrication
- DDC & BMS Solutions
- Engineering & Design
- Fit-Out & Refurbishment
- Maintenance & Service
- Retail
- WA
Project
Construct-Only – Heritage CBD Retail & Theatre Refurbishment (Mechanical Services)
Key Challenges
-
Strict crane-lift windows (Sun 5:00 pm–Mon 6:00 am) in busy pedestrian malls
-
Working above retained heritage ceiling elements without damage
-
Compressed program and supply logistics for 54 FCUs and ancillary plant
Outcomes
Heritage-listed 1938 icon upgraded with modern AC & smoke exhaust
Three air-cooled chillers + 2 theatre AHUs + 54 tenancy FCUs
Complex CBD logistics (Sunday night crane lifts) delivered safely, on time
The Client
Built engaged Envar to deliver the mechanical scope for the Piccadilly Theatre & Arcade—an Art Deco landmark spanning between Hay Street Mall and Murray Street Mall in Perth’s CBD. The project formed a key stage in returning the premises to active retail use while preparing the theatre for future activation.
The precinct’s heritage significance—originally opened in 1938—required a sensitive, non-intrusive approach to services integration. Working within a tight city footprint and pedestrian thoroughfares demanded careful planning to minimise disruption while maintaining safety and protecting heritage fabric.
What we achieved with our customer
Envar delivered a full upgrade of air conditioning, ventilation, and smoke control systems for the heritage-listed arcade and theatre, carefully staged around constrained CBD logistics. Works included three air-cooled reverse-cycle chillers serving two theatre AHUs and 54 tenancy FCUs, alongside new smoke exhaust systems spanning the arcade, theatre, and back-of-house to achieve BCA compliance.
To support builder-led demolition and tenancy readiness, existing services were isolated and made safe, with new infrastructure positioned to allow rapid fit-outs across ~40 tenancies. Envar managed Sunday-night cranage for chillers and exhaust plant, coordinating with mall management and traffic control. Detailed lift studies, pre-rigging, and sequencing ensured all lifts were executed safely and without weekday disruption.
Within the theatre, services were carefully routed to avoid heritage ceiling impacts. Custom bracketry and isolation details maintained acoustic and vibration performance while preserving access for future maintenance. Across the arcade, AHUs and FCUs were standardised on controls and valve sets to streamline commissioning and future upkeep.
Working to a compressed March–October 2020 program, Envar sequenced procurement and off-site preparation to reduce supply chain risk, ensuring timely handover to Built and the client team.
