Project
- HVAC Upgrade – Live Operational Cinema Environment
Key Challenges
- Delivering staged works within a fully operational cinema tenancy
- Managing restricted rooftop plantroom access and crane lifting requirements
- Completing noisy works within strict operational time constraints
Outcomes
Introduction of smarter, site-specific maintenance strategies
Improved HVAC reliability and reduced ongoing maintenance requirements
Implemented energy-efficient systems with cloud-based Building Management System
The Client
Reading Cinemas Chirnside Park is a major entertainment destination within the Chirnside Park Shopping Centre, providing premium cinema experiences to thousands of patrons each week. Operating extended trading hours across multiple screens, the facility relies on dependable HVAC infrastructure to maintain occupant comfort, indoor air quality, and uninterrupted operations for customers and staff.
The cinema is located within a retail asset managed by GPT Group, one of Australia’s leading real estate investment managers with a diversified portfolio spanning retail, office, logistics, and student accommodation sectors. GPT Group engaged AE Smith to deliver critical HVAC infrastructure upgrades within the Reading Cinemas tenancy, with the objective of improving system reliability, reducing ongoing maintenance risks, and supporting the long-term performance of the asset.
The project was delivered within a live operational environment, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure cinema operations remained uninterrupted while maintaining safety, programme certainty, and a high-quality outcome for all stakeholders.
What we achieved with our Customer
The project involved the like-for-like replacement of existing split packaged air conditioning units and ventilation fans serving Reading Cinemas Chirnside Park. The upgrades were undertaken to improve HVAC system reliability, reduce ongoing maintenance risks, and support the long-term operational performance of the cinema facility. Maintaining uninterrupted cinema operations and ensuring patron comfort throughout all stages of delivery were critical project requirements.
Working in collaboration with GPT Group, AE Smith developed a structured staging programme in close coordination with FGA Consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure the works could be delivered safely and efficiently within the constrained operational environment. Due to restricted rooftop plantroom access, temporary roof sections were removed to facilitate crane lifting operations for new equipment and structural supports. The works were carefully staged across three phases, enabling the cinema to remain fully operational throughout the duration of the project.
The live operating environment introduced significant delivery constraints, including restrictions on noisy works after 9:30am to minimise impacts on cinema patrons and daily trading activities. AE Smith coordinated closely with structural, electrical, building, mechanical-electrical, and Building Management System (BMS) contractors to ensure all activities aligned with the agreed staging programme and operational requirements. Engineering optimisation input was also provided to improve plantroom layout efficiency and installation methodology within the confined rooftop space.
The project incorporated the installation of energy-efficient HVAC equipment and a cloud-based Building Management System to enhance operational performance and long-term asset efficiency. Automated scheduling and optimised setpoint control were implemented to improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort across the cinema tenancy. The completed solution delivered improved system reliability, reduced maintenance requirements, and smarter, site-specific maintenance strategies for Reading Cinemas.
Strong stakeholder collaboration and detailed planning enabled the project to be delivered on time and within budget while maintaining a safe working environment throughout all stages of construction. No temporary HVAC systems or shutdown strategies were required, allowing Reading Cinemas to continue operating without disruption to patrons, staff, or daily business activities. The project achieved strong stakeholder satisfaction outcomes and demonstrated AE Smith’s capability to successfully deliver complex mechanical upgrades within highly constrained live operational environments.
