Duratec, the construction, engineering and remediation company, has completed the heritage façade restoration of Sydney’s iconic Market City building in NSW.
Originally constructed in 1909, the heritage-listed building that houses Market City and Sydney’s iconic Paddy’s Markets required a carefully considered renewal after more than 100 years of continuous use.
Engaged by Jen Retail, Duratec developed, designed and constructed a bespoke access system, including a fully functional hoist, to carry out the near-$10 million restoration while maintaining access to one of Sydney’s busiest pedestrian areasand roadway below.
Delivered between March 2024 and July 2026, the project involved the meticulous restoration of the heritage façade, including the installation of a purpose-built hoist system that enabled the safe and controlled lifting of approximately 260 sandstone blocks weighing between 200kg and 700kg to the upper levels of the structure. The works also included seismic stabilisation and a complete upgrade of the building’s exterior lighting system.
While delivering these improvements, Duratec remained focused on preserving the heritage intent of the building and retaining as much of the original fabric as possible. In line with the principles of the Burra Charter, the team prioritised repair over replacement, undertaking detailed stone indent repairs where possible and replacing only sandstone elements that had deteriorated beyond repair.
Working closely with the project’s heritage architect, specialist stonemasons completed highly detailed shaping and hand-carved restoration works to ensure repaired and replacement elements matched the original stonework. Following extensive assessment and sampling, sandstone was carefully selected to achieve a seamless match with the building’s existing fabric.
Duratec also partnered with specialist lead weathering trades to complete more than 510 lineal metres of lead repair, replacement and installation work to flashings and external drainage systems, helping protect the heritage sandstone and extend the life of the façade.
The project was delivered safely within one of Sydney’s busiest pedestrian precincts and required ongoing coordination with key stakeholders, including City of Sydney Council and Transdev, to minimise disruption to the public.
Issa Abdul, Senior Project Engineer at Duratec, said preserving Market City’s heritage significance while preparing it for the future was a rare opportunity:
“It’s incredibly important to protect and preserve buildings such as Market City. By prioritising repair over replacement, we can maintain Sydney’s history while reducing waste and extending the life of an important community asset.
“Working in collaboration with specialist heritage trades and replacing the large capital stones above the Hay Street entrance was a particular highlight for me. The craftsship involved in recreating the intricate stone detailing was exceptional.
“It was a once-in-a-career opportunity to restore such a recognisable and historic structure. We’ve done a significant amount of work, but if the public and tourists don’t notice we’ve been there, then we’ve achieved exactly what we set out to do.”
