Benmax recently completed the mechanical services for the Newcastle Art Gallery major expansion project after securing the contract from construction specialists Hansen Yuncken.

Located in Cook Hill, the Newcastle Art Gallery is recognised as one of the finest public art collections in Australia and is custodian of over 7,000 works of art valued at around $126 million.

The $43.8 million expansion and upgrade project has delivered an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space to the existing gallery building, new multi-purpose and educational program spaces, café and retail shop, as well as creating a secure international standard loading dock, extending the building’s current footprint along Darby Street and Queen Street.

A key feature of the HVAC systems on this project are the strict temperature and humidity control requirements and 24/7 operation of the systems to protect the invaluable contents of the building. Having delivered major refurbishment and upgrade works across several projects requiring total temperature and humidity control including the National Gallery of Australia and National Archives of Australia, Benmax were well placed to deliver this project for the Hunter region.

The reimagined Gallery opened to the public in September 2026 launching a new era of cultural tourism promoting the area as an active and vibrant centre for the arts in NSW.

Project features:

• Multi-purpose and educational program spaces
• Café and retail shop
• Strict temperature and humidity control requirements
• HVAC systems to operate 24 hours a day, seven days per week
• Targeting airtightness testing to ATTMA Technical Standard L2
• Project utilised BIM technology for integration of new and existing works
• BMS upgrade across site

Benmax are proud to have partnered with Hansen Yuncken on this project further strengthening our diverse job portfolio with the construction specialist team.