How Kordia Dismantled Sydney’s Channel 9 Tower
Kordia successfully engineered the safe dismantling of Sydney’s iconic 233-metre Channel 9 broadcast tower, overcoming complex structural and safety challenges on a highly constrained site.
The challenge
When property developer Mirvac purchased land in Willoughby, Sydney, they faced a major obstacle: removing the 233-metre Channel 9 broadcast tower that had dominated the site for over 50 years. The tower’s height, equivalent to a 77-storey building, combined with its freestanding design and location in a dense residential area posed significant risks. Traditional demolition methods, such as collapsing the structure, were impossible due to proximity to homes and a motorway just 37 metres away. Health and safety were paramount, and Mirvac needed a partner with proven expertise in large-scale tower engineering.
The solution
Following a global search, Mirvac engaged Kordia as consultant engineer and to lead the dismantling process. Leveraging decades of experience in designing, maintaining, and deconstructing broadcast infrastructure across Australasia and the Pacific, Kordia developed a bespoke methodology prioritising safety and efficiency.
Kordia’s structural engineering team evaluated multiple approaches and recommended a crane-based solution. This required innovative design to accommodate a freestanding crane with no nearby anchoring structures. Kordia peer-reviewed the crane’s guyed superstructure, specified performance testing, and provided on-site engineering oversight throughout the project.
To further minimise risk, Kordia introduced design modifications that reduced time working at height and the number of lifts required.
The outcome
The dismantling commenced in August 2021 under intense media scrutiny during Sydney’s COVID-19 lockdown. By October, the tower was safely removed ahead of schedule and without incident; a testament to Kordia’s meticulous planning and execution. All materials were recycled, with parts repurposed for community use, including a children’s playground. Mirvac was able to progress its development plans, transforming the site into luxury apartments.
This project set a new benchmark for safely deconstructing large freestanding towers in confined urban environments. As aging broadcast structures become redundant, Kordia’s innovative approach provides a blueprint for similar projects across New Zealand and Australia, reinforcing its position as a leader in complex communications infrastructure solutions.
This project was a finalist in the ENVIS Awards 2023.
