Crown Metropol Water Tank House Construction

This included full integration with the hotel’s essential services infrastructure and the safe decommissioning of the existing water tank. The project was delivered within the fully operational Crown Metropol precinct. Swan’s internal delivery team managed all site activities with close consideration to guest movement, noise levels, and hotel service continuity. This required methodical planning, stakeholder coordination, and detailed staging of works to avoid disruption. The new tank house replaced an outdated water system, improving water service reliability and bringing pump infrastructure up to current standards. The scope included installation of mechanical and hydraulic services, connection to the existing network, and construction of a permanent facility to house pump and water control systems.

Sub-ground conditions required deep piling and structural planning

The site is located within the broader Burswood area, which has a legacy of industrial use and variable soil conditions. Positioned near the Swan River, the construction zone presented a range of geotechnical challenges. Due to the presence of fill materials and low-strength subgrade, extensive piling was required to provide adequate structural support for the new water tank house. Piles were driven to depths of up to 20 metres to ensure long-term ground stability and integrity of the structure. Ground conditions were reviewed early in the project to inform the construction methodology. The piling solution was integrated into the foundation design to support the incoming loads from the mechanical equipment and building superstructure. This approach mitigated potential settlement issues and avoided costly delays during the structural phase.

Close coordination ensured works did not impact hotel operations

Maintaining uninterrupted hotel operations was a primary constraint throughout the project. The delivery team engaged regularly with Crown representatives to coordinate the timing of noisy or high-impact activities. Work windows were aligned with hotel operational schedules to prevent disruption to guests and daily functions. Where noisy works were unavoidable, they were scheduled during off-peak hours following agreement with the client. Temporary barriers and noise mitigation measures were used to further reduce impacts. This ensured a consistent guest experience was maintained throughout the construction period. Decommissioning of the old water tank and systems was carried out in parallel with new works. Swan planned this transition carefully to avoid any service interruptions, sequencing new connections and pressure testing before final cutover. This approach ensured the continuity of fire and potable water systems for the hotel.

Project outcomes

The completed tank house now provides upgraded water infrastructure for the Crown Metropol site, supporting both fire safety and potable water requirements. The facility is designed for long-term durability and ease of maintenance, with service access integrated into the layout. Despite complex ground conditions and the proximity to a live operating hotel, all construction activities were completed safely and with no impact on hotel guests or services. Swan’s internal team delivered the full construction scope while coordinating closely with the Crown team, ensuring a seamless integration of new infrastructure into an active hospitality environment.