The Sydney Fish Markets
Project Overview
Delivering a precision-engineered mechanical pipework system for the Sydney Fish Market redevelopment - featuring Class 1 Xray Std welded ammonia pipework designed for performance, safety, and sustainability. Our expertise in complex plantroom design and offsite prefabrication from our pre-fab facility ensured a high-quality installation within Sydney's landmark retail projects.
Client/ Builder: Tritech - Climatech Group
Sector: Retail/ Commercial
Location: Sydney, NSW
Project Duration: 8 months (plantroom build), 3 years total
Scope: Supply and installation of Class 1 ammonia pipework as part of the commercial refrigeration infrastructure
Completion: Commissioned and handed over 2025
The Objective
The project’s objective was to deliver a high-integrity, Class 1 welded piping system ensuring the safe containment of ammonia gas and liquid.
To achieve this, our goals included:
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Class 1 weld quality - structural integrity and zero-leak performance.
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Certified welding procedures - all works conducted under company-approved and industry-aligned standards.
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Qualified tradespeople - only certified Class 1 welders engaged.
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Full radiographic testing - X-ray verification to validate compliance.
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Precision pipe fitting - ensuring durability, alignment, and efficiency.
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Sterile work environment - maintaining cleanliness and system integrity throughout fabrication and installation.
Challenges
Delivering a high-integrity system within a live construction site introduced presented complexities:
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Confined plantroom space - accommodating extensive pipework and large mechanical equipment within tight access zones required staged sequencing and layered installation.
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Stringent cleanliness: dust and debris control critical to system reliability.
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High-risk pressure testing - nitrogen testing required rigorous safety management and specialised procedures to mitigate risk.
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Weld verification and traceability - managing and documenting more than 2,500 welds while ensuring Class 1 compliance demanded meticulous planning and quality control.
Solutions and approach
Brown & Moodie employed a precision-driven methodology integrating digital modelling, offsite prefabrication, and stringent quality control.
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In-house plantroom modelling & offsite prefabrication-
Over 50% of components were prefabricated in our controlled workshop environment, allowing improved weld quality, faster installation, and reduced onsite congestion. This also minimised dust exposure and streamlined coordination with other trades. -
Comprehensive risk management-
A series of safety workshops developed robust nitrogen-pressure-testing protocols, including over-pressurisation prevention, clear site signage, and pre-test workfront clearance. -
Weld traceability and verification-
Each weld was mapped within the project spool drawings, linking to individual welders for complete accountability. More than 10% of welds underwent radiographic X-ray testing, all of which passed compliance benchmarks.
Results and Impact
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Delivered a high-performance, Class 1 mechanical system meeting strict safety standards.
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50% of work completed offsite for greater efficiency and reduced risk.
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2,500+ welds completed to Class 1 specifications.
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10% of welds X-rayed — all passed compliance testing.
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Ammonia system pressure-tested, commissioned, and handed over on schedule.
