BEHIND THE BUILD: 118 DEVONSHIRE ST, SURRY HILLS.

Long before construction commenced at 118 Devonshire Street, EVASIRE was already involved behind the scenes.

The team was initially engaged to provide pre-purchase advice, working closely with the client to assess compliance requirements, establish realistic budgeting and explore the design direction for the existing asset. By becoming involved before the acquisition was finalised, potential risks and project constraints could be identified early, giving the client greater certainty before committing to the investment.

That early involvement naturally progressed into an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) appointment, with EVASIRE remaining part of the project team as designs developed. Working collaboratively throughout the planning phase allowed compliance issues to be resolved well before construction commenced, reducing redesign and helping the project remain aligned with the original budget.

Situated within the Surry Hills Heritage Conservation Area, the project centred on repositioning an existing three-storey mixed-use building into a refreshed commercial asset. While new speculative fit-outs were delivered across the commercial floors, the ground floor retail tenancies remained fully operational throughout construction, requiring careful staging and constant coordination with tenants.

One of the more complex aspects of the project was working within the limitations of the existing building. The installation of a new lift, alongside complete mechanical, electrical and hydraulic services upgrades, required detailed planning to integrate modern infrastructure into an ageing structure without compromising the building's character or functionality.

Logistics also demanded careful management. With no dedicated loading dock available, every delivery, material movement and waste removal had to pass through a single shared entry point and existing stair access. Construction sequencing became critical, with trades coordinated around restricted access while maintaining safe passage for occupants and retail customers.

The completed works included a full base building refurbishment, upgraded amenities, revitalised common areas and modern building services, transforming the property into a contemporary commercial offering while preserving the integrity of the existing structure.

Projects like 118 Devonshire Street demonstrate the value of being involved early. By contributing from the pre-purchase phase through to construction delivery, EVASIRE was able to resolve challenges before they became costly problems—creating a smoother path from acquisition to completion.

View all the project photos here.