JWLand achieved a major construction milestone this week, topping out at The Sullivan, stage two of its Northbourne Village development.

To celebrate, an event was held on the rooftop where the company hosted their key stakeholders and a living tree (which will eventually be planted on the site) was hoisted nine storeys into the air.

Topping out is an ancient tradition originating in Scandinavia, when a tree or green branch was displayed on the highest beam of a new building to seek the blessing of the forest gods. Today, it celebrates the point when the highest structural element of a multi-storey building is put in place.

To reach this point, the team has poured more than 6,116 cubic metres of concrete and used 620 tonnes of reinforcing steel since construction of The Sullivan began in early 2022.

Aaron Ackland, JWLand Construction Director, said the Northbourne Village development was part of a vision to transform one of Canberra’s most important boulevards.

“Northbourne Avenue is really the gateway to our city” he said. “So, it’s important that it gives people a sense of arrival. At JWLand, we’re proud to be a part of Canberra’s renewal process and to create a new precinct that helps bring that gateway to life.”

The Sullivan is the third project JWLand has built as a fully integrated company. At a time when the construction industry is facing challenges, Mr Ackland said that JWLand’s integrated structure was an important factor in the company’s strength.

“The integrated model means we have our own construction division, which helps us control costs and ensures we deliver projects in a timely manner,” he said. “And by employing only local subcontractors, we’re keeping the money in Canberra and helping to support our community.”

On a standard working day, he said, there would be around 160 sub-contractors on site.

On completion, The Sullivan will deliver 176 residences with a mix of studios and one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Construction is expected to be completed in Q3 of this year, with the first residents moving in before Christmas.

Stage 1 of Northbourne Village, Embark, is fully sold and already occupied. The third stage of the development is due to be released to the market in coming weeks. When completed, the precinct will add approximately 700 new homes to the inner north of Canberra.

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