Maintaining visibility at the Australian National Maritime Museum

Cape Bowling Green was commonplace for many a maritime disaster necessitating the construction of the Cape Bowling Green Lighthouse.

Built in 1874, the Lighthouse moved several times along the shoreline due to erosion, before being relocated permanently to the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) – where it stands today.
  Cape Bowling Green Lighthouse in its original location 

Having begun to show signs of fading, the facility management team of the ANMM engaged our local Sydney experts to rejuvenate its exterior.

Cape Bowling Green Lighthouse at the ANMM before being repainted

National Account Manager Luke Swanbury was feverish about Higgins leaving its mark on another building of historical significance.

“Having the privilege to work on a living and breathing point of history is a real honour – one that our team didn’t take lightly,” said Swanbury.

With great privilege comes great responsibility as this project involved complexities including; the repainting of a historical landmark in a high-traffic area, for a high-profile client and a requirement to be delivered in a tight timeframe.

In Swanbury’s words “the challenge of this project was irresistible – it truly embodied Higgins’ motto of 'Whatever it Takes'.”

Utilising an International Paints specification, our two operatives reacquainted the Lighthouse with its original white colour scheme.

With a timeframe of less than a month to deliver the work, time was of the essence for this external repaint.

Exclusion zones were erected to enable our painting experts to safely use Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs).

However, humans weren’t the only organism that needed to be kept safe for this highly specialised project – improper management of run-offs could have damaging effects on the Harbour’s marine life.

Using handwashing over pressure washing and capturing all dirt, debris and paint flakes, we prevented any run-off from potentially contaminating the Harbour.

Cape Bowling Green Lighthouse after an external repaint

Throughout the project, our workmanship was assessed independently by a NACE Coatings Inspector who signed off the project.

ANMM Conservator Nicholas Flood appreciated our ability to deliver the project on time noting “Higgins was effective at meeting the tight timeframe that we’d discussed with them.”

“Their ability to work with the International Paints specification and NACE Coatings Inspector and deliver a great outcome for the ANMM was particularly impressive.”

Our painting experts were ecstatic to have rejuvenated yet another Australian landmark.

Cape Bowling Green Lighthouse after an external repaint