Geelong Library & Heritage Centre

Higgins Coatings - New heights for a Geelong landmark

Project Overview

Maintaining a landmark civic building requires more than a quality finish. When that building remains open to the public, careful planning, specialist access and coordination become just as important.

Higgins Geelong was engaged by the City of Greater Geelong to complete commercial repainting and maintenance coating works to the building’s dome roof of Geelong Library and Heritage Centre.

Delivered between December 2025 and June 2026, the project called for a high-quality architectural finish while working within a live public environment and maintaining safe access throughout the works.

Scope of Works

Our Geelong team completed repainting and maintenance works to the dome roof, helping restore its presentation while providing ongoing protection to the asset.

Due to the location and configuration of the roof, specialist rope access was required to safely reach and complete the works. Between two and four rope access technicians from our Geelong team were deployed at various stages of the project.

Commercial repainting and maintenance coatings
Specialist rope access and abseiling
Access planning and stakeholder coordination
Delivery of a high-quality architectural finish
Staged works within an operational public environment

Challenges and Solutions

Working within an active community facility meant public access and safety needed to remain front of mind throughout the project.

Rather than closing off the facility for extended periods, Higgins carefully staged the works and coordinated with site stakeholders to maintain safe access while minimising disruption to visitors and day-to-day operations.

The dome roof presented an additional access challenge. Our specialist rope access technicians were able to reach difficult areas without relying solely on conventional access methods, allowing the team to complete the coating works while responding to the constraints of the site.

Close coordination between our team and project stakeholders ensured the works progressed safely and remained within the planned project window.

Results and Impact

The completed works have renewed the appearance of this landmark civic building while providing ongoing protection to the dome roof. Despite the complexities of working at height within a live public environment, Higgins Geelong successfully delivered the project within the planned timeframe while maintaining safe access and minimising disruption to the facility.

The result combines improved presentation with longer-term asset protection — helping the City of Greater Geelong maintain an important community asset for the people who use it.

Watch the transformation below!