Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal Alliance to deliver major Antarctic infrastructure upgrade
The Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal Program (AIRP), led by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), is a flagship initiative that represents the first major upgrade to Australia’s Antarctic research stations since the 1980s.
This generational investment underscores Australia's ongoing commitment to supporting world-class scientific research and environmental stewardship in East Antarctica.
Subject to rigorous environmental approvals, works at Davis station will commence on site at the end of 2026 and are due to be completed by 2032. The package of works includes:
- replacement of water production systems
- construction of a new utility building, which will include a main powerhouse and vehicle workshop
- removal of asbestos from the existing trades workshop
- overhaul of site-wide services reticulation
- decommissioning and removal of legacy infrastructure.
Image credit: Hugh Broughton Architects
These improvements will enable Davis station to operate at full capacity, while improving employee safety and the efficiency of scientific missions in one of the most extreme environments on the planet.
The Alliance brings together a world-class construction contractor, design consultants and the AAD to collaboratively deliver this complex and remote infrastructure program.
“The Antarctic environment brings many unique challenges to everything that we do,” said the Australian Antarctic Division’s director of infrastructure delivery, Matt Wuersching. “We’re looking forward to getting started on the delivery of this critical work.”
Drawing on global experience delivering infrastructure projects in challenging environments with extreme weather conditions, Bouygues Construction Australia is leading the construction.
As design partners, Stantec and Mott MacDonald are responsible for the design, from initial concept to project completion. This includes all aspects of building, infrastructure engineering and specialty engineering services including fire protection and safety engineering systems and building sciences. Architectural services are provided by Hugh Broughton Architects.
Health, safety and wellbeing, environmental protection and sustainability are core principles across the Alliance’s design and delivery.
We are honoured to have been selected by the Australian Antarctic Division to deliver this technically challenging program that will contribute to Australia’s scientific legacy in the region. This is an extraordinary opportunity to apply the Alliance’s collective expertise and innovative approach in a setting that pushes the limits of design, engineering and human endeavour.Fabrice Martin
Alliance manager, Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal Alliance