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Australian Opal Centre

SCG was engaged by Root Partnerships on behalf of the Lightning Ridge Opal and Fossil Centre Incorporated to conduct a security risk assessment and design and construction services for the new $33 million Australian Opal Centre in Lightning Ridge, located in regional New South Wales on the Queensland border.

The Australian Opal Centre aims to be the world’s leading destination for opal-related expertise and activities, with a purpose-built design reflective of the cultural significance and monetary value of the collection to be housed and displayed in the building.

It will be a $34m museum and multipurpose facility, providing permanent exhibitions, education and learning facilities, conference spaces, collection storage and curatorial facilities as well as a high-security opal vault for the sale and certification of high-value opal gemstones.

The remote, semi-arid location, together with the intended function of the facility and the value of assets to be stored and displayed brings unique challenges to project.

SCG’s team is working closely with the Australian Opal Centre Committee and project team to overcome these challenges, enabling the Australian Opal Centre and the broader Walgett Shire Community to benefit from an internationally-acclaimed tourist attraction.