The Potts Hill Police Facility required essential remediation after hillside instability and localised landslip caused significant building movement and pavement failure in critical operational areas. Restoring a safe and reliable environment was central to protecting the NSW Police Force’s ongoing daily functions. Woolacotts supported Downer Group and Duratec Limited by assessing the site conditions and developing a coordinated solution that strengthened both the structures and the surrounding ground.
The building remediation process introduced a new cased pile and beam foundation system designed to pass through unstable, water‑affected soil into stronger material below, allowing the settling buildings to be re‑supported without major reconstruction.
Improving long‑term resilience of the surrounding pavements required addressing poor ground conditions across the site. Woolacotts implemented a series of bored drains within the hillside to control groundwater during heavy rainfall, ensuring the slope remains stable under elevated water table conditions. Tom Holloway, as Senior Structural Engineer explained that managing groundwater was central to improving performance of the embankment, that, noting that “using targeted hillside drainage allows the slope to release groundwater prior to failure, which significantly improves stability while avoiding unnecessary major earthworks.”
The previously failed permeable pavement system was replaced with a more durable impervious pavement, reinstating safe and dependable access throughout the facility. These integrated engineering measures now safeguard a vital NSW Police Force asset by strengthening its buildings, improving ground stability, and ensuring safer day‑to‑day operations.
Delivered between 2023 and 2025, this project showcases how targeted, efficient and cost‑effective engineering can protect essential public facilities and extend their operational life. To explore how Woolacotts can support similar remediation or stability‑focused projects, connect with our team today.