A Staged Path to Delivery: Granville Diggers Club Moves Forward with James Clifford Construction

The Granville Diggers Club redevelopment is under Stage One construction with James Clifford Construction as head contractor. The AS4902 Design & Construct delivery structure uses separable portions to distinguish design and certification work from construction and fit-out delivery.

As Project Manager, Upscale PM has played a central role in structuring this approach, ensuring that the development continues to balance heritage sensitivity, operational needs, and timely delivery.

Separable Portions: A Smart Strategy for Staged Delivery

To manage the complexity of the Granville Diggers Club redevelopment — a site with deep community roots, ongoing operations, and layered design requirements — the project has been divided into two Separable Portions (SPs) under the AS4902 D&C framework.

• Separable Portion 1 (SP1): Covered completion of the design and the consultant work required to secure the Construction Certificate (CC).
• Separable Portion 2 (SP2): Covers construction and the Stage One fit-out. Construction commenced in March 2026, with completion expected in mid to late September 2026 and the Club planning to open the refurbished venue in October 2026.

This two-stage approach enables critical design refinements to occur with the right level of care and consultation, particularly given the building’s heritage context, while setting a firm pathway for delivery and managing risk on both sides of the contract.

The Role of Upscale PM

Our involvement has been deeply collaborative, supporting the Club and working closely with the project design and consultant team to coordinate a buildable outcome that respects the venue’s legacy and operational needs.

Before construction, UpScale represented the Club through final design, certification, tender, and contractor appointment. Key responsibilities included:

• Managing final design coordination and Club stakeholder input.
• Engaging and coordinating consultants required for the Construction Certificate.
• Running the tender, evaluation, negotiation, and head-contractor procurement process.
• Maintaining reporting and risk reviews for the Club.

During Stage One construction, UpScale continues as client-side project manager, coordinating the interface between the Club, consultant team, and James Clifford Construction and maintaining clear lines of communication for Club decision-making.

A Club Development with Deep Community Value

For over 60 years, the Granville Diggers Club has been a central gathering place in Western Sydney — not just as a venue, but as a civic landmark woven into the area’s social and commemorative history. The redevelopment is not just about upgrading a building. It’s about preserving identity while preparing for the future.

The new scheme introduces:

• Expanded dining and bar facilities
• A flexible performance stage
• A dedicated children’s play space
• Improved reception and circulation areas

These upgrades will support broader member engagement, enhance revenue streams, and strengthen the club’s financial sustainability — all while ensuring that the club’s original character and cultural significance remain visible and respected.

D&C Delivery with Design Integrity

One of the project’s strengths is the shared commitment — across client, architect, and builder — to ensure design quality is not compromised in the D&C transition. The AS4902 framework provides the right contractual structure to maintain accountability while giving James Clifford Construction the autonomy to plan and execute works efficiently.

The separable-portion structure allowed design and certification requirements to be coordinated before the construction scope progressed. During construction, the focus is on resolving design issues clearly, maintaining reporting, and protecting the Club’s delivery objectives.

What’s Next?

With the design, certification, tender, and contractor appointment completed, Stage One is now under construction with James Clifford Construction. The current programme targets completion in mid to late September 2026, followed by the Club's planned opening in October 2026.

Throughout this process, Upscale PM will continue to lead with transparency, rigour, and alignment — ensuring that every stakeholder remains informed and engaged, and that decisions are made with both heritage and long-term functionality in mind.

A Model for Future Club Developments

This project sets an example for how community clubs can evolve — not just through bold architecture, but through thoughtful planning and strong project leadership. The use of a separable portions strategy under AS4902 allows for agility and risk mitigation, without losing sight of the big picture.

If you’re involved in the planning or upgrade of a heritage-sensitive or multi-stakeholder venue, Upscale PM can help with client-side coordination, tender and procurement, and construction-phase representation.

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Want to learn more about how Upscale PM can support your next project? Let’s talk: noel@upscalepm.com.au | (02) 9090 4480 upscalepm.com.au