December 15, 2014

A.G. Coombs recently completed a complex lifecycle replacement project for Telstra’s highly critical North Melbourne Exchange facility.

The “P2” Telecommunications Exchange supports the telephone, internet and mobile communications network for North Melbourne-based commercial and residential customers.

The facility’s original HVAC and mechanical services system was installed by A.G. Coombs over 20 years ago. In need of a replacement, A.G. Coombs was reappointed to install and commission new cooling towers, new condenser water mains, pumps and filtration, new chillers and chilled water sub-mains and pumps, along with new mechanical switchboards and new electrical sub-mains. The team also upgraded the controls system and undertook alarm configuration and testing, to assure remote monitoring capability from Telstra’s Network Operations Centre.

The multifaceted lifecycle replacement project was undertaken over a short three-month program and managed in carefully planned stages to ensure no disruption to Telstra’s operations.

A.G. Coombs’ Mark Toner, Business Unit Manager – Data Centres and Telecommunications Facilities, said, “The key challenges on this project were the tight time frame, and performing a large-scale infrastructure upgrade whilst keeping the facility live at all times. The client recognises A.G. Coombs’ expertise in these critical facilities and our ability to reliably deliver a quality solution, having invited us back to undertake this important replacement project. We are pleased to have been able to successfully deliver another great outcome for Telstra.”

For more information on A.G. Coombs’ Data Centre and Telecommunications project solutions, please contact us.

The new cooling towers and raised maintenance platform at Telstra’s North Melbourne Exchange