HERITAGE WORKS

Polaris Marine Group delivers specialist heritage works for marine and waterfront sites, preserving historic structures with expert care.
Preserving maritime heritage is a responsibility that extends beyond construction—it’s a commitment to culture, history, and the identity of coastal communities. Polaris Marine Group specialises in heritage works across marine and foreshore environments, delivering sensitive, high-quality outcomes that honour the past while meeting today’s engineering and environmental standards. Our team has worked on some of the most historically significant marine infrastructure projects in Australia. From restoring century-old timber wharves to stabilising sandstone seawalls, we approach every heritage project with deep respect and technical care. Our methods are informed by decades of marine construction experience, underpinned by an understanding of heritage conservation principles, and shaped by close collaboration with heritage consultants, government authorities, and local communities. We understand that heritage projects are not just about structures—they’re about stories. Our goal is to preserve the unique character and material authenticity of each site while ensuring the asset can function safely and sustainably into the future.

Marine Heritage Restoration and Stabilisation

Many of Australia’s ports, harbours, and waterfronts contain infrastructure that dates back more than a century. These assets often feature traditional construction materials such as hardwood timbers, wrought iron, sandstone blocks, and lime mortars—materials that require careful handling and specialist knowledge. Polaris Marine Group has the skills and experience to restore and stabilise these heritage elements while complying with modern safety and design standards. Our team assesses the structural condition of historic elements, provides recommendations on conservation approaches, and undertakes restoration works using techniques that minimise disturbance to the original fabric. Whether it’s replacing decayed timber piles on a heritage-listed pier, reconstructing hand-laid stone revetments, or reinforcing old seawalls from behind, our crews work with precision and patience. We source sympathetic materials, document every step of the process, and ensure that any interventions are reversible where possible, in line with heritage best practices.

Collaborative Planning with Heritage Experts

Successful heritage projects demand collaboration. Polaris Marine Group works closely with heritage architects, archaeologists, local councils, and state heritage offices to ensure each project aligns with statutory requirements and conservation goals. We contribute practical insights early in the design process, helping to shape scopes that are achievable, respectful, and sustainable. Our team regularly supports the preparation of Heritage Impact Statements, Conservation Management Plans, and Method Statements. We also assist with permit applications, community engagement, and stakeholder consultation. These inputs are particularly important for projects involving state-significant infrastructure or work within heritage conservation zones. During delivery, we maintain clear lines of communication with heritage monitors and regulatory authorities. Our supervisors and tradespeople are trained in working on sensitive sites, ensuring careful site management and detailed documentation of all interventions.

Specialised Techniques for Heritage Contexts

Many heritage marine structures are located in complex environments where standard construction methods are unsuitable. Working around tidal patterns, access restrictions, endangered flora and fauna, or proximity to public areas requires careful planning and adaptive execution. Polaris Marine Group has a proven ability to navigate these challenges. We draw on a suite of specialist plant, including small-scale barges, jack-up platforms, and low-impact access systems to minimise disturbance to heritage fabric and natural settings. Where demolition or removal is required, we proceed methodically, recording and salvaging original materials for re-use. We also undertake underwater inspections and repairs for submerged elements such as timber piles, rock anchors, or footings. Our in-house commercial diving team provides essential support for heritage works where visibility and access are limited. From lime mortar repointing and sandstone reshaping to stainless steel reinforcement of timber structures, our methods are guided by conservation science and approved by heritage authorities.

Environmental and Community Stewardship

In many heritage projects, environmental sensitivity goes hand-in-hand with cultural responsibility. Sites are often located in areas of ecological value or within active public spaces. Polaris Marine Group takes a proactive approach to environmental and community stewardship, maintaining clean, safe worksites and coordinating works to reduce disruption. We implement sediment control, vibration monitoring, and noise reduction measures throughout all heritage-related works. Where marine fauna are present, such as seagrasses, fish nurseries, or nesting birds, we adjust timing and methodology to avoid harm. Our team ensures every project aligns with environmental legislation and any specific conditions of heritage consents. We also understand the importance of community connection to heritage places. Our team is experienced in working within public parks, foreshore paths, ferry terminals, and precincts with high pedestrian traffic. We communicate clearly with residents and local groups, providing updates, minimising impacts, and preserving access wherever possible.

Adapting Heritage Assets for Modern Use

Heritage preservation doesn’t mean freezing a site in time. In many cases, marine heritage assets must be adapted for modern use—whether that’s for pedestrian access, commercial berthing, ferry landings, or public recreation. Polaris Marine Group excels at striking the balance between conservation and functionality. Our engineers and builders integrate modern structural reinforcement and safety improvements in ways that respect the original form and materials. We help to extend the lifespan of heritage assets while bringing them into compliance with contemporary standards. This includes the addition of new lighting, accessibility features, handrails, decking systems, or safety barriers. All elements are designed in consultation with heritage advisors and reviewed against relevant conservation policies. Where possible, modern additions are designed to be visually unobtrusive and reversible.

Why Polaris Marine Group for Heritage Works

Our clients choose Polaris Marine Group for heritage projects because we combine three essential qualities: technical capability, heritage sensitivity, and marine construction experience. We understand how to deliver complex works in tidal zones, high-traffic areas, and historically significant sites without compromising quality or character. We treat every heritage project as a one-off, developing bespoke approaches based on the history, condition, and community value of each site. From wharf reconstructions to seawall stabilisation, we build with respect—for the structure, the story, and the setting.

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If you need to tow it, show it, build it, push it, deliver it, lift it or salvage it over water; please complete this form and one of our team will be in touch.

Gate 2, James Craig Rd, Rozelle NSW 2039

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Phone: +61 2 9563 8333
Emergency Phone: +61 (0) 418 231 916