The works in Surry Hills for the Inner Sydney High School project involved the diversion of Sydney Water stormwater and sewer assets and the bulk excavation of a new 15 storey school building. As the existing sewer and stormwater ran through the excavation, a two-stage approach to the bulk excavation was adopted to allow the diversion works and bulk excavation to happen simultaneously. This also allowed the builder to progress with the part of the structure prior to the completion of the bulk excavation.

Throughout the full duration of demolition and excavation works, careful consideration and ongoing monitoring was implemented to ensure no damage was incurred to the adjacent heritage buildings. Furthermore, wherever archaeologically and historically significant artefacts were encountered, careful recording and cataloguing of these items was conducted.