Combustible cladding at Melbourne Museum sparks major rectification works

Major works are needed at a Melbourne landmark after it was revealed parts of the popular tourist attraction is dangerously flammable. FULL REPORT

The building was found to have aluminium composite panels (ACP) and solid aluminium panels with embedded polyurethane foam wall insulation. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Melbourne Museum is the latest city landmark soon to undergo cladding rectification works, after tender documents revealed most of the building is covered in highly flammable materials.

The 22-year-old Carlton structure was found to have aluminium composite panels (ACP) and solid aluminium panels with embedded polyurethane foam wall insulation in several areas.

Due to their flammability, the materials are prohibited in buildings under a declaration made by the former Victorian planning minister Richard Wynne in 2021 and must be replaced.

Cladding Safety Victoria (CSV), which coordinates the government-owned building cladding rectification program, has advised that works need to take place in eight locations throughout the museum.

“The cladding requiring rectification is predominantly on the exterior facade of the building, and measures are currently in place to mitigate risks and ensure the museum is safe for visitors,” Museums Victoria told the Herald Sun.

Works need to take place in eight locations throughout the museum. Picture: Daniel Pockett

Other building locations include the IMAX Schools entry, Rathdowne and Nicholson street lift enclosures and the Gallery of Life Entry Transom.

Based on an Alclad Architectural report, cutting wire and hand tools will be used to safely remove anodised cladding and polyurethane insulation with minimal damage to the building.

The panels will then be replaced with approved cladding and Rockwool or non-combustible insulation.

Museums Victoria said rectification works were scheduled to be undertaken and completed in the first six months of next year.

“Minimal disruption is expected and the museum will remain open throughout,” a spokesman said.

The museum will stay open while the works are carried out next year. Picture: Ian Currie

The museum joins a number of renowned Melbourne buildings also found to have combustible cladding, including the Eureka Skydeck, MCG and the Royal Women’s Hospital.

While the Women’s underwent non-compliant external cladding repairs at its Parkville building in 2017, small amounts of combustible cladding remain at the skydeck and cricket ground after they were deemed “low-risk”.

Materials such as ACP are highly flammable because they contain a core material between two skins of aluminium that may have varying combustible polymer compositions.

Audits into building cladding have become more prominent following a major fire in 2014 at Lacrosse Tower in Docklands.

While no injuries were reported, the fire engulfed 20 levels in just six minutes.

Originally published as Combustible cladding at Melbourne Museum sparks major rectification works