Brewster Hjorth enters liquidation amid $122 million North Sydney Olympic Pool dispute

Brewster Hjorth Pty Limited, the corporate trustee behind Sydney architecture firm Brewster Hjorth Architects, entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation on 1 September 2026, with Anthony Elkerton and Jessica Perri of Salea Advisory appointed as liquidators. The appointment comes amid ongoing litigation involving the firm's work on the troubled $122 million redevelopment of the North Sydney Olympic Pool, although the reasons for the liquidation have not been publicly disclosed.

Brewster Hjorth, which operated through the Brewster Hjorth Unit Trust, specialised in public and recreational facilities, with projects including the North Sydney Olympic Pool, Ashfield Aquatic Centre and Willoughby Leisure Centre. The firm entered into a design services agreement with North Sydney Council in 2018 for the Olympic Pool redevelopment, which ultimately cost more than twice its original $58 million budget and reopened in August 2026 following a five-year closure. The Council commenced proceedings against Brewster Hjorth in the Supreme Court of New South Wales alleging breach of contract in connection with the design services provided. The dispute involves a steel roof structure above the indoor pool that was dismantled in 2023 following the identification of significant defects. Separate litigation between the Council and construction contractor Icon concerns delays and additional project costs.

The liquidation has also raised questions about other projects involving the firm, particularly the proposed $62 million Carnes Hill Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Sydney's south-west. Liverpool City Council said it was assessing the architectural work completed and identifying outstanding requirements before proceeding to construction tender, with construction now expected to begin in mid-2027. Meanwhile, Willoughby Council has indicated that the liquidation has not affected its $65 million leisure centre redevelopment. North Sydney Council has similarly stated that the liquidation is not expected to materially affect its litigation, with Mayor Zoë Baker pointing to the availability of insurance coverage.

Following the liquidation, Brewster Hjorth Architects announced that its practice had become part of Sydney-based Fuse Architects, with its personnel and expertise continuing within the expanded firm.