The Aurecon Hatch signing will see the mobilisation of a 50-strong infrastructure specialist team to assist PWCS with T4 preparation and planning, more than tripling the current T4 workforce of 25 to 85.

The team will focus on detailed civil, rail and marine engineering feasibility analysis, positioning PWCS to start work on T4 as quickly as possible if government planning approvals are given, PWCS chief executive Hennie Du Plooy said.

“The signing of Aurecon Hatch is a clear signal that PWCS is progressing towards delivering Terminal 4 in accordance with Newcastle’s long term coal export plan,” he said.

“The industry has asked us to build T4 in the most expeditious manner possible, and the work conducted by Aurecon Hatch is another step in preparation to do that.”

PWCS has also secured additional prime office space in Newcastle’s CBD to house the expanding T4 team.

The bulk of the T4 team will occupy 756sq.m metres on the first floor of the Commonwealth Bank building at 136 Hunter Street, which has been leased by PWCS until the end of 2013.

“We are also pleased that much of the work will be headquartered from Newcastle’s CBD, which should be seen as a welcome boost to the city area,” du Plooy said.

“The new office space allows for co-location of the T4 owners team and the Aurecon Hatch team. The space will be fitted out to create an open-plan work environment.

“This facilitates the clean lines of communication essential for a project of this complexity, as well as enabling rapid decision making and problem solving, strong team alignment and building relationships between the two groups.

“The location provides centralised access for the growing number of consultants and visitors associated with T4.”

T4 will create 2000 jobs during construction and additional jobs during operation. The first stages are expected to cost more than $5 billion to deliver. PWCS has committed $110 million to the project to date.