One of the most challenging tasks in the construction involved massive excavations, the deepest being for a huge coffer dam which kept the river waters out of the site.

The men preparing the foundations many feet below the low tide mark worked behind this dam with the full force of the water bearing on the other side.

In 1886, he began a long career in municipal and government works by winning a contract for building a storm water drainage system in South Brisbane and Kangaroo Point.

Constructed in 1887, the Coronation Drive retaining wall is as an early example in Queensland of mass concrete technology and is a major engineering achievement of the period.

Constructed in 1887, the Coronation Drive retaining wall is as an early example in Queensland of mass concrete technology and is a major engineering achievement of the period.

Constructed in 1887, the Coronation Drive retaining wall is as an early example in Queensland of mass concrete technology and is a major engineering achievement of the period.

The retaining wall is as an example of the work of George Charles Willcocks, a contractor who was responsible for a number of large public projects.