[+] Former Cement Works Renewal Masterplan Takes Shape

It was the town that built Sydney. The chimney stacks over Portland’s historic cement works are no longer active. But the precinct is finding a new life building something else—a destination. At the tail end of the 19th century in the NSW Blue Mountains a £100,000 investment led to the creation of Portland’s quarry and cement works. And in 1906 Portland was gazetted as a town. The fortunes of both were forever intertwined. At its height the cement works employed more than 600 people and the site still incorporates heritage buildings from this time. It had a production capacity of 226,796 tons of cement and 18,144 tons of lime. The products were shipped all over the country, including to the booming NSW capital 160km to the south-west. In the late 1990s Boral took over the site and closed the limestone quarries to begin the dismantling of the plant and rehabilitation of the landscape ahead of its sale. ▲ A new masterplan is before the Lithgow Council for renewal of the 86ha property abutting the town of Portland. Renewal of one-industry town A new chapter is now being written for the 86ha site, now known as The Foundations, which is putting the town back on the map. But the transformation of a one-industry town is no easy feat. Foundations Portland director Martin O’Connell acquired the site in 2014 and it is now rezoned for commercial and residential uses. O’Connell says a staged release of residential house and land sites is on the cards, but he is also looking for developer partners and accommodation providers to help deliver a tourism destination. O’Connell’s vision for the site is to create a “cultural hub” that attracts visitors and also residents looking for a tree change. “Having established The Foundations as a feature of Portland, our priority now is to secure visitor accommodation for the lakeside precinct that aligns with our vision for the area,” he says. Sustainable development and growth is at the heart of the plans for the former cement works. More than 300 residential lots will be released over a six-year period, with an initial 20 dwellings, including historic cottages, to be released later this year. O’Connell says the growth of not only tourism but also renewable energy projects, including a large wind farm, a pumped hydro project and a battery energy storage system, in the Greater Blue Mountains region was driving demand for short and long-term affordable and key worker accommodation. ▲ O'Connell wants to put Portland on the tourism map with a dedicated culture hub, events spaces and accommodation. Developer and hospitality partners needed Heritage buildings in the precinct are also in line for renewal with adaptive reuse slated for the Powerhouse Exchange and the Mill. The plan for the central mill is for artisan bakers, brewers, retail and food offerings, as well as event spaces. Heritage buildings in the powerhouse precinct have been the main area of activation on the site since 2018, with markets and events hosted in the spaces. O’Connell says the site is already attracting weddings and events, but a four or five-star accommodation offering would add to the attraction and viability of the site. The Limestone Lake precinct could accommodate a wellness resort, eco-cabins or a five-star hotel overlooking the former quarry and its mineral-rich waters, O’Connell says. ▲ Heritage buildings are already being used as events spaces for weddings, but onsite accommodation could leverage the offering further. The international case for mining renewal The Foundations is uniquely positioned as a true mixed-use site on rehabilitated land. O’Connell says former mines or quarries are usually repurposed for light commercial and industrial or open space. O’Connell says they looked to emulate international best practices such as those in the Ruhr Precinct in Germany, where investment in industry diversification had led to a reshaping of the region. Following extensive consultation and planning work a masterplan for the six precincts across the site will go on exhibition next month. “We really want to leverage the site and provide public spaces to the local community,” he says. “We’re working through final designs now and we are excited to bring this renewal to the township. “With regional tourism booming and many operators looking to broaden their portfolios into sustainable regional destinations with consistent visitor flows and value for their investment, we’re confident our proposal will resonate. “The plan for The Foundations also aligns with the work under way to drive the economic transformation of the greater Lithgow area.” You are currently experiencing The Urban Developer Plus (TUD+), our premium membership for property professionals. Click here to learn more.

[+] Former Cement Works Renewal Masterplan Takes Shape

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