Once the home of two coal-fired power stations, the Swanbank Power Station Precinct in South East Queensland was ready for a new vision. CleanCo, the Queensland Government owned energy generator, sought a development outcome that would transition the precinct to clean, low emission energy and provide community, economic, and environmental benefits to the region and Queensland. The new vision needed to align with the State’s transition towards renewable energy sources, fostering growth and sustainability.

We collaborated with CleanCo to develop a vision and objectives for the site, aligning with the organisation’s sustainability goals. Together, we reimagined the site’s potential by designing a concept masterplan that considers existing assets, local and state planning policies, community context, and CleanCo’s future business structure and asset changes. This collaboration ensured a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to the precinct’s future development.

Our work is transforming the Swanbank Power Station Precinct, creating new employment, educational and recreational opportunities. By redefining the precinct’s value, we respect its history while exploring new possibilities beyond its coal-based past.

Concept masterplan design offers future flexibility

Our work on the site’s concept masterplan aims to support Queensland’s transition to a net-zero future while ensuring social and economic sustainability for South East Queensland. Collaborating closely with CleanCo, we developed a flexible framework with potential design options for the Swanbank precinct, considering site constraints and future opportunities.

Alongside the concept masterplan, we produced a social impact assessment, focused on community needs and a sustainability principles report, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The concept masterplan design features a rehabilitated ecological corridor as its central spine.

Our design accommodates various land uses, including potential research and innovation facilities. Connected by a movement corridor, these areas offer flexibility for future job sectors. The rehabilitated ecological corridor aims to attract workers, fostering an environment conducive to long-term investment and development.

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VIDEO: A vision for the Swanbank Power Station Clean Energy Precinct © CleanCo

Understanding the site’s energy potential

Led by our energy experts, we evaluated the site’s existing assets and potential clean energy technologies to understand the current and future energy potential of the site within the context of CleanCo’s portfolio. This included mapping transmission lines, water entry and exit points, and underground pipes as part of our baselining exercise to determine the condition of existing assets.

Looking ahead to future energy needs and possibilities, together with CleanCo, we explored innovative energy solutions supporting the site’s transition to clean and sustainable energy sources. This included considering the current energy needs and anticipating future energy trends and technological advancements.

Codesigning with the community

CleanCo collaborated with the community in a codesign process to shape the site’s Masterplan. Our urban design team facilitated this by explaining the details of the Concept Masterplan and urban design framework. The framework includes three key layers: movement, built form and open space. The codesign effort underscores our commitment to community engagement and reflects CleanCo’s dedication to the region’s future.

“Arup played a pivotal role in the success of the Swanbank Clean Energy Hub, particularly during the crucial early phases of the project. Their team worked closely with us to develop a comprehensive Masterplan that not only addressed the unique complexities of the Swanbank site but also responded to the needs of the local community and the region’s long-term energy future,” said Darryl Myers, Director, Swanbank Clean Energy Hub 2021 – 2024.

Arup’s multidisciplinary expertise allowed us to navigate a wide range of challenges and opportunities with confidence. We are proud that the Ipswich community has embraced the Masterplan and is supportive of our shared vision to bring it to life.

Darryl Myers

Director, Swanbank Clean Energy Hub 2021 - 2024

A group of people walking on a road by a body of water.

Concept illustrations of facilities, nature, and activities in the precinct © CleanCo