Home Adaptive ReuseWhite Bay Power Station

White Bay Power Station

White Bay Power Station is a unique survivor of Sydney’s industrial past, and one of the only power stations in the world to retain extensive evidence of its building and technological expansion in the 20th century

Sunday 3 November 2024

10am–5pm

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Adaptive Reuse program

Buy your Tickets

Adaptive Reuse Program

About the building

Building information

White Bay Power Station is a unique survivor of Sydney’s industrial past, and one of the only power stations in the world to retain extensive evidence of its building and technological expansion in the 20th century.

It was listed on the NSW State Heritage Register in 2006 and today is undergoing extensive works to adapt, reactivate and welcome the public to the power station.

Alterations

The power station underwent various remedial works over the last four decades, but since 2021 there has been an extraordinary conservation effort to restore the site for community use.

Remediation and conservation work was completed in accordance with the site’s conservation management plan to ensure that the heritage integrity of the power station is maintained.

Work included:

repair to the roofing and guttering, to ensure buildings are watertight and protected from deterioration
removal of a significant number of hazardous materials, including lead paint dust, asbestos and biohazards
facade remediation, including render and masonry repairs, sandstone works, window protection
stabilisation of the two external landmark chimney structures
structural steel repair, including corrosion removal and protection, and plate strengthening to mitigate section loss
significant concrete stabilisation and repair to ensure safety from potential falling objects
smoke detector coverage installed across the buildings

Built

Originally commissioned by NSW Railway Commissioners and opened in 1917. Redeveloped in 2021 – ongoing

Architect

Design 5 Architects

Awards

National Trust of Australia (NSW) – Heritage Award (Conservation Built Heritage), 2024

National Trust of Australia (NSW) – Heritage Award (Judges’ Choice), 2024

Find out more about this building here

White Bay Power Station

Robert Street, Rozelle

Entry details

What's open

The Boiler House and Turbine Hall will be open for people to explore. For behind-the-scenes access, which includes a guided view of the control room, visitors will need to join a tour

Opening hours

10am–5pm

Last entry

4.30pm

Need to Know
Accessible toilets are available here
Toilets available
Photography allowed
Food and drink available
A market will be held on site with food and beverage stalls

Talks, tours and more

All Day,every 15 minutes from 10am to 3.45pmControl Room Tour

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at this extraordinary heritage-listed landmark, the only one of its kind to survive on Sydney Harbour. The power station was built between 1912 and 1917 to cope with the expansion of Sydney’s electric tram and rail systems. Its dominant harbourside position, dramatic vertical facade, castellated parapets and steam funnels mark the entrance to the Balmain waterfront and are an enduring symbol of the area’s industrial origins and traditions. This tour will take you to the remarkably intact control room, not normally open to the public.

11am,1 hourPanel Discussion: Adaptive Reuse in Action

Since its closure in 1984, the White Bay Power Station has stood as a silent monument to our harbour’s industrial past. A symbol of both our city’s history and its indecision, the site lay dormant for decades, accessible only to a handful of trespassers and thrillseekers. Once apparently destined for demolition or redevelopment into housing or commercial spaces, the site is now a proud testament to visionary thinking. Fast-forward to 2024, and thanks to the persevering efforts of the NSW Government, the power station roared back to life as a cultural and community hub for the Biennale of Sydney 2024. But how did this remarkable transformation come about? What drove the decision to breathe new life into this historic structure, and what are the plans for its future use? Join us for an enriching series of intimate discussions at the White Bay Power Station as we delve into the story of its adaptive reuse. Engage with a diverse group of creatives, locals and heritage experts as we explore the significance of this iconic site. Dr Wayne Johnson, Archaeologist at Placemaking NSW, and Robert Gasparini of Design 5 Architects will guide us through the power station’s past, sharing fascinating stories of those who worked here as well as insights into the complex process of the building’s remediation. Craig Donarski, Manager of Arts, Culture and Creative Industries for White Bay Power Station will discuss the practicalities of adaptive reuse, detailing how this asset will be leveraged to position Sydney as a global hub of culture and creativity. The series of discussions offers a unique opportunity to understand the intricate journey of transforming White Bay Power Station from a symbol of uncertainty into a beacon of innovation and cultural vitality. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a conversation that celebrates our city’s past while looking towards its future. Tickets: Drop-in. These talks are exclusive to Sydney Open ticketholders, with limited availability. Speakers: Dr Wayne Johnson, Archaeologist, Placemaking NSW Robert Gasparini, Senior Associate, Design 5 Architects Professor Jua Cilliers, Head of the School of Built Environment, University of Technology, Sydney Craig Donarski, Manager of Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, White Bay Power Station Kerri Glasscock, CEO, Sydney Fringe Festival

1pm,1 hourPanel Discussion: Adaptive Reuse in Action