Breathing New Life into a Brisbane Landmark Through Adaptive Reuse

Brisbane Powerhouse. Brisbane, Australia. The iconic Brisbane Powerhouse sits on the banks of the Brisbane River, next to New Farm Park, and showcases both its industrial past and its current function as a hub of creative activity. Today the Brisbane Powerhouse is integrated into the community as a vibrant place to engage in and view a variety of artistic and cultural events. Formally known as the New Farm Powerhouse, the facility was built in 1927-28 by the Brisbane City Council and architect Roy Rudsen Ogg. Operations began in 1928 and the powerhouse supplied electricity for the entire Brisbane Tram Network- at the time the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. (It also supplied power to the suburbs of Yeerongpilly, Toowong, and Ithaca). Water from the Brisbane River cooled the facility and coal supplies came via the rail link. In 1967 the tram system was converted to buses and the last tram stopped running in 1969. The Powerhouse was decommissioned in 1971 and the building fell into disrepair. The building was mostly vacant for 20 years and was used as a chemical store, by the Australian Defense Force for military exercises, as a film location and as a shelter for the homeless. The space was popular with street kids and artists, with their graffiti art still on the walls today. In 1989 the Brisbane City Council commissioned architect Peter Roy to convert the building into a community arts venue. At that time the original 3 sections of the building were mostly still intact: the boiler house, the switch house, and the turbine room. The Council and Roy saw the potential to reuse the existing structures and retain its cultural significance. The roof of the turbine hall was replaced and more defined interior spaces were created. Remnants of the past are displayed through the industrial red brick facade, interior steel beams, and cement floors. Further renovations were completed in 2007. Today, the Powerhouse has a significant impact on Brisbane's economy and its cultural identity. Its multi-purpose facilities include: 400-700 seat performance venue, 200 seat theater, 2 restaurants, conference rooms, rehearsal rooms, offices, a bar, boating facilities, rooftop terrace, and outdoor plaza. In addition to visual and performing arts it hosts: a weekly farmers market, workshops for children and the community, weddings, corporate functions, and special events. Through adaptive reuse this historic building had been able to transform into an important, functional landmark for the city of Brisbane.