Port Kembla Steelworks: BlueScope release vision for surplus land to generate cash and jobs for Illawarra

Luxe offices and an industry-based ‘super TAFE’ – located on a site the size of Melbourne’s CBD – could be built in the Illawarra after BlueScope released its masterplan for the site of Port Kembla Steelworks.

The masterplan designs come from Denmark firm Bjarke Ingels Group after 18 months of consultation. Picture: Supplied

Luxe offices and an industry-based ‘super TAFE’ could stand on land the size of Melbourne’s CBD after BlueScope released its masterplan for the site of the original blast at Port Kembla Steelworks.

The designs mocked up by Denmark firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) after 18 months of consultation depict a “new urban model” for the site nestled on the edge of Cringila in a space currently occupied by storage facilities and smaller offices.

BlueScope managing director Mark Vassella described it as “one of the most significant land transformation and jobs creation opportunities in Australia”.

“As we fast approach our 100-year anniversary of steelmaking here in Port Kembla, we are acutely aware of the cultural and historical significance of this site,” Mr Vassella said.

“[It’s] one of the largest manufacturing sites in Australia. Our plan is to retain approximately 70 per cent of the existing building floorspace to preserve this important steelmaking heritage.

An additional 20,000 jobs could be generated according to Deloitte. Picture: Supplied

“We already have around $2bn of capital investment manufacturing projects planned or underway in Port Kembla, and now with the release of the masterplan, it’s absolutely true to say, there has never been a more exciting time for BlueScope and the Illawarra”.

Modelling by Deloitte says the masterplan could generate an additional 20,000 jobs and pump more than $5bn annually into the region – which would see BlueScope’s economic contribution to NSW double from one to two per cent of gross state product.

A ‘super TAFE’ could be located on the site in order to train people in emerging industries. Picture: Supplied

“Our flag on the hill over the coming decades is to see 30,000 people working on this site in all sorts of new industries and services,” Mr Vassella said.

“That’ll take us back to the heyday of the Port Kembla Steelworks.”

As part of the masterplan, BlueScope is looking to base what it is dubbing a ‘super TAFE’ on the site in order to “fill the jobs of the future in emerging industries”.

TAFE NSW has signed a memorandum of understanding with BlueScope to work together on the concept of establishing the educational facility on the site by 2028.

“We are delighted to be working with TAFE NSW to explore this opportunity,” Mr Vassella said.

“They share our vision for ensuring continued growth in opportunities that support people looking to build their careers in the Illawarra region.”

Mr Vassella said “now the real work starts” with BlueScope committing to further consultation to determine how it will be “structured and financed” and “streamline planning approval frameworks”.

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