The Story of White Bay Power Station
A pioneering powerhouse
Constructed between 1912 and 1917, White Bay Power Station was built to power Sydney's tram system and later its rail network. White Bay Power Station stands on the edge of White Bay, close and low to water. Its connection to the bay was important for a coal fired power station which relied heavily on water as a natural coolant. Opening its doors in 1917, the station quickly became essential to the city’s growth, lighting up homes and businesses across Sydney.
Throughout the 1920s, the station expanded significantly, doubling in size to accommodate the growing demand for electricity. By the 1950s, further modernisation saw the construction of a new Boiler House and the installation of powerful Parsons turbines.
During World War II, nearby Glebe Island became a crucial staging area for US troops. The power station remained in service until 1984 when it was decommissioned. Today, the buildings are over 100 years old.
Heritage and Significance
White Bay Power Station is a cherished historical landmark. It’s the only power station in Sydney that still holds machinery and equipment from before the 1950s, highlighting the evolution of electricity production.
Decommissioned in 1984, the station was recognised for its heritage value in 1999 when it was added to the NSW Heritage Register. It has also been listed by the National Trust of Australia and the National Estate registers. In recent years, Placemaking NSW has carried out extensive remediation and conservation works to preserve the power station’s heritage, ensuring the buildings remain watertight and protected for future generations.
Learn more about the history of White Bay Power Station from Dr Wayne Johnson, Senior Manager, Archaeology at Placemaking NSW in the video below.
A new chapter
In 2021, a major investment kicked off the exciting transformation of White Bay Power Station into a lively cultural hotspot. The vision is to create a vibrant hub for the Bays West precinct, drawing visitors from all over Sydney and beyond. Ongoing restoration efforts are breathing new life into this historic site, making it a welcoming space for the community.
This redevelopment also honours the rich Aboriginal cultural heritage of the area. Through the Connecting with Country Framework, every stage of the precinct's development respects and celebrates Aboriginal culture.
White Bay Power Station is set to become a dynamic cultural and community hub. It will host a variety of cultural, artistic, and commercial activities, playing a key role in Sydney’s future while celebrating its industrial past.
Image courtesy of Katje Ford and Biennale of Sydney