Background
Background
The Foundations Portland is a landmark adaptive reuse and regeneration project situated in Portland, NSW — a town historically renowned as “the town that built Sydney” due to its industrial heritage. The site, formerly home to the Portland Cement Works, contains structures listed on the State Heritage Register and holds significant regional economic and cultural potential. The vision is to transform a dormant industrial landmark into a vibrant destination for the arts, culture, hospitality, and community life.
The Challenge
The Challenge
This wasn’t a blank slate. The project presented a rare and complex challenge: to regenerate a highly constrained site of state-listed heritage significance in a way that would reignite economic activity, attract investment, and serve the community. The approach had to be place-led, respectful of heritage, and capable of reactivating the town centre.
This meant delivering a destination that locals could be proud of and visitors would want to return to, while also supporting the region’s economic transition away from coal and traditional heavy industry.
The RDA™ Solution
The RDA™ Solution
REGENESIS took a place-led approach, deeply rooted in the site’s history and community character.
Key strategies included:
Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings
Masterplanning for mixed-use integration
Housing diversity
Walkability and connectivity
Economic activation
Public-private partnerships
The Impact
The Impact
A rare combination of industrial heritage and picturesque natural beauty, the site is being revitalised into a unique regional destination offering a diverse range of authentic cultural, community and recreational experiences, making it perfect for a short stay or more permanent lifestyle change.
- A benchmark project for regional regeneration that respects the past while building for the future.
- A destination that draws visitors while offering affordable, lifestyle-rich options for people looking to live or work beyond the city.
- A new cultural and economic heart for Portland — one that brings together community, creativity, and commerce.
- Critical momentum for the wider Lithgow region as it shifts away from traditional industry towards a more diverse and resilient future.
- A renewed sense of place and pride for Portland’s people, grounded in heritage but looking ahead.
