Australian multi-utility provider, Flow Systems has recently reached agreement to purchase the 2,000ha former Kurri Kurri Smelter site from current owners, Hydro Aluminium.
Hydro Aluminum has been preparing the site for sale since its closure in 2014, managing demolition, remediation and rezoning activities at the site. Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri Managing Director, Richard Brown said the decision to sell the site to Flow Systems was due to the values shared between the two groups.
“Flow Systems is the ideal partner for us to work with to renew the Kurri Kurri site while meeting our environmental and social commitments to the people of the local region,” Richard said.
“Environmental stewardship is a hallmark of Hydro’s global business. We selected Flow because we felt their commitment to sustainable economic and environmental values was directly aligned with ours.”
Over the next 10 years, the project is expected to deliver approximately 250ha for employment activities, around 250ha for residential development, and more than 1,200 hectares for conservation purposes. This is expected to generate employment opportunities during the construction phase as well as long-term jobs in retail, commercial, industrial and tourism sectors.
Flow Systems’ Executive Manager-Development Solutions, Jamin Tappouras said the Kurri Kurri site presented an exciting opportunity for Flow Systems to showcase how innovation and sustainability could be the catalyst for growth.
“Flow Systems and its development partners intend to deliver a new community that at its heart is economically viable, liveable and sustainable. It will bring much-needed new services, new amenities, jobs and broader economic vitality to the existing Hunter Valley growth corridor. Flow’s vision is premised on a residential development eventually comprising 2000 plus homes and a thriving business, retail and tourism precinct, featuring parklands and enhanced wetlands for public amenity,” Jamin said.
“Flow is working on a bold and enlightened vision for the Kurri Kurri project to bring long-term sustainable vibrancy full of innovation, with best practice sustainability built in. The non-residential precinct will be developed to attract international and national business, that may benefit from resilient and sustainable energy uses, to enhance the region as an employment destination.”
Jamin said energy security was paramount for business and residents, and the proposal included alternatives such as solar and smart energy storage, with the opportunity to export to the grid.
The project will showcase Flow Systems’ fully sustainable, multi-utility residential and commercial services delivery model not yet seen in Australia.
“On completion, the project will be a global exemplar for what can be achieved in this sector,” Jamin said.
“We are looking forward to engaging with the local community on this very exciting opportunity to deliver essential housing and jobs to the local area, while also providing much-needed services that are both environmentally responsible and cost effective to future residents.”
Flow will be providing infrastructure and utility services for drinking water, recycled water, wastewater, telecommunications and embedded energy networks for the total project in one integrated delivery platform.
This will bring a significant reduction in the costs of household utilities for homes and businesses within the project.
Flow takes immediate responsibility for the development and transition of the site while Hydro will continue the demolition and remediation of the smelter and surrounding land, which is expected to take another three to five years to complete.
Demolition, remediation and recycling is well underway along with Biodiversity Certification for 1,250 hectares of conservation lands (85% of the buffer land around the smelter site) and rezoning of the remaining areas for residential and commercial use.
Flow Systems is progressing with the development of the residential areas to the east of the smelter site between Cliftleigh and Gillieston Heights and will partner with local residential developers to facilitate progress.
The project is proceeding along the rezoning pathway. Flow Systems is now continuing development and planning activities with both Cessnock and Maitland City Councils.
IMAGE | The Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri site.
