A heritage-listed former cement factory at 16 Station Avenue, Darra, has been listed for sale, offering redevelopment potential in a key industrial corridor.
Historic Cement Works in Darra Offered to Market
A prominent industrial property in Darra with strong historical significance is now on the market. The site at 16 Station Avenue, formerly home to the Queensland Cement and Lime Company, represents a rare opportunity for developers, with flexible zoning and substantial redevelopment potential.
Origins of the Darra Cement Works
The Queensland Cement and Lime Company was officially incorporated in 1914. The company began operations at the Darra plant in 1917. The site was selected for its strategic location as it was close to a railway line and local deposits of shale and clay. It was also accessible to the Ipswich coalfields and the Gore limestone supplies. This facility played a central role in Queensland’s industrial development throughout the 20th century.
Technological Advancements and Infrastructure
Early infrastructure included a kiln, silos, mills, and a purpose-built power station, all with machinery imported from Britain. The powerhouse, still standing today, was vital at a time when Darra lacked access to the city’s electricity grid.
The company later connected to the City Electric Light Co. as Brisbane’s grid expanded. In 1939, further expansion included new office and laboratory buildings, with design input from noted architect Mervyn Rylance.
Later innovations saw the company transition from limestone to dead coral sourced from Moreton Bay, which was transported via the Oxley Wharf. A 3.5-kilometre conveyor belt linking the wharf to the factory was constructed in the 1960s, further streamlining operations.
Local Role and Employment
The company provided materials for major Queensland infrastructure, including Brisbane City Hall, William Jolly Bridge, the Hornibrook Highway, and multiple dam and bridge projects. The Darra factory also served as a major employer, especially for post-war immigrants resettling from nearby Wacol East Dependant Holding Camp.
Current Offering and Location Advantages
The 930 square metre facility sits on a site zoned for flexible commercial or retail use, with potential to increase the gross floor area to 1,240 square metres, subject to council approval.
The site is vacant and will require a full fitout. Located beside the BTP Westlink Green Business Park and the Darra Bowls Club, it is positioned 200 metres from Darra railway station and in proximity to Jindalee DFO, Monier Village, and key transport links including the Centenary Highway and Ipswich Motorway.
The property includes on-site parking and is expected to appeal to both weekday commercial users and weekend visitors due to its strategic position within an active mixed-use zone.
Published 24-Apr-2025