Steelworks Hotel turned Social Housing in Port Kembla

BSE supported the Steelworks Hotel adaptive reuse project in Port Kembla, delivering engineering design for new social housing.

Date:

February 4, 2026

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Adaptive Reuse of Steelworks Hotel Supports Port Kembla Community

BSE was engaged by Growthbuilt to provide electrical, mechanical, fire protection, and hydraulic engineering design services for a 7-unit annex to the adaptive re-use of the Steelworks Hotel in Port Kembla. Originally called the Great Eastern Hotel, the structure was built in 1890 and is a well-known local landmark in Wollongong.

The single-story annex, developed by Anglicare, features 7 villa-style units. In total, the social housing development has 30 studio apartments for residents aged 55 and over.

BSE is proud to be part of this project which provides valuable social housing for a vulnerable group in the Port Kembla community.

Project Lead: Stuart Johnson

Images Courtesy of Growthbuilt.

A landmark transformation in Port Kembla. BSE is proud to be part of the Steelworks Hotel adaptive reuse project.

Anglicare’s CEO, Simon Miller, said:

 

“This is a very important project for the community, and we are delighted to officially open the Port Kembla development which will provide a safe, secure and life-enriching home to members of the local community. Older Australians, and women in particular, are at higher risk of homelessness, and projects like these are a lifeline to those in need, particularly at a time of significant cost-of-living pressure and worsening housing affordability.”

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