Western Power Depot
Western Australia’s energy future needed a home. ADG delivered structural and civil engineering for Western Power’s Forrestdale Depot, enabling rapid transformation of WA’s electricity grid.
The $50M facility supports 850 operational staff and 450 vehicles whilst addressing complex site constraints including high water tables and existing service corridors. Through innovative stormwater design and structural optimisation, ADG achieved significant material reductions and cost savings, delivering legacy infrastructure that serves WA’s changing energy needs.
CONSTRUCTION VALUE
OPERATIONAL & SERVICE EMPLOYEES SUPPORTED
HEAVY & LIGHT VEHICLES ACCOMMODATED
With Perth's water table sitting just one metre below ground level, traditional drainage solutions weren't viable. ADG's custom stormwater storage system overcame severe depth restrictions whilst coordinating with existing high-pressure gas corridors, delivering improved drainage performance within constraints that would typically halt construction.
ADG joined ADCO and the Western Australian Government during design development, bringing civil and structural expertise to three main buildings that would house critical operational infrastructure.
From a structural perspective, thorough analysis of steel framing enabled material rationalisation without compromising architectural vision. This delivered measurable cost savings through reduced steel and concrete requirements whilst maintaining design integrity.
The civil engineering solution addressed Perth’s unique conditions head-on. With the water table at approximately one metre below ground level preventing typical percolation, ADG designed an innovative stormwater storage system that worked within severe depth restrictions. This solution coordinated seamlessly with existing gas corridors, rationalised site grating and gained council approval despite challenging site constraints.
Throughout delivery, ADG coordinated with Western Power as service authority, local council, architects and electrical engineers. The team incorporated an existing high-pressure gas system into the design whilst enabling future sustainability features including solar panels and electric vehicle charging infrastructure for the site’s 450 vehicles.
ADG’s peer review and design optimisation improved efficiency across structural and civil components, supporting the rapid transformation of Western Australia’s electricity grid within fast-tracked timeframes.
Stormwater Innovation
Traditional Perth drainage relies on natural percolation, which wasn’t viable with water tables at one metre depth. ADG’s custom storage system overcame depth restrictions whilst coordinating with gas corridors and existing services, delivering improved drainage performance within severe site constraints.
Structural Optimisation
Detailed analysis of structural steel framing identified rationalisation opportunities that reduced material quantities whilst achieving architectural intent. The approach delivered cost savings through concrete and steel reductions, proving that efficiency and design quality work together.
Sustainability Integration
Infrastructure designed for WA’s energy future includes solar panel allowances, EV charging points for 450 vehicles, and material reductions across structural elements. These features position the depot to support evolving energy needs whilst reducing environmental impact.
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