Changing skyline as
most of the historic smelter buildings now gone, the stunning vistas of Point Henry and the exciting possibilities of its future use are unfurling.
“For us it’s been quite revealing,” Point Henry site asset manager Warren Sharp said. “It’s the first time in probably 50 years that you can see right across the point.”
The changes to the landscape are the first major step in the transformation of Alcoa’s industrial precinct, just east of Geelong.
Since shutting down its smelter in 2014, Alcoa has begun the extensive and detailed task of clearing its multiple buildings and rehabilitating its 575 hectares of land.
At the helm of the massive logistical exercise is Mr Sharp, who was also a former smelter manager.
He was leading the site during its painful staged closure, which saw 500 people
“Our primary concern is all about the legacy we leave in Geelong. But none of that comes easy ... it’s a very complex process.” WARREN SHARP
lose their jobs at the smelter and a further 300 at the rolling mill.
Now with a dedicated team of just nine Alcoa staff across its two local sites, he is leading the rejuvenation of the company’s long-term base.
He has toured similar Alcoa projects in the US and Italy, and is tapping into the aluminium giant’s global expertise to leave a positive parting gift to the city.
“Our primary concern is all about the legacy we leave in Geelong,” he said, referencing the future land use plan, remediation and demolition.
“But none of that comes