Tantivy Street Pump Station

Innovation beneath the surface that redefines urban infrastructure.

A bold vertical redesign, digital-first delivery, and flood-resilient engineering transformed Tantivy Street Pump Station into a future-ready asset, serving Ipswich’s growth while protecting its community, environment, and operational continuity.

At a glance:

An eight-decade old wastewater pump station in Ipswich, Queensland, was due for upgrading
Development of a bespoke vertical infrastructure for spatial efficiency, flood resilience, and operational continuity
Increased the wastewater pump station's capacity from 420 L/s to 640 L/s to enable reliable and sustainable wastewater services
Accumulated $1.8 million savings in design through early contractor involvement and digital delivery

Location

Queensland, Australia

Client

Urban Utilities

Reimagining a 1940s pump station

The Tantivy Street Sewage Pump Station (SPS) upgrade in Ipswich, Queensland, stands as a transformative example of purpose-driven engineering in the Australian water sector. Originally constructed in 1941, the pump station had served the community for over eight decades. However, by the early 2020s, it had become one of Urban Utilities’ highest-risk assets due to its deteriorating condition, poor maintainability, and vulnerability to flooding.

The station’s location—wedged between the Bremer River, Tivoli Creek, and a busy transport corridor—presented significant spatial and environmental constraints, making traditional upgrade approaches unfeasible.

Urban Utilities engaged WSP to lead the design of a future-ready, flood-resilient replacement. Downer was appointed as the construction partner, forming a collaborative delivery team that would navigate the site’s complexities while maintaining uninterrupted service to over 39,000 residents.

The project commenced in 2023 and reached operational completion in March 2025.

Navigating constraints and operational continuity

Delivering the Tantivy SPS upgrade required overcoming a confluence of technical, environmental, and operational challenges. The site itself was exceptionally constrained –bordered by a state controlled road, two flood-prone waterways, protected vegetation and residential properties. This left virtually no room for traditional construction methods or horizontal expansion.

The existing pump station featured a deep dry-well configuration that was difficult to access and maintain. Despite its age and deteriorating condition, the station had to remain fully operational throughout the upgrade to avoid service disruptions.

Flood risk was also a critical concern. The site sat within a 1-in-100-year floodplain, and historical events had demonstrated the vulnerability of electrical infrastructure to inundation. Any new design would need to ensure immunity from future flood events, including extreme weather scenarios with a 1/2500 annual probability of exceedance for wind and seismic activity.

Additional constraints included overhead 11kV power lines, which imposed safety hazards and height restrictions, and the proximity of residential areas, which required careful management of noise, odour, and community engagement. Environmental sensitivities along the Bremer River and Tivoli Creek added further complexity, necessitating rigorous compliance with ecological protection standards.

The project team faced the challenge of integrating temporary works with permanent infrastructure. Excavation adjacent to the live pump station demanded precision and stability to avoid compromising the existing structure. These challenges required not only technical expertise but also a collaborative mindset and a willingness to rethink conventional approaches to pump station design and delivery.

Elevating infrastructure through 'vertical thinking'

In response to these multifaceted challenges, the project team implemented a suite of innovative and integrated solutions that redefined the boundaries of conventional pump station design.

Central to the approach was the development of a bespoke vertical configuration, a stacked design that maximised spatial efficiency while elevating critical infrastructure above flood levels. This allowed the wet well, switchboard, and generator to be housed within a compact footprint, mitigating flood risk and improving operational safety.

To further enhance maintainability and reduce long-term costs, the design incorporated integrated crane beams within the elevated platform, which eliminated the need for mobile cranage streamlined maintenance operations, and reduced emissions.

The elevated switchboard and generator platform was engineered to withstand extreme flood events, ensuring recovery of service following adverse conditions.

The Tantivy Street Pump Station upgrade is more than a technical achievement, it is a story of purpose-driven engineering that reshapes the future of water infrastructure.

Dean Toomey Director, Water, WSP

Dean Toomey Director, Water, WSP

Delivering unconventional solutions through collaboration

The successful delivery of the Tantivy SPS upgrade is underpinned by the power of collaboration and innovation.

Through Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), WSP, Downer, and specialist subcontractors worked together from the outset to co-design temporary and permanent works. This enabled the team to optimise constructability, material use, and sequencing. The foundation design served dual purposes, providing structural support for the new station while also acting as a retaining system for excavation adjacent to the live facility.

A fully integrated 3D Building Information Model (BIM) facilitated early detection of spatial conflicts and supported Safety in Design workshops. Augmented Reality (AR) visualisations through QR codes and photomontages were used to engage stakeholders, providing them with an immersive experience of the future pump station. These tools enhanced transparency, reduced rework, and fostered community understanding.

Enabling reliable wastewater services

The Tantivy SPS upgrade has delivered enduring benefits across social, economic, and environmental dimensions, reinforcing its value as a model for future infrastructure projects.

The project supports Ipswich’s projected population growth to 60,000 by 2046, ensuring reliable wastewater services and public health protection. By increasing its capacity from 420 L/s to 640 L/s, the pump station is positioned to accommodate urban expansion and wet weather events without compromising performance.

This upgrade safeguards essential services for Ipswich families now and for generations to come. It reflects our commitment to protecting public health, supporting growth, and it builds trust in the systems our communities rely on every day.

David Merrett Program Delivery Manager, Urban Utilities

David Merrett Program Delivery Manager, Urban Utilities

Economically, the project achieved $1.8 million in design savings through early contractor involvement and digital optimisation. These efficiencies were realised through innovations such as integrated switchboard platforms, reconfigured overflow structures, and the reuse of existing assets.

The design reduced the risk of uncontrolled discharges into sensitive ecosystems.

Odour and confined space hazards were addressed through proactive safety measures, enhancing amenity for both operators and the community.

Ultimately, the Tantivy SPS upgrade exemplifies how strategic investment in infrastructure can deliver lasting value, supporting growth, protecting the environment, and strengthening community trust in essential services.

Tantivy Street Pump Station: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes the Tantivy Street Pump Station upgrade unique?

The Tantivy SPS upgrade reimagined a 1940s pump station using an innovative vertical design that raises critical equipment above flood levels. This approach improves safety, reliability and flood resilience, while fitting within a highly constrained site next to the Bremer River and Tivoli Creek.

How does the new design protect against flooding?

The upgraded station is built on an elevated platform designed to remain operational during extreme flood events. All essential electrical components and the generator are positioned above the one-in-100-year flood level, ensuring continuity of service for more than 39,000 residents even in severe weather.

What wider benefits has the project delivered?

In addition to increasing wastewater capacity and reliability, the project achieved $1.8 million in design savings through early contractor involvement and digital delivery. It also enhanced community engagement through augmented reality tools and reduced environmental risks such as odour, noise and the potential for overflow into nearby waterways.