Queensland Train Manufacturing Program: Torbanlea train manufacturing facility

15 hours ago
2 min read

Since 2022 PDT Architects has been working in collaboration with WSP and John Holland to deliver the train manufacturing facility at Torbanlea for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program. As we move through March 2026, the project is rapidly transitioning from a massive construction site into a functioning industrial powerhouse.

A New Era for Queensland Rail: The Torbanlea Revolution

Located just 25km north of Maryborough, the Torbanlea train manufacturing facility is more than just a building, it is the heart of the QTMP. Spanning 130 hectares, the site has been transformed from a former pineapple farm into a state-of-the-art hub that will manufacture 65 new six-car passenger trains for the South East Queensland rail network.

Engineering at Scale

The sheer scale of the facility is difficult to grasp until you stand next to it. At 30,000m², the manufacturing footprint is roughly three times the size of Suncorp Stadium. The design centres around an "acoustic shed". A specialised environment built to house the entire manufacturing process. This enclosure serves a dual purpose: it allows for 24/7 operations to meet strict delivery timelines while shielding the local community from industrial noise and dust.

Inside, the facility features:

Advanced Robotics: Specialized zones for robotic-assisted welding and car body assembly.
Specialist paint and blast booths: designed specifically for rollingstock
Water test facility and static gauge: to test the operational readiness
State-of-the-art wheel lathes: compliance with safety and performance standards
Computer Numerical Controlled Bogie frame Machine centre: Machine designed for design stability and accuracy of bogie frames
On-Site Testing: A dedicated dynamic test track and test building where every train is trialled before connecting to the North Coast rail line.
Local Supply Chain: Through a partnership with Hyundai Rotem, the project includes a new steel roll-forming facility, allowing components previously made or assembled overseas to be manufactured right here in Queensland.

Built for Inclusion and Legacy

A defining feature of the QTMP fleet is its commitment to accessibility. The design process involved extensive "co-design" with the disability sector, ensuring these will be the most accessible trains in Queensland’s history. Each train will feature 20 wheelchair spaces and enhanced hearing loops, setting a new gold standard for inclusive public transport.

The Road to 2032

With manufacturing activities officially ramping up this year, the facility aims to deliver all 65 new trains by 2032. This timeline is critical, as the fleet will provide the backbone for the increased capacity for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

As the facility reaches full operational capacity, it will support nearly 300 long-term jobs, reinvigorating a regional rail legacy that dates back over 150 years.