This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
FOLLOWING a review of heritage in Melbourne’s Fishermans Bend, a number of iconic industrial sites, including a Vegemite factory, are seeking protection.
Along with the Vegemite site at 1 Vegemite Way, Port Melbourne, an industrial shed at 206 Lorimer Street, Docklands on the Yarra River, an electricity substation at 224-236 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne, an Aircraft Factory and the West Gate Bridge are being put forward as having historical significance, after a review by an independent heritage expert.
The nominated sites will be considered by the Deputy Lord Mayor, Nicholas Reece and the councillors from the City of Melbourne.
“Fishermans Bend has been home to some of our most iconic industries and brands including Vegemite and General Motors Holden,” said Reece.
According to Reece, Fishermans Bend is expected to provide employment for up to 80,000 people by the year 2050.
“We want to create new jobs and communities in this urban renewal area while protecting the places and histories that make it unique,” he added.
The West Gate Bridge, amongst the nominated sites, represents both historic and social significance for the state of Victoria, as well as for its aesthetic and technical design and construction.
“The Westgate Bridge was the site of an industrial accident that killed 35 workers more than 50 years ago and led to lasting workplace reforms. The bridge also opened up our city to the west,” added Reece.
The former Government Aircraft Factory was one of only two aircraft assembly plants in the country throughout WW2, with its NSW counterpart already protected on the state’s register.
The site at 226 Lorimer Street in Port Melbourne, is currently owned by Boeing Aerostructures Australia and with only 40% of the property being nominated for heritage protection, current and future operations will not be disturbed.
“This is the most comprehensive study of industrial heritage we’ve ever undertaken. This is the industrial heartland of our city, a proud heritage that we don’t want to lose as Fishermans Bend undergoes renewal,” said Rohan Leppert, heritage portfolio lead councillor at the City of Melbourne.
The former Kraft Vegemite factory, which along with the iconic spread is now owned by Bega Foods, is according to Leppert representative of how the area can be both historically protected and enabled to grow and change.
“In 1943 hundreds of women were recruited to work at a new vegetable dehydration factory in Port Melbourne as part of the war effort. In 1952 the site was expanded to include a ‘yeast factory’ that went on to become a household name and Vegemite is still being made at the factory today,” said Leppert.
“This site is emblematic of post-war food manufacturing plants that were constructed across Melbourne. It’s important to retain the area’s history and we will continue to do whatever we can to ensure Fishermans Bend retains its industrial spirit.”
The recommendations made by the independent heritage expert will be considered by the Council under Planning Scheme amendments C393 and C394.
Assuming they are endorsed, the nominations will then be submitted to the Victorian Heritage Register.
“We’re stepping up protection for significant sites to provide certainty and clarity to landowners, established businesses and the community,” concluded Leppert.
