Bondi Junction: Boot Factory plans revealed
For years the future of the Boot Factory, a much-loved heritage building in Bondi Junction, was up in the air. But finally plans — including artist impressions — for its dramatic transformation have been released.
Wentworth Courier
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Plans to transform the vacant Boot Factory in Bondi Junction into a state-of-the-art community centre have been revealed.
The 1892-built factory, at 27-33 Spring Street, has faced an uncertain future for many years.
There were calls for it to be demolished which led to an intense community backlash.
Now Waverley Council has prioritised transforming the three-storey brick building into a community centre, expected to be completed by 2021.
The building has been empty since 2007.
Waverley Council has submitted plans for the “adaptive reuse” of the building in which the exterior will remain virtually untouched.
The $5.3 million project for the locally heritage-listed boot factory was referred to the NSW Department of Planning earlier this month.
The plans include restoration works to the roof and masonry perimeter walls, new floors and an interior fit-out.
A massive skylight will create “a connection to the sky and to the stars”, in the brick warehouse nestled between the Mill Hill centre and high-rise apartments.
The old factory will be memorialised with metal cutout sign, backlit above the entryway, reading ‘BOOT FACTORY’.
The plans state the facility would be called an “Innovation and Knowledge Hub” and be able to host exhibitions, workshops, community meetings, conferences, fundraising events and council meetings.
The courtyard would be transformed into a recreational space with seating and tables.
The neighbouring Mill Hill Community Centre will also get a revamp, including additions to the reception, kitchenette, offices, outdoor BBQ and a new roof canopy.
Bridges on each level will connect the factory and the Mill Hill Centre.
Constructed by William Sidaway, the boot factory was known as Sidaway and Sons.
The historic building operated as a factory from the early 1900s up until 1984, when it was acquired by Waverley Council.
It became part of the Mill Hill Community Centre until 2007, when the structure was determined to be structurally unsafe.
“The proposal offers the opportunity to restore and adaptively re-use a heritage item for community benefit,” the planning proposal reads.
“The proposed use of the site as a community facility is consistent with the existing use of the Mill Hill Community Centre and allows for a connection between the two buildings.”
Mayor Paula Masselos said: “When I was elected Mayor in September, I made a commitment to the residents of Waverley to ensure that our council continues to restore and retain our heritage buildings.
“The Boot Factory is such an important building in the history of Waverley and our restoration will ensure it is preserved for future generations.”