Permit to build on old Bradmill denim factory site in Yarraville expires

THE transformation of a dilapidated former denim factory in Yarraville into a mini suburb with up to 1500 homes and shops has been delayed after a works permit expired.

The former Bradmill denim factory has become a magnet for vandals. Picture: Sarah Matray

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WORKS on Yarraville’s Bradmill site have been delayed again after a permit for works expired last week.

The 24ha site was slated to become a mini suburb with up to 1500 dwellings and retail spaces.

However the permit to build on the site expired on February 28.

Council planning services director Nigel Higgins said a request for an extension had been made last month and the council was assessing it.

“No decision has been made yet,” Mr Higgins said.

Two Chinese based companies are believed to have purchased the site for more than $170 million.

Beijing based company Chang Sheng holds the majority stake with Chinese media personality Tommy Jiang who owns a small interest in the property.

The Melbourne based company which handled the transactions, Mitchell Asset Management, did not return calls.

Mayor Catherine Cumming said the council had done all they could to get developers to commence work on the site.

“It’s unfortunate for the community when large developers sit on major sites for long periods of time leaving them vacant,” Ms Cumming said.

She said it was “frustrating” and not what the community wanted.

The mayor said she wanted to see action from the State Government to address the issue.

“It’s really up to the planning minister to step up,” she said.

The project was expected to take at least 10 years to complete.

Formerly a denim manufacturing factory, the site stopped operating in 2007.

The former Bradmill is site is bounded by Francis St, McIvor Reserve and the Newport freight railway line.

A heritage overlay applies to the boiler house and adjoining buildings which must be incorporated into any redevelopment.