Three historic buildings in the East Perth Redevelopment Authority’s (EPRA) Lindsay and Money Streets Heritage Precinct, part of the New Northbridge urban renewal project, are on the market.
The buildings – a workers cottage, former cordial factory and Chinese laundry - exemplify the history and diversity of the Northbridge area and are ripe for refurbishment, extension and reuse.
Acting EPRA CEO David Beattie said that the three sites provided investors, developers or home-owners with an opportunity to invest in the area and contribute to the retention and enhancement of buildings that represent a snapshot of Northbridge history at the turn of the last century.
“As part of the New Northbridge urban renewal project a total of 65 building were placed on EPRA’s list of heritage places and have been retained, helping to preserve Northbridge’s rich history,” Mr Beattie said.
“All of the 52 heritage buildings offered for sale to date have sold, and many have already been restored and adaptively reused. A good example of this is the Wallpaper World building on the corner of Newcastle and Palmerston Street, which has been carefully rejuvenated into professional offices,” he said.
"The three properties in the Lindsay and Money Streets Precinct represent important and poignant reminders of our State's history and are a wonderful opportunity for people or businesses with creativity, flair and an eye for a good investment to get a foothold in this vibrant, inner city area," Mr Beattie said.
The old Mackays aerated water factory (Lot 503 Money Street) sits proudly on the corner of Money and Little Parry Streets and is zoned for mixed commercial, retail and residential conversion. The 2,892sqm site is suitable for redevelopment. Design Guidelines allow site coverage of up to 80% and a maximum height of 12 metres.
Built in 1928 for cordial manufacturers Francis Charles McKay, the factory was extended in 1942. In spite of the wartime stringencies, approval for the extension was granted because the factory was supplying cordial to the armed forces. It produced a large range of aerated waters, cordials and mixed alcoholic drinks.
Following World War II, the factory also produced Pepsi-Cola but in 1966 it was bought by Coca-Cola and closed.
The old Chinese laundry and dye works at 191-193 Beaufort Street (Lot 615) was built in 1897 and was one of only seven dye works in the State at the time. It was also home to the Lung Cheong Laundry but by the early 20th Century, new legislation controlling factories lead to the decline of this and most other Chinese laundries.
Following World War I, it housed a dressmaker, confectioner, tearooms and a fruit seller but by the end of the 1900s it had become low-rent residential accommodation.
The building sits on a 480sqm site and is suitable for refurbishment and upgrading with site coverage up to 80% and 12 metre height limit. The factory has been identified for inclusion on the State Heritage Register.
The cottage down the road at 187 Beaufort Street (Lot 613 at 485sqm) was built during the 1890s gold boom and, as with the Chinese laundry, is identified for inclusion on the State Register of Heritage Places and is suitable for refurbishment and upgrading.
The Mackays factory will be sold by public tender, closing at 12-noon on 18 May 2005 and the Chinese laundry and cottage by public auction at 11:00am on 21 May 2005, on site.
About the New Northbridge
The New Northbridge is a 27-hectare urban renewal project in the heart of one of Perth’s most established neighbourhoods. It is home to many buildings of architectural and historical significance. EPRA is managing the urban renewal of the area and recognises the importance and opportunity to build on Northbridge’s fascinating character and heritage.
EPRA’s task is to undertake the renewal of land affected by the Graham Farmer Freeway; enhance and protect the heritage and cultural values of the area, optimise returns and provide land and property redevelopment opportunities.
The redevelopment retains and builds on the unique character of Northbridge and through innovative urban design and land use provides opportunities for purchasers, investors and developers to take part in the transformation of this under-utilised land into a vibrant cosmopolitan community.