Archer Office acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work. We pay respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.

Boot Factory:

Heritage Enlightenment

Archer Office has recently completed the Boot Factory project for Waverley Council, which sees the adaptive re-use of the heritage-listed building and its forecourt to create a community and innovation hub. The overall project also included major renovations to the adjacent Mill Hill Centre to accommodate Council offices, community and conference facilities, a community hall, and a cafe. As Lead Consultant for this project, Archer Office lead an experienced sub consultant team that included over 40 disciplines including Heritage, Structural Engineering, MEP, BCA, Access and Fire Engineering, Landscape, QS and Planning.

CONTEXT

The Boot Factory building was constructed in 1892, but by 2007 it had been vacated due to structural concerns and was in danger of being demolished. The community rallied to save the building and Archer Office was engaged to conduct a concept feasibility study to explore options. The Archer Office scheme demonstrated a feasible, value-for-money outcome for Council without the addition of any new floor area or building mass. This was achieved by sharing lifts, amenities and other facilities with the adjacent Mill Hill Centre to create a Combined Building. This solution simultaneously addressed Heritage, Structural, Fire, BCA, Access, Services, operational and Planning constraints while minimising scope and cost.

The Boot Factory in production mode, c. 1892.

Construction underway on the radial timber ceiling of the Boot Factory.

An R-Class Tram displayed alongside the Boot Factory, 1929.

HERITAGE

The Boot Factory is a significant Heritage building and the last remaining industrial building of the Victorian era within Bondi Junction. The project has completely reconstructed the building interior structure and roof, extending its useful life for at least the next 100 years.

HERITAGE INTERPRETATION

The project includes a series of Heritage Interpretation strategies. The original structural timbers were utilised in the construction of the new front door to the building.

FLEXIBLE COMMUNITY SPACES

The project includes a series of flexible community spaces for a variety of planned and unplanned future uses. The building is equipped with extensive audio visual equipment to allow plug and play utilisation by community groups.

SUSTAINABILITY

The project includes extensive sustainability initiatives, starting with the adaptive reuse of existing structures. The building utilises natural daylighting and is naturally ventilated, supplemented by fans and air conditioning. The project includes a geothermal heat pump system to exchange heat with the constant temperature of the ground, which is powered by an extensive solar array.

WORKING WITH GOVERNMENT

The project required extensive consultation with Council and stakeholders. Waverley Council chambers have temporarily been installed in the top floor of the adjacent Mill Hill Centre, which required detailed coordination of requirements for governance.

Project Details

Location:

Bondi Junction, Sydney

Year:

2024

Status:

Completed

Client:

Waverley Council

Programme:

Community & Commercial

Size:

1197m2 (Site Area)

File under:
Projects Stage & Spectacles Interior Actions Living Heritage Acts of Urbanism Precise Tolerance Adaption Adoption Changing Spaces Government Agency Workplace Hospitality Education Cultural Community