Restoration and upgrade to turn the 19th-century, heritage-listed Boot Factory building at the heart of Bondi Junction into a ‘civic innovation hub’ are well underway.
Restoring the historic building for innovative future uses
Council started the restoration project last April 2021, working with architectural firm Archer Office for the updated design of the three-storey building at 27-33 Spring Street.
Coinciding with the Boot Factory’s restoration is the refurbishment of the adjacent Mill Hill Community Centre. Both facilities will then be connected, providing shared access to lift and amenities.
“The Boot Factory and Bondi Pavilion are such important buildings in the history of Waverley and our restoration of both will ensure they are preserved for future generations,” Mayor Masselos said.
Executing the project is Lloyd Group, whose initial restoration works on the Boot Factory will include roof, masonry perimeter walls, installation of new floors, and a complete interior fit-out.
Restoration works will then move on to connecting the Boot Factory and Mill Hill Centre and enhancing the courtyard at Norman Place.
The expected outcome of the restoration project include:
- Flexible community spaces on the ground floor and top floor of the Boot Factory and the Mill Hill Community Centre
- Upgraded Community and Seniors Centre
- A new café at the Spring Street entry to the precinct with street and courtyard presence
- Council will also beautify the courtyard in Norman Lee Place
The Boot Factory in retrospect
Built by William Sidaway and Son in 1892, the Boot Factory began footwear production soon after its completion, until it was acquired by Mr Fred Cull in 1893. In partnership with Mr Thomas Bardon, George Cull and his sons continued the footwear manufacturing business at the factory.
Mr Bardon took over the business as its sole proprietor sometime between 1920 and 1921. After his death in 1938, the business was passed on to his son Thomas Charles Bardon.
After World War I, the Bardon Boot Factory became a recognised producer of fashion footwear for women that were distributed to well-known shoe stores at the time including David Jones and Taylor Shoe Store. The Caddy family was the last family to run and manage the Boot Factory until it closed in 1969.
The building was acquired by Waverley Municipal Council in 1984 and then underwent restoration in 1986. In May 2013, Council voted to have the building demolished after finding it structurally unsound but an independent report said otherwise. And so remedial structural works were completed that same year to ensure it stays stable until Council finds an alternative use for it.
In 2019, the Council lodged an application to transform the old building into an “innovative community space” and was given the green light by the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel in May 2020.
The Boot Factory is listed as a local heritage item in the Waverley Local Environmental Plan and classified by the National Trust of Australia (NSW).
