Heritage icon awaits the next chapter
Number 57 Sutton Street Warragul, formerly the Miller’s Factory, is of significant heritage value to the town, employing many locals during its time manufacturing linen thread, later greeting cards and paper, and more recently, accommodating a dance school and the year nine students
from St. Paul’s Anglican Grammar School. Originally built in 1945 by James Miller and Co. the building was constructed for the production of linen thread from locally grown flax and sisal. In its day, the factory was considered ‘State of the Art’ with two large industrial wings, administration offices along the front, including a spacious canteen/ ballroom on the second level and an internal courtyard.
With competition from synthetic products, cheaper imports and the reduced demand for linen thread, the business declined and the factory was sold in 1978 to Momentum Greeting Cards. In 1999 this business was taken over by the multinational company John Sands and the factory was closed and stripped of its machinery.
The building was subsequently bought by CTC Engineering who manufactured stainless steel equipment for the dairy industry, however, due to planning restrictions and a change to residential zoning, the building was no longer suitable for their needs. Therefore, the option now was to sell the building to a developer where the building could be utilised to comply with regulations. Although in need of extensive renovation, the potential was soon realised by an innovative dance school to convert one wing into a studio, capitalising on the large, airy space ideal for this purpose. After this successful refurbishment, St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School, in search of premises as a designated centre for year nine, immediately recognised the versatility and potential of the interior and the factory was purchased by the school in 2004. The building was re-roofed, the front administration area painted and carpeted, the factory wings refreshed with bright, modern colours and the original roller doors replaced with glass exit doors.
In later years, the rear of the complex was converted to a gym. Many of the original features remain within the building including areas of red gum block flooring, which has been highly polished for the gym floor and the decorative, recessed ceiling of the ballroom/ staffroom. Tubular steel hand rails and balustrades, both on the balcony, fire-escape and the interior staircase, together with the linear brick façade, sloping roof and lofty ceilings retain the industrial theme. Clerestory windows channel light into the interior further enhancing the light and open ambience. A distinctive feature is the internal courtyard with established shade trees giving the complex a unique character. The building, of approximately 4,805m2, is positioned on an 11,210m2 (2.77 acre) allotment with 100.87 metre Sutton Street frontage.
Two entry points allow safe access from the street and there is generous off street parking. Location is premium with the Warragul Golf Course and Country Club adjacent, private and public schools, parkland, recreational facilities and the town centre are all within walking distance. Suitable for a variety of purposes, including an educational/childcare facility, residential living, medical and/or professional suites, aged care or specialist accommodation, (STCA) the options are endless. The sheer size, location, history and adaptability make this an exciting proposition for many ventures. Number 57 Sutton Street Warragul is for sale by expressions of interest, which are to be submitted to the marketing agent Clark NextRE Warragul by no later than 16th May 2019. Additional information, including the Information Memorandum, may be obtained from Peter Clark from Clark NextRE Warragul. Telephone 5623 6466, 0418 599 432 or email peter.clark@clarkr e.com.au. Historical information in this article was sourced from No Ordinary Days, the history of St Paul’s Anglican Grammar by Laele Pepper.
Located in the popular Jackson’s View Development of Drouin, this stunning contemporary residence oozes class and style.
The unpretentious façade within a minimalist garden landscape belies a striking interior of clean, airy living spaces, superior fixtures and thoughtful design.
Skilfully crafted cabinetry, choice floor coverings including oak laminate flooring and plush carpets, a contrasting colour palette of white and charcoal, custom window treatments, quality lighting, fixtures and appliances set this home above the norm.
Square set cornices, tall doorways and an abundance of natural light enhance the feeling of space whilst ducted gas heating, evaporative cooling, ceiling fans and double glazing maintain climate control.
Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, formal sitting room, open plan family/meals area, entertainer’s kitchen, remote controlled double garage with internal access and a large, north facing alfresco are highlights of the floorplan.