A former school building and heritage house at Brunswick will receive a multi-million-dollar transformation to become a vibrant arts precinct.
The heritage house is a two-storey Italianate mansion and dates back to the 19th century. It is the only remaining building from Alfred Cornwell's pottery and brick-making factory on the site, also known as Brunswick Pottery.
Kennedy Nolan Architects are leading the design phase of the plans for the Siteworks property as part of Moreland City Council’s recently adopted concept plan to deliver about 3500sq m of affordable creative arts spaces for the community.
A planning permit application was lodged late last month with the Moreland City Council and is due to go on public notice soon.
Construction will begin in 2023 and the project is expected to be completed by 2024.
Melbourne-based These Are The Projects We Do Together currently manages the site and will return to manage the redeveloped site, alongside First Nations’ Blak Dot Gallery.
Moreland mayor Mark Riley said the redevelopment was a long-term investment in the future of culture and creativity in Brunswick.
“Moreland has a long and proud history of being the location of choice for prominent artists,” Riley said.
“This redevelopment will create much-needed space and opportunity for artists, community members and creative industries in Brunswick.
“It will be a welcoming, socially inclusive space that celebrates Moreland’s diversity, creativity and distinct culture.”
The Kennedy Nolan-designed precinct will include a large public space for outdoor events, a new creative community-use facility with rooms for commercial activities for the creative industries, production spaces and a gallery exhibition space.
There will also be a small cafe space.
Kennedy Nolan Architects director of architecture Victoria Reeves said they would be designing with end users in mind.
“The institutions on this site currently, Siteworks and BlakDot, operate with a remarkable culture of generosity and openness to the community,” Reeves said.
“As we design the buildings and spaces in between for a new era on this site, we’re very aware to continue this legacy.”
