MILLERS ROPEWORKS (FORMER)
29 DAWSON STREET,, BRUNSWICK VIC 3056 - Property No 5723
-
Add to tour
You must log in to do that.
-
Share
-
Shortlist place
You must log in to do that.
- Download report
Statement of Significance
What is significant?
The brick building at 29 Dawson Street, Brunswick, as part of the former James Miller & Co. rope works, established in Brunswick in 1909 and extended in 1930, is significant.
How is it significant?
29 Dawson Street, Brunswick, is of local historical significance to the City of Moreland. It is also significant for its rarity value as the only remaining part of large complex that formed the largest and oldest rope manufacturing business in Melbourne.
Why is it significant?
The former factory building at 29 Dawson Street, Brunswick, is historically significant as part of the former James Miller and Co. rope works, initially established in South Melbourne in 1862, later moving to Yarraville in 1890 before establishing in Brunswick in 1909 and consolidating the whole business there in 1929. It is a rare surviving building associated with this once important local industry. Rope and cordage manufacturing is historically a highly significant industry in Brunswick with several manufacturers including Moreland Rope Works operating from 1871, Downs & Sons (later Samson Cordage Works) from 1888, amongst several others. Miller's are historically significant as manufacturers of Anchor brand rope, twine and cordage and later, linen thread and flax yarn. Their business was the largest such industry in Brunswick, employing 500 people at the height of production after 1930. 29 Dawson Street survives with a compatible use as part of the School of Textiles and as a weaving studio for RMIT. (Criterion A)
29 Dawson Street, is significant as the last surviving part of the largest rope works in Brunswick and a relic of this important industry within the municipality. Together with F.J. Wolfe in Albion Street and Downs & Sons in Tinning Street, these sites represent evidence of the manufacturing of rope and other products in Brunswick. Although 29 Dawson Street is less intact than Downs & Co. it is rare evidence of the rope making industry in Brunswick, and, like F.J. Wolfe, is enhanced by highly visible signage in a panel at parapet level. (Criterion A & B)
-
-
MILLERS ROPEWORKS (FORMER) - Physical Description 1
The building at 29 Dawson Street, Brunswick, formerly part of a large industrial complex of James Miller and Co. Rope Works, is the last remaining building of this important local industry. 29 Dawson Street now forms part of the Brunswick campus of RMIT University where it used by the School of Textiles. The interior has been adapted for use as studios and has been extended with a row of offices facing the inner garden of RMIT. The north and east facades are clearly identifiable as part of the former rope works, but the west and south elevations have been modified with new and adapted parts of buildings.
The building is located close to and is highly visible from the Upfield railway line where the facade is of red brick and render with the James Miller and Son Pty Ltd sign in applied lettering. Modifications have taken place to the facade including the addition of several roller doors and new rain heads and downpipes. The roof form is of an industrial sawtooth design set behind a parapet and there are a series of clerestory windows that light the interior. 29 Dawson Street is likely to have been part of the extensions to James Miller & Co. in 1930 as evidenced by the plain brickwork and restrained render details.
MILLERS ROPEWORKS (FORMER) - Physical Conditions
Good
MILLERS ROPEWORKS (FORMER) - Integrity
Altered
Heritage Study and Grading
Moreland - Moreland Heritage Gaps Study 2017
Author: Context Pty Ltd
Year: 2017
Grading: LocalMoreland - Moreland City Council: Local Heritage Places Review
Author: Context Pty Ltd
Year: 2004
Grading:Moreland - Northern Suburbs Factory Study
Author: Vines, G and M, Churchward
Year: 1992
Grading:Moreland - Keeping Brunswick's heritage: A Report on the Review of the Brunswick Conservation Study
Author: Context Pty Ltd
Year: 1990
Grading: Local
-
-
-
-
-
BRUNSWICK FIRE STATION AND FLATSVictorian Heritage Register H0916
-
IRON HOUSEVictorian Heritage Register H0665
-
FORMER HOFFMAN BRICKWORKSVictorian Heritage Register H0703
-
"1890"Yarra City
-
"AMF Officers" ShedMoorabool Shire
-
"AQUA PROFONDA" SIGN, FITZROY POOLVictorian Heritage Register H1687
-
-