Back to search results

Warren & Brown Engineering Workshops
113-115 Ballarat Road, FOOTSCRAY VIC 3011 - Property No 2003017218

All information on this page is maintained by Maribyrnong City. Click below for their website and contact details.
Maribyrnong City
28354 Warren & Brown Engineering Workshops 113-115 Ballarat Rd
28354 Warren & Brown Engineering Workshops 113-115 Ballarat Rd
28354 Warren & Brown Engineering Workshops 113-115 Ballarat Rd
On this page:

Statement of Significance

Warren Brown is of significance to the City of Maribyrnong as an important example of the Moderne styled factory complex representing the growth of engineering firms in the early 20th century. (Criterion A3) Until recently, a near original and accomplished Moderne style office-factory design for a medium sized engineering firm representative of the growth of the metal trades in Footscray around the Second World War (Criterion A3) Now only surviving as facades and fragments. However, few jobbing engineers survive in Maribyrnong or other inner suburbs as industrial zones have been reclaimed for residential/commercial development.
(Criterion B2)

The owner-built factory with an architecturally elaborate facade bearing the owners name as part of the construction, perhaps reached its apotheosis in the immediate pre-war period, later to be subsumed by anonymous and undistinguished standard design factory buildings with a separated administrative function in a geographically isolated location (usually in the CBD). The named factory demonstrates both the character of the owners and the public expression of their motivation and ambition in their chosen industry. (Criterion E1) The former livery-stables are potentially of significance for its connections with the origins of the firm and associations with the prior transport-related function. (Criterion D2) Mid 20th century landscaping survives in the form of a few eucalypts and small conifers which contribute to the aesthetic.

Footscray Conservation Study SOS

A near original and accomplished Moderne style office-factory design which may conceal historically interesting prior uses at the rear, otherwise representative of the growth of the Footscray engineering and metal trades around the Second World War.

Australian Heritage Commission (AHC) criteria

The Australian Heritage Commission criteria consist of a set of eight criteria which cover social, aesthetic, scientific, and historic values. Each criterion has sub-criteria written specifically for cultural or natural values. The relevant criteria are:

A.3 richness and diversity of cultural features

B.2 rarity

E.1 aesthetic importance to the community or cultural group

D.2 good example of type

Show more
Show less

    • Physical Description 1

      Warren & Brown Engineering Workshops - Physical Description 1

      Developed in stages, the facade demonstrates the architectural style of the period in a slick streamlined moderne combination of one and two-storey blocks in patterned manganese salt glazed and cream brickwork with contrasting coloured sills and string courses of dark brick or concrete forming the horizontal elements and pilasters of darker brick between the windows and tall projecting panels over the entrance from the verticals - surmounted by the signature flagpole of the style.

      Bands of steel framed windows are surmounted by the painted steel lettering of the company name. Curved corners and brick planter boxes complete the moderne details.

      Behind are buildings of other periods including red brick and render from c1920 and steel and iron framed galvanised iron clad factory space. One timber section may be the original livery stable.

      Large Eucalypt trees (South Australian Sugar Gums) and other small trees and shrubs remain from 1960s landscaping across the front of the site, while planter boxes demonstrate the original extent of the landscape scheme.

      Recent demolition has removed a large part of the functional factory space but appears to retain the facades and the rear of the complex.

      Physical Conditions

      Warren & Brown Engineering Workshops - Physical Conditions

      The buildings are all in good condition and well maintained, although plant and equipment has been removed. The buildings are well maintained and structurally sound

      Integrity

      Warren & Brown Engineering Workshops - Integrity

      Apart from the removal of machinery, the complex is intact to its final phase of development.

      Physical Description 2

      Warren & Brown Engineering Workshops - Physical Description 2

      On Ballarat Road in an otherwise residential area but forming a self contained industrial complex opposite Victoria University. Isolated, but not far from the similar Geelong Road examples.

      Historical Australian Themes

      Warren & Brown Engineering Workshops - Historical Australian Themes

      Thematic context
      Australian Principal Theme Manufacturing and Processing
      PAHT Subtheme: Manufacturing and Processing
      Local Theme Industry Pushing Outwards:

      Physical Description 3

      Warren & Brown Engineering Workshops - Physical Description 3

      Creation date(s): 1938- 1941c
      Heritage Significance city
      Map (Melway) 42 C3
      Boundary description The extent of the current allotment boundary

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Maribyrnong - Maribyrnong Heritage Review

      Author: Jill Barnard, Graeme Butler, Francine Gilfedder & Gary Vines
      Year: 2000
      Grading:

Public contributions

Note: Developments may span multiple time periods
Timeline browser

< to 1849
< - 1849
1850 to 1879
1850 - 1879
1880 to 1909
1880 - 1909
1910 to 1939
1910 - 1939
1940 to 1969
1940 - 1969
1970 to 1999
1970 - 1999
2000 to >
2000 - >