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Olympic Tyre & Rubber
56-84 Cross Street FOOTSCRAY WEST, Maribyrnong City

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Maribyrnong City

HO114 (3) - Olympic Tyre & Rubber, 56-84 Cross Street, West Footscray.JPG

HO114 (1) - Olympic Tyre & Rubber, 56-84 Cross Street, West Footscray.JPG

HO114 (2) - Olympic Tyre & Rubber, 56-84 Cross Street, West Footscray.JPG

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Statement of Significance
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Statement of Significance

City of Maribyrnong Heritage Review Statement of Significance:

The Olympic Tyre and Rubber factory is of State architectural and historical significance as one of the most accomplished examples of the Moderne style factory facades which are well represented in the region but otherwise relatively rare. (Criterion A3) The extensive elevation to a main rail line demonstrates architectural flair and a consciousness of the world trends in industrial architecture. The building reflects the high point of the period of industrial development in the region in the 1930s and '40s providing contrast to the historical fact of the depression. (Criterion A4)

Within the framework of the Moderne style current at the time, the architectural treatment presents a distinctive approach and creates a considerable impact. (Criterion F1)

Historically the site is associated with the business and personal success of Sir Frank Beaurepaire who achieved fame in his triple Olympic attendance, 1908, 1920, 1924, was Lord Mayor in 1940-42 and knighted in 1940. The building reflects the prosperity of an Australian firm which achieved major successes and innovations in an industry dominated by overseas technologies and competition. (Criterion H1)

The landscape elements of the formal garden remnants, including the Italian Cypress trees contribute to the aesthetic value of the place.

Footscray Conservation Study SOS

Architecturally, an accomplished and extensive elevation substantially in the Moderne style which parallels with other industrial growth in Footscray just prior to and during the Second War. Historically, it is closely linked with the personal success story of Frank Beaurepaire and the development of an Australian industry in the face of international innovation and competition.

Given the extent of the works visible from the street, the emphasis of this significance is on the Cross Street elevation.

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

A.4 demonstrates well the course and pattern of history, important historic events

F.1 design or technological achievement .

H.1 association with important person or group

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- Physical Description 1
  
  Olympic Tyre & Rubber - Physical Description 1
  
  Like many similar-sized factory complexes, this site possesses a stylish office and showroom facade in front of acres of unadorned factory space behind. The sawtooth roof is used extensively, and the facade carries the firm's image in the latest architectural style of coloured brickwork, curves and architectural fins of the advanced Streamlined Moderne. Going a step further than the contemporary factories in Geelong Road, the facade is in three parts with a central pedimented wing set back from a garden court and alluding to the Neo Greek style of the 1920s. The concrete water tank towers above and behind the centre or the pediment and main entrance. Moderne styling is apparent, however, in the flanking two and three story wings which involve rounded forms with a central raised section dividing the fenestration with manganese brick fins.
  
  In imitation of the picture theatres of the period, the eastern wing has the rolling brick curved walls which tuck into a recessed glazed entrance sitting beneath a slim, curved, cantilevered concrete canopy. Either side of this, the formal, classical landscape is evoked by Italian Cypress, typical of the style. The British Hoover factory in London (1932-5) may have been an inspiration or perhaps even the now demolished Firestone Tyre Factory of 1928.
  
  Physical Conditions
  
  Olympic Tyre & Rubber - Physical Conditions
  
  The buildings are in good condition apart from minor alterations and the removal of some elements, for example the original steel boiler chimney.
  
  Integrity
  
  Olympic Tyre & Rubber - Integrity
  
  Intact to its original external condition on the Cross Street elevation apart from minor alterations to openings, considerable reconstruction and alteration to factory buildings behind.
  
  Physical Description 2
  
  Olympic Tyre & Rubber - Physical Description 2
  
  Located opposite Footscray West rail yards, and can seen as an extension of the early 20th century industrial south of the railway and along Geelong Road.
  
  Historical Australian Themes
  
  Olympic Tyre & Rubber - Historical Australian Themes
  
  Thematic context
  Australian Principal Theme Manufacturing and Processing
  PAHT Subtheme: Manufacturing and Processing
  Local Theme Industry Pushing Outwards:
  
  Physical Description 3
  
  Olympic Tyre & Rubber - Physical Description 3
  
  Creation date(s): 1933, 1934-1940
  Heritage Significance state
  Map (Melway) 41 J4
  Boundary description The major buildings facing Cross Street to the depth of the sawtooth roof sections behind.
  Local Government Area: City of Maribyrnong
  Ownership Type Private
  
  Heritage Study and Grading
  
  Heritage Study and Grading
  
  Maribyrnong - Maribyrnong Heritage Review
  
  Author: Jill Barnard, Graeme Butler, Francine Gilfedder & Gary Vines
  Year: 2000
  Grading:
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