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Southern Can Company
240-246 Geelong Road, WEST FOOTSCRAY VIC 3012 - Property No 5063000410

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Maribyrnong City
HO127 (3) - Southern Can Company, 240 Geelong Road, West Footscray.JPG
HO127 (3) - Southern Can Company, 240 Geelong Road, West Footscray.JPG
HO127 (3) - Southern Can Company, 240 Geelong Road, West Footscray.JPG
HO127 (2) - Southern Can Company, 240 Geelong Road, West Footscray.JPG
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Statement of Significance

City of Maribyrnong Heritage Review Statement of Significance:

Southern Can Co. is of regional historical and architectural significance as the most substantial and skilfully designed of the Geelong Road factories from the WW II period. In terms of its application of the International or Dutch Moderne style, it rivals Billson's Warburton Sanitarium work except for the unfortunate painting of the brickwork. (Criterion F1) Historically it corresponds with a period of industrial expansion in several areas of the western suburbs which had a close relationship with the established munitions industry and the development of self contained wartime production which was unparalleled anywhere else in Melbourne. (Criterion D2) As one of a number of Moderne style factory complexes in the immediate area it contributes to an important industrial heritage precinct. (Criterion B2) The surviving landscape elements such as the palms are contributory.

Footscray Conservation Study SOS

Architecturally, the most substantial and skilfully designed of the Geelong Road Second War period factories, it rivals Billson's Warburton work except for the unfortunate painting of its brickwork. Historically, it corresponds with other industrial expansion in Footscray, particularly along major road routes and within a production sphere related to the approaching conflict.

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:

F.1 design or technological achievement .

D.2 good example of type

B.2 rarity

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    • Physical Description 1

      Southern Can Company - Physical Description 1

      The typical sawtooth roof, steel and timber framed, corrugated iron and brick clad factory complex sits behind a striking facade originally of clinker brick but now white painted. In a style reminiscent of the International or Dutch Modern, stacked geometric forms rise to a stylised clock tower over the arched entrance. Stylistic association can be seen with the work of architects Dudock and Billson. A later addition continues the flat concrete window hoods and fenestration patterns, but in a simpler composition. The brick and corrugated iron clad factory sections continue the forms to the complex's perimeter. Some original landscaping survives such as the palms. A siding from the West Footscray yards once served the works.

      Some unrelated additions from post 1970 have been erected to the north of the site. Some original landscaping elements survive such as the palms and planter boxes.

      Physical Conditions

      Southern Can Company - Physical Conditions

      In good condition externally.

      Integrity

      Southern Can Company - Integrity

      Intact to its original state apart from the over painting of brickwork and some later additions to the rear which do not detract from the major elevations.

      Physical Description 2

      Southern Can Company - Physical Description 2

      One of a number of Moderne and other styled mid 20th century industrial complexes along Geelong Road and in the West Footscray/Brooklyn vicinity.

      Historical Australian Themes

      Southern Can Company - Historical Australian Themes

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

      Physical Description 3

      Southern Can Company - Physical Description 3

      Creation date(s): 1937
      Heritage Significance regional
      Map (Melway) 41 K5
      Boundary description
      The extent of the current allotment although the post 1970 additions to the site are not
      contributory.
      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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