Work begins on historic Yarraville former textile factory site

The first sods have been turned at Frasers Property Australia’s landmark Bradmill community in Yarraville, marking a major milestone in the life of the historic site. A ceremony to mark the beginning of construction of the first homes on the site — the Pioneer Townhomes — was held on October 9th. 

Representatives of builder Figurehead Construction and architect Rothelowman joined Frasers Property staff for the event marking the start of a new chapter for the former textile manufacturing industrial site, 17 years after its machines fell silent.

Frasers Property Australian general manager of development Sarah Bloom said the significance of the event wasn’t lost on anyone at the event.

“This supremely located site has been neglected for decades, and this is the moment its rebirth as one of Melbourne’s most vibrant new neighbourhoods began,” she said.

“We’re so excited to be breathing new life into heritage buildings, and to be transforming this prime infill site with its excellent access to road, cycling, and public transport connections into a thriving Yarraville mini-suburb.”

Yarraville, named the fifth coolest neighbourhood in the world by Time Out in 2020, features a buzzing dining scene, historic cinema and vibrant independent retailers. 

The Pioneer Townhomes features many nods to the site’s history, including kitchen benches that mirror the steel-framed garment tables once used by Bradmill workers and industrial-style brushed nickel tapware.

The homes are priced from $1.442m for a two-storey, four-bedroom, three-bathroom, two-car space property to $1.199m for a three-storey, three-bedroom, two-bathroom option. The townhomes are expected to be complete by the end of 2025.

The 26-hectare site will eventually comprise approximately 680 townhomes and up to 750 apartments across five buildings, accommodating approximately 3,500 residents.

Alongside construction of townhomes and future apartment buildings, the heritage-listed former industrial buildings on the site will be restored and refurbished as exclusive facilities for Bradmill residents. 

The iconic proofing building and boiler house with its eye-catching coal chute will be transformed to house a gym, pool, co-working spaces, cinema, arcade room, entertaining spaces and an elevated events space on the boiler house’s top level where attendees will enjoy sweeping views across the inner west to the city and out towards the bay.

Other amenities on-site include the future Bradmill Quarter shopping and dining precinct, approved by council earlier this year with a major supermarket tenant to be announced in the coming months. It will include a full-line supermarket, cafes, restaurants, childcare centre, health providers, and speciality stores, as well as a new Council-run library.

A 1.5-hectare landscaped greenway with walking and cycling paths, seating nooks and lawns will connect the Bradmill community to the neighbouring McIvor Reserve.

Bradmill is adjacent to the Federation Trail bike path, leading directly to the CBD. The trail will link to the 2.5km suspended cycling veloway currently under construction beneath the new elevated Footscray Road.

When it opens in 2025, Bradmill residents will be able to cycle into the city on a continuously separated 9km path. There are also easy road connections to the Westgate Freeway for Bradmill residents via Williamstown Road and Millers Road.

Bradmill is an easy stroll across McIvor Reserve to Wembley Primary School, currently undergoing a $10m upgrade, along with Wembley Avenue’s shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Click here to find out more about Bradmill Yarraville.