The second stage of Woods Bagot’s transformation of the Younghusband wool and grain store in Kensington has been given the tick of approval by City of Melbourne planners, despite not complying with the council’s heritage policies and height requirements.
The transformation of the historic sawtooth red-brick warehouses into a commercial and creative hub is being delivered over three stages, with construction of stage one having begun in 2020.
Going before the Future Melbourne Committee on 7 September, the application for stage two calls for the partial demolition of Tallow Store (Store No. 3), fronting Elizabeth Street, and the complete demolition of the adjacent Wool Store No. 5.
An eight-storey tower articulated with an undulating, “silo-inspired” facade would replace Wool Store No. 5, while a six-storey building would be built at the site of the Tallow Store, with the Elizabeth Street facade of the historic building to be retained, along with part of the southern facade.
Younghusband Wool Store Stage 2 by Woods Bagot.
Council planners noted that the extent of the demolition did not comply with the council’s heritage policy. “However, when the loss of this fabric is weighed against the overwhelming conservation of original fabric achieved in Stage 1 … the overall heritage outcome for the site is considered to be highly positive, and the extent of demolition has been supported for this reason.”
Similarly, while the eight-storey tower exceeds the allowable limit of six storeys, the planners found that the conservation efforts of stage one, and the “sophisticated design response” of stage two, meant the additional height was supportable.
Woods Bagot explains in planning documents that the form of the eight-storey building will sit in dialogue with the nearby Allied Mills silos.
“A cylindrical form echoes the neighbouring silo whilst galvanised perforated screening captures the spirit of an industrial village,” state the architects.
Younghusband Wool Store Stage 2 by Woods Bagot.
The building will adopt the principles of Passivhaus, with a variation in apertures and layering of screen densities working to shade it efficiently. Balconies will be provided at every level as social spaces.
The three additional levels at the site of the former Tallow Store will be recessed in order to reduce visibility from the street. “When viewed from the street the additional levels are hidden by the parapet of the existing facade and the overall additional form appears as a single level addition,” states the architect. Atop the new building, a roof terrace will be designed as an urban garden for the community and a place for occupants to temporarily escape from work.
The two new buildings will be primarily used as commercial office space, with supporting spaces for hospitality, manufacturing and sales and retail.
Should councillors approve the development on the recommendation of the council planners, the application will go through to the state planning minister.
