Boot Factory

Boot Factory 2018

Background

The Boot Factory, a former shoemaking factory at the rear of Norman Lee Place at 27-33 Spring Street was completed in 1892 by William Sidaway and Son and was last restored by Council in 1986. It has been vacant since 2007, and in 2013, Council undertook significant remedial structural works to ensure the stability of the building until an alternative use could be found.

Boot Factory, 1911

Restoring the historic Boot Factory

Waverley Council will be lodging a development application with the NSW Office and Environment and Heritage Office and NSW Department of Planning to restore the heritage Boot Factory building at Mill Hill, Bondi Junction.

The DA is for restoration works to the roof, masonry perimeter walls, new floors and an interior fit-out. The building will also be connected to the Mill Hill Community Centre to provide lift access and amenities for Boot Factory users. Council will also beautify the courtyard at Norman Lee Place.

Council plans to transform the Boot Factory into an innovative community space connected to the Mill Hill Community Centre.

What is the future for the site?

The Waverley Community Strategic Plan 2018-2029 (CSP) notes the community’s wish for Waverley to be a “knowledge-driven, innovative and digitally connected community”.
Residents said they wanted opportunities to:

  • foster digital innovation
  • improve use of Mill Hill to support innovation
  • develop innovation hubs
  • use multiple channels to communicate with, engage with and inform residents
  • ensure that Waverley Library keeps pace with the knowledge economy.

The Boot Factory's future started here and was then reflected in the Operational Plan 2018/19 where Council said they would create an innovative space for business incubation and knowledge transfer.

Reviving the Boot Factory

The Boot Factory will be restored and delivered back to the community and will include an Innovation and Knowledge Hub (Hub) where we can nurture ideas to further transform Waverley into a ‘smart city’ of the future.

The Waverley Innovation & Knowledge Hub Steering Group has, and will continue, to assist in guiding the development of the Hub and its policies and practices. The Steering Group consists of Three Lawson Ward Councilors, a local community representative from the Mill Hill Bondi Junction Precinct and up to five practitioners with relevant expertise in Heritage Conservation, Adaptive Reuse, Library Futures, Maker Spaces, Futurists or Innovation Spaces.

Boot Factory, 1911

More information

For more information or to receive updates about the Boot Factory site, please email Project Manager matthew.henderson@waverley.nsw.gov.au or call customer service 9083 8000.