Inspiration

At the time of writing, the former Hoffman Brickworks, the Brick Press Shed and former Engine House were extant and yet to be restored. Our vision for these buildings is for repurposed spaces focused on the industrial heritage of the site, combined with sympathetic uses – such as community and commercial spaces for the arts.  All it takes is the will of the owner/developer, the right team of engineers and architects, and the backing of the community.

Repurposed buildings –
industrial heritage + contemporary uses

Canberra Glassworks – Australia’s leading centre for contemporary glass art, craft and design, housed in the historic Kingston Power House. Images thanks to Canberra Glassworks.
Carriageworks – A contemporary performing arts centre housed in the former Everleigh Carriage Workshops, NSW. The venue also hosts a weekly farmers market. Images thanks to Carriageworks.
The Spotswood Pumping Station at Scienceworks in Melbourne showcases the original machinery and equipment from the 1890s used to pump Melbourne’s sewerage. Images thanks to Museums Victoria.
The Somerset Regional Art Gallery – The Condensery is a restored and extended condensed milk packing factory in South East Queensland. Images thanks to Dezeen.
Evergreen is an urban sustainability hub set in a repurposed brickworks in Toronto, Canada. Images thanks to Evergreen.
The University of Tasmania’s School of Architecture and Design is housed in a 1950s diesel workshop at the Inveresk Railyards in Launceston. Images thanks to: top – Heritage Council Victoria; bottom – University of Tasmania School of Architecture and Design.
Gasworks Arts Park – An arts precinct for programs, workshops and activities, housed in the former South Melbourne Gas Plant. Images thanks to Gasworks Arts Park.
River Studios is a space for a collective of artists, designers and craftspeople. River Studios holds 62 studio spaces in a 1930s warehouse in West Melbourne. Images thanks to River Studios.
The National Museum of Industrial History in Pennsylvania USA is housed in the former Electric Repair Shop of the Bethlehem Steel plant site. Images thanks to NMIH.
Craft Central at The Forge is a creative charity hosting studio space, co-working space, plus gallery, event, workshop and exhibition space, in a repurposed shipbuilding warehouse, The Forge in London. Images thanks to Craft Central.

Our vision is for history + creativity

Our vision for the Brickworks was always to activate the spaces of the Brick Press Shed and Engine House with creativity and community. We wanted to preserve the industrial history of the buildings and brick-making equipment to provide a powerful interpretive experience for visitors. We believed that with historic interpretation as the primary use of the spaces, commercial and community creative uses could be added to make these buildings come alive. They would become the heart of the former Hoffman Brickworks.

Follow us on facebook to stay up to date on the latest news.