Cool warehouse conversions that will inspire you to go to work
Much more interesting than a purpose-built office and increasingly common in gentrifying suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne, creative businesses can’t seem to get enough of converted warehouses.
Most of them require a bit of work before moving in, particularly when it comes to retrofitting IT and airconditioning, but the results can be spectacular.
Here are six converted warehouses on the market right now: think thick wooden beams, exposed bricks and ceilings that go up forever.
Walsh Bay
The converted wharf buildings in Sydney’s Hickson Bay have come a long way from their blue-collar working-port history. The precinct is now home to the Sydney Theatre Company and a number of classy hotels, bars and A-grade office suites.
At 13 Hickson Road, one suite on level 3 with views of the Harbour Bridge is available to purchase for $4,380,000 and has been tenanted by a government-owned company.
Newtown
As you might imagine from the name, Flourmill Studios in Sydney’s Newtown was a flour mill in a past life.
At the peak of its operation, the mill ran 24 hours a day milling three types of wheat, but it ceased operating in 1984 and was used by artists until 2007, when work began converting it into office space.
Inside the 120-year-old heritage-listed building, three different suites are available for lease – 302/3, and two further suites from Crystal Realty.
Footscray
Across from the Maribyrnong river in Melbourne’s Footscray this converted warehouse that’s recently grown two more levels is up for sale.
It covers 540 square metres of floor space, including 230 square metres of entertaining space across two balconies.
The property is going to public auction on August 3 with a price guide of about $1.7 million.
Leichhardt
What’s cooler than a converted office warehouse in Sydney’s inner west? One with a life-size mural on the exterior.
In Leichhardt 26 Mackenzie Street is for lease and according to the listing it’s “ideal for a creative tenant”, which seems a given.
The property has undergone a commercial reposition for green-focused businesses including a new kitchen, bench tops, stand-up meeting bar, huge ceiling fan, re-paint and installation of new lighting.
Collingwood
In Melbourne’s Collingwood, one of the unofficial warehouse conversion capitals of the world, this stylish office building, available for lease now, reveals quite a lot behind its plain industrial exterior.
The 345-square-metre office has been newly renovated and has plenty of natural light as well as fashionable light globes.
Above the kitchenette the property has a mezzanine loft level with a black and white colour scheme overlooking the back courtyard.
Fitzroy North
A buyer could have the opportunity to buy two New York-style warehouse conversions in Fitzroy North.
Number 1 Bik Lane is now being sold as two separate units – 1 which covers 130 square metres and 2 which covers 400 square metres in the trendy Melbourne suburb.
The buildings have red brick facades, open-plan design, mixed-use zoning and are currently tenanted.
