The combined attributes of existing heritage structures, interface with the natural beauty of the Barwon River and proximity to the vibrant Pakington Street commercial precinct presents the opportunity to re-invigorate this truly unique site.

Located on approximately 3 hectares (29,270m²), the site is in Newtown, a well-established suburb of inner-Geelong that is well serviced by schools, businesses, recreation facilities and retail.

The Master Plan prepared by JAM Architects has evolved with much consideration of the cultural, social, ecological and economic opportunities that the site offers. The scale and strategic importance of this project combined with the natural beauty of the location by the Barwon River provides an opportunity to create a multi-faceted development with broad local, regional and international appeal that encourages greater community. Urban renewal of this precinct is underpinned by the vision to deliver an exemplary development that provides mixed uses including retail, commercial, childcare and residential components.

Rather than considering The Mill in isolation the Master Plan has incorporated ways of connecting to its broader context to ensure its commercial viability and success as an urban village. A sense of place underpins the design approach, with the architecture regarded as inseparable from the place.

The Geelong region, including the banks of the Barwon River was traditionally the place of the Waddawurrung people. Their place within the site’s Indigenous heritage is acknowledged and respected.

Geelong’s early settlement was founded on Victoria’s wool industry. Following the Great War, the Returned Soldiers and Sailors Woollen and Worsted Co-operative Manufacturing Company was established to provide returned soldiers with employment and housing. Construction of the Mill commenced in the 1920s and the site was progressively extended. One hundred years later, The Mill buildings remain a significant and constant reminder of Geelong’s historic textile industry.

The prominent historic facades, chimney and sawtooth roofs of the Returned Soldiers & Sailors Mill are embedded in the genus loci of the river end of Newtown. Their presence is a physical reminder of Geelong standing as ‘The Wool Capital’ of Victoria.

In homage to The Mill’s textile production, woven patterns become references for the development of an architectural language.

JAM Architects’ Master Plan for The Mill proposes the adaptive re-use of these significant historic buildings and better utilisation of the remaining vacant site. The Master Plan has blended appropriate philosophies of retention, adaptive reuse and building anew. 

The scale and strategic importance of this project combined with the natural beauty of the river side location prompted a multi-faceted design response. Rather than considering The Mill in isolation, the Master Plan has incorporated ways of connecting to its broader context to ensure its commercial viability and success as an urban village.

The project prioritises public open space at its core, whilst protecting the private amenity of its residents.

A sense of place underpins the design approach, driven by;

A sense of neighbourhood with walkable distances to new and existing landmarks.
Connectedness between The Mills, its immediate neighbourhood and its broader context.
Diversity in uses, density and occupants.
Quality open spaces with a clear public/private realm hierarchy.
Buildings and landmarks that engender a pride of place.
A distinct character and identity.
Inspiration and ideas that provide unexpected delight and make a place memorable.
Social, physical, economic and environmental sustainability initiatives that exceed conventional best practice.

The aspect of the site and the existing heritage structures have largely informed the movement networks, setbacks and building envelopes, the aspect and orientation of Architectural forms, and the language of details and materiality throughout the design.

A series of penetrations to the existing façade trigger an axial network of streets, paths and arcades that allow safe pedestrian, bike and vehicle movement across the site, and provide connectivity from streets through to the river frontage.

A series of arcades provide for undercover pedestrian access and shop front addresses for existing and new buildings. This aids in establishing identity for each of the buildings and enables ease of way finding for visitors, tenants and residents.

The prominent historic facades, chimney and sawtooth roofs of the Mill are embedded in the genus loci of the river end of Newtown. A key design challenge has been to responsibly increase the height (thus density) on the site without detriment to the scale and architectural presence of these structures. This has been achieved by proposing that additions to the existing buildings are set back significantly to ensure the historic character of the street and riverscapes are retained and new structures are recessive in the precinct environs. This has resulted in a tiered or terraced configuration, thus allowing opportunity for generous terrace and roof gardens.

The fall of the site towards the south boundary provides opportunity to conceal resident, tenant and visitor car parks below the new structures (over 900 spaces).

The Mill has the potential to become the logical extension of the popular Pakington Street – a cafe, restaurant and retail destination, the two precincts complimenting one another. To enable this, JAM Architects recognise that The Mill must have a greater interface with Pakington and Rutland Streets.

The proposed new streets, paths and arcades across the site allow for greater activation than the current scenario that presents a tall, solid brick wall along the extent of Pakington and Rutland Streets. Nine strategically positioned retail spaces are located at street level improving precinct activation and adding safety and convenience for the residents across the site. This activity aids in passive surveillance and general security for the residents.

Elevated views from the site Southern boundary overlook treetops and catch glimpses of the Barwon river below. The Troop Loop walking and bike track at the base of the steep escarpment is a popular recreation route for locals and tourists.
This has created a wonderful opportunity to improve public access to the river and affords impressive views for residents of both the townhouses and apartments

The strong identity for The Mill is built on sound urban design. Access, connectivity and safety are critical to enriching the site environment by inclusion of accessible public spaces. The proposal incorporates both intimate and generous open space for both the public and resident’s use.

A tiered amphitheater within a generous plaza to the south provides opportunity for gathering and recreation. This public realm would provide informal meeting space and could also accommodate more formalised activities such as exhibitions or performances. This precinct optimises views over the Barwon River valley and connect with an expansive promenade that spans the length of the South boundary providing views and shared space for recreational activities. The public have access to the proposed Pavilion restaurant and rooftop terrace and a corner café ensuring The Mill becomes a destination.
These gestures all contribute to the notion of place making and establish The Mill as a desirable precinct to live.

In addition to landscape, public realm, retail and commercial tenancies the proposal includes residential townhouses and apartments distributed over seven buildings:

This diversity of housing sizes and typologies caters for diverse occupants. It aligns with the idea that residents can continue to live on the site through all ages of their live and can age in place, thus retaining connection to their communities throughout their older years. The Town houses are generous proportions and suited to family living as are the two and three bedroom apartments. Disability access across the site and within the apartments provides equity of access to all.