thepetrolhead
Member
While 30s art Deco buildings are relatively commonplace in the UK and Europe, here in Victoria they are quite novel and (i believe) precious. This fine example is in a very pretty country town called Warburton about an hour and a half north east of Melbourne.
It was constructed by the 7th day adventists to produce a range of health foods that were acceptable for them to eat in accordance with their religious beliefs. The resulting Sanitarium Health Foods Company had for many years produced their food products on the opposite side of the river until a flood destroyed the factory. In 1936 they began building this factory and in 1938 production restarted. The breakfast cereal 'Granose' was produced here (an early form of Cornflakes) and the very well known and loved (by true aussies) Weetbix was also made here until 1997 when the factory suddenly closed.
It was planned to turn the building in to a reception and conference center starting in 2006 but to date the building remains a prominent but redundant landmark by the beautiful Yarra river.
I was lucky enough to spontaneously have a little look around:
A few good views of the factory from the outside. It might be mid winter here at the moment but the weather certainly didnt disappoint
Starting at the bottom: Below ground level directly under the huge silos. The sign instructing respirators to be worn at all times made me move on quickly.
The company identity still on the main front door
Office/reception area opens out on to the first level of the factory
Lovely art Deco features throughout
Up in the roof above the second factory level
Smaller levels above large factory levels with lift shaft visible next to door way
Up on the roof next to the silos
In reality the building is not in that bad condition so i really hope they find something suitable for this important building before it falls too far in to disrepair.
One suggestion was to turn it in to a food and wine tourist center.
I may be returning then - albeit in a different capacity...
More from downunder and the Somerset petrolhead soon.
It was constructed by the 7th day adventists to produce a range of health foods that were acceptable for them to eat in accordance with their religious beliefs. The resulting Sanitarium Health Foods Company had for many years produced their food products on the opposite side of the river until a flood destroyed the factory. In 1936 they began building this factory and in 1938 production restarted. The breakfast cereal 'Granose' was produced here (an early form of Cornflakes) and the very well known and loved (by true aussies) Weetbix was also made here until 1997 when the factory suddenly closed.
It was planned to turn the building in to a reception and conference center starting in 2006 but to date the building remains a prominent but redundant landmark by the beautiful Yarra river.
I was lucky enough to spontaneously have a little look around:
A few good views of the factory from the outside. It might be mid winter here at the moment but the weather certainly didnt disappoint
Starting at the bottom: Below ground level directly under the huge silos. The sign instructing respirators to be worn at all times made me move on quickly.
The company identity still on the main front door
Office/reception area opens out on to the first level of the factory
Lovely art Deco features throughout
Up in the roof above the second factory level
Smaller levels above large factory levels with lift shaft visible next to door way
Up on the roof next to the silos
In reality the building is not in that bad condition so i really hope they find something suitable for this important building before it falls too far in to disrepair.
One suggestion was to turn it in to a food and wine tourist center.
I may be returning then - albeit in a different capacity...
More from downunder and the Somerset petrolhead soon.
