that repurposing them offered far greater value than simply constructing new ones. “We’re always looking at adding properties,” says Cameron. The company purchases larger footprint buildings of around 3,000-to-25,000 square metres and splits them up into more manageable tenancies. “We have long term investors in all the assets.” The Hamilton Group currently manages around 25 sites across Geelong, many of which are centered around historic woollen mill buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Recently, they expanded their portfolio by acquiring a 14acre Victorian paper mill. “We’re excited to get involved with that one,” Cameron shares. In addition to the paper mill, the Hamilton Group is actively working on four other projects, including another woollen mill and the former Henderson Springs building, a remnant from the era when Geelong’s automotive industry was thriving. Cameron’s vision for these spaces involves transforming them into smaller tenancies, ranging from 100 to 1,000 square meters, to meet modern needs. One of their most exciting current ventures is the restoration of ‘The Regent,’ a former art deco theatre that once played a central role in Geelong’s nightlife and the “talkies” era a century ago. The Hamilton Group has meticulously restored its original features, including an iconic arched feature window that had been bricked over in the 1960s and remained hidden until now. The gradual unveiling of this restoration has sparked widespread excitement and nostalgia throughout AUGUST 2024
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