the Geelong community. Another noteworthy project recently completed by the Hamilton Group is the revitalization of the Old Federal Woollen Mill in North Geelong. Originally built in 1915, this historic structure was commissioned by the Australian Federal Government to produce cloth for soldiers’ uniforms and blankets during World War I. By the time the Hamilton Group acquired the site in 2013, it was nearly vacant and in a state of disrepair. Since then, the Hamilton Group has transformed the mill into a vibrant precinct that now houses around 60 businesses, including offices, cafes, a bakery, a distillery, a restaurant, event spaces, and retail outlets. The site has been revitalized to include approximately 43,000 square meters of floor space, with an impressive 95% occupancy rate. This redevelopment not only preserves the historical significance of the mill but also breathes new life into the area, making it a thriving hub of activity in North Geelong. “Geelong as a community is an interesting space,” Cameron notes. “Over the past 15 years, we’ve moved away from our manufacturing roots and have seen a significant rise in social insurance and government-funded office spaces.” Throughout COVID, Geelong grew significantly in prominence. “Due to the lockdowns and spread of COVID around the main capital cities, we saw Melbourne locked down a lot. Geelong was allowed greater freedoms. This allowed people to look at Geelong as a viable option for living and working. We saw a dramatic increase in our residential property values and in the desire for THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA
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