Jaques Richmond: A local icon
In 2017, History@Work had the pleasure of working with Riverlee on their newest urban development: the former Jaques Limited factory in Richmond. Occupying the entire island between Palmer and Highett Streets, Coppin and Griffith Streets, the Jaques factory was an iconic name in Australian manufacturing for most of the twentieth century. It also stood in the same league as other famed Richmond industries including Bosisto’s, Rosella, Bryant & May, Pelaco and ‘Skipping Girl’ vinegar. As built heritage enthusiasts (and proud Melburnians!) we couldn’t resist the challenge of creating a story which celebrated Jaques’ past, but also its new lease of life as a state-of-the-art apartment complex.
The Jaques story began in 1885, in a little workshop around the corner from its current site. Initially known as Phillips and Jaques after its founding partners, the engineering firm had a successful couple of years before dissolving amicably. Edward Jaques, not yet ready to give up his trade, recruited two of his brothers to join him in starting up a new firm: Jaques Brothers Engineers. In the century that followed, the firm not only survived two economic recessions and two world wars, but flourished. Beginning as manufacturers of mining equipment, the Jaques Brothers responded to public needs by diversifying their business. They produced road-making equipment when automobiles eclipsed horse-drawn transport, and made ship parts for WWI and WWII naval vessels.
After WWII the firm continued to diversify, and even established offices in the Asia-Pacific. However, increasing competition with overseas manufacturers led to Jaques being sold (and re-sold) several times in the 1980s and 1990s. The monolithic red-brick factory was bought by Riverlee in 1997, but remained untouched for over a decade as negotiations prolonged on how to best use the space. Its reincarnation as the Jaques Richmond apartments was completed in 2017.
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Our own work began with a tour of Jaques Richmond, during which we witnessed Riverlee’s efforts to maintain the site’s built heritage. The factory’s brick perimeter, a remnant of its final expansion in 1941, has been absorbed into the ground level dwellings and its industrial past is honoured in the names of the apartment complexes: Hammer Mill, Ironworks, Boilershop and 5 Tonne. Edward Jaques is memorialised in a large brick tower at the building’s main entrance, where hundreds of Jaques employees passed through on their way to and from work. The highlight of our visit, however, was definitely getting a sneak peak at the penthouse! Beautiful views and luxurious interior aside, it was a privilege to speak with the new residents who were excited to learn more about the history of their home.
The story of Jaques Richmond is one of fascinating contrasts and parallels – many of which we have endeavoured to illustrate in our new book commissioned and published by Riverlee - Jaques Richmond: A local icon. 1885-2017. Perhaps most intriguing of all is the site’s socio-economic evolution – from major employer of nineteenth-century labourers, to twenty-first century inner-city residential dream.
Blog post written by Carissa Goudey
Images courtesy of Riverlee and the Richmond & Burnley Historical Society
