Historical Records Now Available

Response to Conservation Management Plan for Fletcher Jones factory and gardens

Part 1 - b) Post ‘Zenith’ Construction and Alterations

Extension to original cutting room

In 1958 the cutting room wall was rebuilt 6’ to the north and the windows layout changed – compare layout with Photo 1. The top parapet and sign remained and new signage placed above the fascia of the extension.

Addition of first floor above original canteen - 1959

Photo 8

In 1959 a 1st floor level was constructed above the original canteen as a skirt pleating and sewing space. The extension was effectively a continuation of the original articulated glass sign (Photo 1) and continued across the top of the round room to the new canteen. This extension required the demolishment of the roof of the first saw tooth bay of the machine room (old officer’s mess) and the construction of a new roof. The old canteen, an area occupied by Pleasant Hill printers since 1956, was extended into the machine room area to provide additional office space.
This space was subsequently converted into administration offices.

This photo shows the roof changes as a result of the 1st floor extension and the change made to the 1st sawtooth bay of the original machine room. See 1947 Plan - Part 2.

New Louvre façade introduced - 1960

Photo 10

In 1960 the louvre treatment that had been previously introduced on the factory extensions to the east was added to the new façade of the main building. The colour was navy blue, later called ‘FJ blue’ by Dulux.

Cutting Room and Fabric Warehouse extensions - 1960

Photo 11

The FJ blue extended over the new cutting room and fabric warehouse buildings.

Photo from Raglan Parade North - 1966

Photo 12

By this time the factory had extended to the eastern boundary of the site along Flaxman Street. The blue colour ‘tied’ the buildings together. The advertising signs were still significant. Note the size of the Norfolk Island pines! The Fletcher Jones Gardens sign in the near foreground was placed on Jukes Floral Farm land purchased by the company as a future option for cutting room expansion⁹.

Skirt Factory Extension - 1973

Photo 13

In 1973/74 and new Women’s Wear Factory was built on the designated land to the west. One house was removed. A covered way built in front of the Quonset hut. White ‘low maintenance’ material was used. A ‘new look’ for Pleasant Hill.

Executive Office Extension - 1974

Photo 14

Photo 15

In 1974 a ‘head office’ was built consisting of the Managing Directors and Production Directors office together with senior management offices and secretariat, board room, library, and meeting rooms. This extended over the car park and connected to the main office across the front of the tower.

The white colour scheme was continued into this area and the blue louvres removed. A blue parapet remained. See Photo 16.

Pleasant Hill in the 1980’s

Photo 16

Photo 17

Pleasant Hill remains largely unchanged since these photos were taken. Windows were inserted in the north face of the Women’s Wear factory for a new design mezzanine in the early 80’s. The only main change has been the lack of building maintenance for the last 15 years.

⁹It must be understood that the first stage of manufacture is cutting. It is a space consumptive activity and the Warrnambool Factory was warehousing fabric and cutting for three manufacturing plants in Warrnambool, Brunswick and Mt Gambier.