Nylex clock to star in Melbourne's new 'Malt District'
The Nylex clock that has stood watch since the 1960s over inner east Richmond, Cremorne and South Yarra will be restored to working order as the centrepiece of an ambitious new residential, commercial and tourism destination for Melbourne.
Caydon has lodged applications for development at the former maltings site in Cremorne, which is bordered by Gough Street, Cremorne Street and Harcourt Parade.
Caydon has owned the Harcourt Parade parcel of the site since 2008 and acquired the remaining Gough Street parcel last year.
The 1.4 hectare precinct will be known as the Malt District in a nod to its former use as a storage facility for malt used in brewing beer, and as the historical home of the old Cremorne Brewery.
Caydon has been working with architects Fender Katsalidis and landscape designers Oculus to re-activate its past.
This has included consultations with heritage experts Lovell Chen, City of Yarra planning officials, Parks Victoria and other key stakeholders, to achieve a development outcome that unlocks the site’s potential whilst respecting its past including restoring the Nylex clock.
The Nylex Clock was built by Neon Electric Signs in 1961 for Nylex Plastics Ltd and is a much-loved Melbourne icon. Above the sign is an LED clock that shows the time and temperature.
“This project is about so much more than building somewhere for people to live," said Caydon principal Joe Russo.
"It’s about creating a vibrant destination where small businesses can make a start, artisans can display their craft, and where local and international tourists can visit for a drink or a meal."
Joe Russo is the passionate Richmond supporter to have controversially nominated for the board at this year’s annual general meeting.
"While I am regularly told that we are on the cusp of achieving the ultimate success – an AFL Premiership, the scoreboard does not lie.
"We haven’t won a final since 2001 or a flag in 35 long years.
"I am standing as a candidate because I want my kids and all Richmond members to experience what I did in 1980.
"I was at the MCG that day with my father – also a devoted Richmond man.
"I can still remember the sheer ecstasy of winning.
"Since 1980, three generations of Richmond supporters have been left disappointed, deprived of success year after year. I can no longer sit by and watch the team I love continue to show incremental improvement without realising our pursuit of sustained premiership success.
"Until now, I have kept a low profile in my private life and business interests, including my support of the RFC.
"I have been a significant contributor to the Fighting Tiger Fund under the condition that the VFL development team be bought into competition a year earlier than anticipated.
He told members in his application that Caydon Property Group was Melbourne’s largest apartment developer.
"From humble beginnings, developing townhouses in the outer northern suburb of Thomastown, my company now employs over 60 staff.
"I have completed over $1 Billion in developments to date, with a further 4,500 apartments in our pipeline worth in excess of $2 billion.
"This includes the famous Nylex site in Cremorne that will be Melbourne’s new inspired destination at the Punt Road end.
The project is expected to cost around $1 billion, with plans for up to a 1,000 apartments and serviced apartments. There will be parking for 1,000 cars.
There will be 6,000 square metres of retail and commercial space including bars, restaurants and other entertainment venues with Oculus founding partner Bob Earl, the project’s landscape designer.
