By Kerri-Anne
HISTORICAL and modern building designs have melded together at Sunshine’s Harvester Centre, where a $10 million refurbishment project was completed recently.
The centre, which was built in the late 1800s and purchased by HV McKay in the early 1900s, underwent the refurbishment after industrial builder Vaughan Constructions purchased it in July 2004 with the aim of changing it to office space.
Once one of the largest manufacturing facilities in Australia, later under the name Massey Ferguson Iseki Australia Limited, the building has a long-standing history with Sunshine, providing employment for thousands of people over a century.
As part of the project, Vaughan Constructions added a new building and a 112-space car park.
The foyer of the refurbished site features old black and white backlit photographs from the days of Massey Ferguson, along with the original timber panelling and historic timber stairs.
At the top of the stairs, where Melbourne Health has leased space, is where the old boardroom for the harvester manufacturing companies was located.
This is still used as a meeting room, with the old art deco and timber panelling preserved and mixed with modern furnishings.
The boardroom table and chairs have been relocated to The Granary Cafe, which is in the old part of the building.
The building now has 2200sqm of office space.
Another 140sqm has been leased to the cafe.
“We are very pleased with our success in combining modern construction techniques within a heritage listed building,” Vaughan Constructions director Mark Byrne said.
“The final product has appeal to a variety of tenants, in particular government-backed tenants.”
The refurbished site still has space available for lease and inquiries can be made by contacting Tim on 9347 2611.
