Three walls can’t hold up mill’s history

The former Edwin Davey flour mill was once a hub of industrial activity, right at home in Pyrmont’s working class roots, but the owner of the site, Mike Boulos, denies there is any history left in its disfigured remains.
A redevelopment plan for the 113-year-old flour mill will soon be submitted to Sydney City Council by Mr Boulos.
The three walled flour mill, heritage listed with Sydney Council since December 2005, was gutted by fire 20 years ago and its original machinery given to the Powerhouse Museum by Mr Boulos.
“It is not a building, it’s a few walls. I can understand if it was a building, you would have to maintain it, but it is not.
“Existing walls don’t tell you anything at all. I’m not sure what the three walls demonstrate or show,” Mr Boulos said.
According to reports, Mr Boulos’ redevelopment attempt in 1995 was rejected after planning officials, heritage consultants and the trust opposed his $25 million, multi-storey commercial and residential building proposal.
“We have done enough by donating all the equipment and taking video when it was an operational mill,” he said.
Councillor Phillip Black who helped establish the South Sydney Heritage Society, says the former mill appears to be suffering from demolition by neglect – destruction of a building caused by a failure to maintain it – but Council has no power to take action unless there is danger to the public.
“Protection from demolition by neglect is a role given by the State Government through NSW Heritage Office but unfortunately they have never used this power under the Heritage Act,” said Cr Black.
“[I’m] glad to see the owner is at last planning to do something with the site. After such a long time we will see if this plan ever eventuates.”
The flour mill could face a similar fate to other demolished heritage listed buildings such as the Harris St woolstore, the Pyrmont St power station and the Pyrmont Incinerator.
“[My vision is] a landmark commercial building that will house some of Australia’s finest technology and media services, consistent with other buildings around Pyrmont,” Mr Boulos said.
“It will be different, it will look spectacular. Something that people can be proud of.
“It’s time they developed the area and take into account the access to light rail underneath and incorporate the fish market which I think is one of Sydney’s greatest tourist destinations.
“There’s so much that can be done but the facade restricts the best possible building for the site,” he said.
Councillor McInerney, who was Sydney City Council town planner when Boulos’s  last development proposal was rejected, says heritage requirements can be altered if the proposal demonstrates a good case for it and the development is preferable for the area.
“Current heritage listings do not allow for a demolition but says if possible the building should be incorporated and will assess the merits of the proposal once it is handed into council,” said Cr McInerney.
He says some examples where a façade is retained look ‘ridiculous’ and cites the Martin Place Post office and Macquarie Bank building as good examples.