In Melbourne’s inner west, a striking transformation is unfolding. West Footscray Wool Store, a proud industrial relic from the mid-20th century, has been reborn as a dynamic business, leisure and logistics hub.

The Perri Group is redefining what it means to repurpose heritage sites for modern industry. “WEFO is where the past collides with the future,” says David Scalzo, Managing Director. “We’ve honoured the building’s original purpose while shaping a cutting-edge destination for the next wave of innovation and enterprise.”

The original 4-storey wool store, built between the 1940s and 1950s, was once a vital part of Victoria’s export economy. Today, it has been meticulously restored and reinvented by The Perri Group as part of the Western Industrial Precinct, a key State Significant Industrial Land (SSIL) earmarked for growth under Plan Melbourne 2017–2050.

With over 11,200m2 of high-bay warehousing and flexible workspace, the development is set to become the ‘new Port Melbourne’, offering next-gen infrastructure, logistics, and lifestyle facilities, located 5 km from the CBD and 3 km from the Port of Melbourne.

“The site was strategically acquired to provide unmatched accessibility,” David explains. “Tenants enjoy proximity to two train stations, 125+ car spaces, state-of-the-art wellness and end-of-trip amenities, plus potential F&B offerings and recreation zones.”

Restoring the building came with its share of complexities. The original sawtooth roof was removed and replaced due to asbestos. High-bay lighting and modern fire systems were installed. Iconic steel windows were removed, sandblasted, and reglazed with thermal-efficient E-glass. “Retaining the building’s industrial DNA while achieving modern comfort was one of our biggest challenges,” David said. “But it was worth it. We’ve made something timeless.”

Heritage restoration also extended to the building’s original ‘Goldsbrough & Mort Wool Store’ signage and Victorian Ash floorboards, each detail carefully revived.

True to its future-forward mission, the WEFO Wool Store was developed under an endorsed Sustainable Management Plan (SMP) in line with the Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS). From solar panels and LED lighting to thermal glazing, rainwater harvesting, and high indoor environmental quality, every aspect was designed with sustainability and wellbeing in mind.

Additional measures, such as bicycle transport facilities, low-VOC materials, and a waste management strategy that diverted over 70% of demolition material from landfill, helped create a development that’s as environmentally conscious as it is commercially compelling.

“We’ve delivered a space that balances high function with environmental responsibility,” said David.

Beyond the bricks and mortar, WEFO is a place with identity. Its rebirth has elevated the local streetscape, revived community pride, and set a new standard for placemaking in West Footscray.

“It’s more than a commercial park,” explained David. “It’s a landmark. Locals and visitors alike comment on how good it is to see the building brought back to life. It now serves a whole new generation of innovators, while continuing to tell the story of Melbourne’s industrial past.”

The WEFO Wool Store exemplifies The Perri Group’s commitment to delivering projects that are not only commercially viable but socially and culturally meaningful. By seamlessly integrating heritage, sustainability, and innovation, the development offers tenants space, a sense of identity, connection, and opportunity within a thriving inner-urban community.

From neglected wool store to multi-tenanted, activated precinct, The Perri Group’s work on the WEFO Wool Store is a masterclass in adaptive reuse, and a bold vision of what’s possible when history, design, and future-focused enterprise come together.

For more information contact Perri Group, Level 10, 60 Albert Road, South Melbourne VIC 3205, phone 03 8609 9060, email info@perri-group.com, website www.perri-group.com