The surviving sections of the Former Foy & Gibson Factory building were developed into apartment and retail complexes following the closure of the original company in 1968. In 2011, concerns were raised over the structural integrity of the stacks when it was noticed one of the steel restraining bands had fallen off. One of the two stacks was recapped and repointed during the redevelopment, however they have suffered extreme exposure since their construction in the late 19th century and require remedial works. We have surveyed and documented the stacks, and the intermediate measure of installing netting to catch debris, and generated a remedial works plan.
The chimneys are historically significant in that they were designed, along with the greater factory complex, by the notable William Pitt, and they are one of the most prominent remaining examples of an industrial technology characteristic of the area's building fabric.
Heritage Victoria Information: http://collingwoodhs.org.au/resources/collingwood-history-plaques-project/former-foy-gibson-factory-buildings/
