IT was a tough grind for developer Match to get its Dalgety Woolstores project up and running, but now the one- and two-bedroom apartments are earning raves and now two prestigious WA Heritage Awards.

Match’s $130 million restoration of the Queen Victoria Street building won conservation or adaptive reuse of a state registered building and the prestigious Gerry Gauntlett Award for outstanding achievement of adaptive reuse in WA.

The awards were an honour and, “the icing on the cake for residents who are now experiencing how it feels to live in the depths of history,” Match managing director Lloyd Clark says.

Soaring

Built in 1923 for £75,000, the Woolstores’ vast jarrah beams which support ceilings that soar overhead, have been retained.

Aged brick feature walls are found throughout, including the loft apartments, which look out across the port to the ocean through massive brick, arched windows.

The second level main bedrooms are held aloft by massive jarrah posts and beams.

After 10 years of failed attempts by a previous owner to develop the Woolstores, the huge warehouse deteriorated to the point where demolition was considered, so Match faced huge problems bringing the Heirloom project to fruition.

“Drawing on our experience with heritage renewals, we knew from the outset that this project would present challenges, however we also saw it as an extremely important opportunity,” Mr Clark says.

Rusted beyond saving, the old saw-tooth roof on the sprawling building was removed, allowing natural light and airflow through the central, ground floor atrium.

Wool press

Restored by the Fremantle mens’ shed, an original wool press stands in the entry foyer, and there are huge historic photos of workers at the former warehouse on the corridor walls.

Heirloom is Match’s most significant heritage development in the company’s 16-year history, Mr Clark says.

One bedroom apartments start at $450,000, two-bedroom from $650,000, and loft apartments from $950,000.

For more information go to http://www.heirloombymatch.com.au or phone 0432 660 066.

by JENNY D’ANGER