The Bottleworks in South Geelong has been acknowledged at the 2026 Geelong Heritage Awards recognising the restoration and creative reuse of the former Glass Works building.

Presented by the City of Greater Geelong, the Geelong Heritage Awards celebrate projects that conserve and restore heritage places while finding new uses that respect their history and character.

The Bottleworks received awards for Restoration of a Heritage Place and Creative Reuse of a Heritage Place (in a heritage overlay) recognising the transformation of the original 1920s factory building into seven new homes.

The awards mark an important final chapter for The Bottleworks, following completion of the apartments by Fox Building Group earlier this year. It represents the culmination of many years of planning, design, restoration and construction across the broader South Geelong site.

Built after United Glassworks acquired the site in 1920, the original double-height factory was designed by local architect I.G. Anderson and now remains an important reminder of South Geelong’s industrial past.

Rather than treating the former factory as a separate part of the redevelopment, The Bottleworks was planned around its retention. Working with Chamberlain Architecture & Interiors, Niche Planning Studio and heritage consultant John Briggs, the project team developed an approach preserving the building’s industrial character while creating a new residential use.

The building was structurally restored by Abode Restoration, which included the reinstatement of the prominent Geelong Glass Works Ltd signage across its roof.

The conversion into apartments by Fox Building Group retained much of the building’s original industrial character. Timber columns and trusses remain visible, while structural hardwood salvaged from the site was re-milled and reused. Recycled brickwork further reference the building’s earlier life.

6. External Elements Urban Renewal .jpeg

Hygge Property Director Adam Davidson said the recognition was particularly meaningful given the long history of the project.

“Retaining the former Glass Works building was central to our plans for The Bottleworks from the outset. It took a huge amount of work from the entire project team over many years to restore the building and find a new use for it, while retaining the elements that make it such an important part of the site. To see people now living within the building, more than 100 years after it was first constructed, is a pretty special outcome. This award is a lovely recognition of everyone who contributed along the way.”

The 2026 Geelong Heritage Awards were presented at Nyaal Banyul on 1 October as part of Geelong Design Week. Hygge Director Adam Davidson accepted the award from Cr Elise Wilkinson, Connewarre Ward Councillor and Deputy Chair of the Arts & Culture portfolio (image below).

Elise & Adam Davidson (Hygge Property).jpg

Images - John Rush, City of Greater Geelong; Adam Davidson, Hygge Property; and Nicola Smith, Niche Planning Studio at the 2026 Geelong Heritage Awards evening.