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Warrnambool’s Fletcher Jones Gardens

Still going strong in Warrnambool!

The Fletcher Jones Gardens in Warrnambool are famous across Victoria as one of the most visited and photographed ‘industrial’ or private gardens in the state. I recently visited the gardens and was very impressed – it was like a step back in time to the 1960’s with the garden beds filled with colourful annuals. Unfortunately bedding annuals and colourful plantings are quite out of fashion at the moment, which makes these well-preserved gardens even more special to experience.

The Fletcher Jones Factory (top), and one of the iconic basket garden beds

The Fletcher Jones Gardens (also known as “Pleasant Hill”) were established outside the Fletcher Jones & Staff trouser factory, which opened in Warrnambool in 1948. Sir Fletcher had operated a menswear shop in Warrnambool since 1924, but commenced large-scale manufacturing after World War II when he purchased the former quarry site from the Commonwealth and a private landholder. The gardens were part of a programme by Fletcher Jones to look after the welfare of his staff, as well as to improve the aesthetics of his factory site. The factory was initially constructed from ex-military buildings following the post-war shortage of building materials. The garden was designed with large colourful garden beds and a series of pergolas with the lily pond added in 1951 and iconic ‘basket’ garden features in 1955. By the 1960’s the gardens had become a Warrnambool icon.


A pagola covers the main entrance path.

As the factory expanded in subsequent decades, the site became larger and the gardens were altered further. At its peak in the 1970’s, the Fletcher Jones factory employed in excess of 1000 staff. However, changing fashions in clothing and tariff reductions in the industry started to bite in the 1980’s and by the 1990’s the factory (and company) were well in decline. In 1992 Fletcher Jones was experiencing cash flow problems and sold its factory site to the City of Warrnambool for $750,000, to be leased back to FJ. Council purchased the site to preserve the remaining 350 jobs and save the gardens.


The lake in the centre of the gardens

In late 2005, Fletcher Jones finally closed the factory (and all Australian manufacturing) and dismissed its remaining 12 staff. However it’s retail shops continue to prosper. A TAFE College, a Fletcher Jones retail shop and a number of small businesses now occupy the factory site which is awaiting redevelopment. Recent debate has focused on the heritage value of a number of the buildings and council has considered selling the land. The gardens have been heritage protected by Warrnambool Council and so will be preserved in any redevelopment.

However one has to ask whether the gardens would still have any cultural relevance if their context (i.e. the factory) were completely demolished? Although much of the factory is of limited historical or aesthetic value, it nevertheless provides an important backdrop and purpose for these gardens. I would hope any redevelopment would incorporate the preservation of the façade if the factory cannot be used in its present condition.

References:
Dabkowski, S. (1992) Townsfolk rally around to save 300 jobs, Sunday Age, 3 May. p.13
Huges, G. (1994) Backing their faith, away from the wall. The Age, 2 June. p.8
Hess, K. (2003) Warrnambool Council report reccomends Fletcher Jones site sale. Warrnambool Standard, 26 November, pp.1-2
Anon. (2005) Jones looks to the future. Warrnambool Standard, 9 December.
HLCD Pty Ltd. (2005) Fletcher Jones Factory and Gardens Conservation Management Plan [Final Draft]. Report to City of Warrnambool Council, November, 65 pp.

   

Comments

One response to “Warrnambool’s Fletcher Jones Gardens”

On 13 December 2011, Brant wrote: Hyperlink chain icon

Note from Georgia, USA. I really like thrift stores and this past weekend found a pack of four Murray Views, Quality Table Mats. Unfortunately, there is no date on them. Each mat has Warrnambool, Vic at the top.

The views are of:
1) Fletcher Jones. This picture has the water tower with three red supports.
2) A horse race at what appears to be a steeple chase type race.
3) An aerial view of Warrnambool, Vic with what appear to be 2 race tracks and the bay.
4) A street view of Warrnambool, Vic. The cross road looks to be Raguan (left to right) looking up a hill to two trees. Numerous vehicles and quite a few people. Building/business names show: Tatt’s Motel, The Tavern, Hardy’s Drive-In Bottle Shop, a T&G (or C) clock tower (on the right), George Taylor’s Disposals, Carlton something, Helene Hair Stylist, & Youngers.

Brant

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