A once-proud symbol of Footscray’s industrial heritage, the Kinnears Rope Factory has been reduced to a skeletal frame after a third devastating fire on July 31, 2024.
The blaze, the most destructive yet, has cast doubt on the current repurpose plans of the site, with a complete demolition now a strong possibility. The location was the scene of a tragic incident in 2017, when three people squatting in the building died in a deliberately lit fire.
Originally established by George Kinnear in 1902, the factory was significantly rebuilt following a major fire in 1907. It became a cornerstone of Melbourne’s rope industry, operating for over a century before closing in 2002. A 1944 photo captures the building in its prime, a bustling hub of activity employing hundreds of locals.
Efforts to preserve the site through adaptive reuse within a planned housing development now hang in the balance. The loss of this historic building is a significant blow to the local community and a stark reminder of the challenges faced in preserving our industrial past.
