Key Takeaways:
- The former Coggan’s Bakery in Braddon will be restored and become the centrepiece of a new community precinct, Coggans Village.
- The project will blend heritage with modern living, featuring a mix of residential, retail, and hospitality spaces.
- The development will include a public green space, improved walkability through dual laneways, and a luxury hotel.
- The restoration of the bakery and the addition of a green space aim to preserve Braddon’s history and community spirit.
- The project will deliver 129 apartments, a residents’ lounge, communal workspaces, and a rooftop garden.
Introduction to Coggans Village
The city of Braddon is set to experience a revival of its rich history with the restoration of the iconic Coggan’s Bakery, a landmark that has been a part of the community since the 1920s. The bakery, which was once a thriving family business, will be transformed into the heart of a new neighbourhood hub, blending heritage with modern living. The project, dubbed Coggans Village, is a collaborative effort between developers Roland Development Group and Dish Developments, who have lodged a development application to bring this vision to life.
The History of Coggan’s Bakery
Coggan’s Bakery has a long and storied history, dating back to 1925 when it was originally built. The bakery was a family affair, with Garry Coggan’s grandfather working there throughout the 1930s and eventually taking over the business after the war in 1947. The bakery was a staple of the community, providing fresh bread and pastries to the local residents. Garry Coggan, who started working at the bakery at the age of 16, has fond memories of the business and is heartened to see the building’s restoration forming the foundation of the precinct. He recalls the hard work and dedication that went into running the bakery, from baking through the night to delivering bread to the local community.
The Vision for Coggans Village
The vision for Coggans Village is to create a transformative mixed-use precinct that honours the past while catering to the needs of future generations. The development will feature a public green space, improved walkability through dual laneways, and a mix of residential, retail, and hospitality spaces. The Mort Street building will centre on the restoration of the heritage-listed bakery and a fresh-food grocer, while the adjacent carwash site will include a boutique 191-room luxury hotel, a rooftop garden, and an additional 64 apartments. The developers have taken a collaborative approach, working with world-renowned architects SJB to ensure that the project meets the needs of the community.
Preserving Heritage and Community Spirit
The restoration of Coggan’s Bakery and the addition of a green space aim to preserve Braddon’s history and community spirit. Garry Coggan hopes that the project will restore something of the Braddon he once knew, where everyone knew each other and the community had a real atmosphere. The development will deliver 129 apartments, a residents’ lounge, communal workspaces, and a rooftop garden, providing a unique living experience for residents. The project will also feature outdoor lighting and seating, and a built environment that stops short of the boundaries, allowing for more ground-floor activation.
A New Era for Braddon
The Coggans Village project marks a new era for Braddon, one that blends heritage with modern living. The development will introduce new north-south and east-west laneways, enhancing walkability and linking with light rail to strengthen Braddon’s connectivity. The ample laneway access is part of a very intentional effort to promote pedestrian activity, and the project will feature outdoor lighting and seating to create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. With its unique blend of heritage and modernity, Coggans Village is set to become a landmark destination in Braddon, one that will preserve the community’s history and spirit for generations to come.