Background
The former Hoffman Brickworks in Brunswick is included in the Victorian Heritage Register (H0703) in accordance with the Heritage Act 2017.
On 2 June 2023, Heritage Victoria issued a repair order to the owner requiring repairs to one of the chimneys on site – Chimney 1 – due to it being in a state of disrepair and its conservation threatened.
Delays due to legal dispute
Following the repair order, the owner became involved in a commercial dispute regarding the scaffolding erected around the chimney. As a result, the scaffolding was de-tagged and therefore inaccessible. This prevented engineers from conducting the investigative works needed to scope the required chimney repairs. Heritage Victoria was also unable to enforce the original repair order or issue further orders while the scaffolding remained inaccessible.
Legal resolution and re-access
The dispute was resolved with court orders issued on 30 September 2024. These required the scaffolding to be re-tagged and make safe works undertaken to enable the scaffolding to be removed. Chimney 1 was re-tagged in January 2025, enabling engineers engaged by Heritage Victoria to inspect the structure. Their assessment focused on its current condition and what works are required to safely remove the scaffolding without causing damage or affecting the chimney’s heritage value.
New repair order issued
On 29 January 2025, a second repair order was issued by Heritage Victoria. It outlined specific works and investigations required to inform long-term repair planning.
This included the preparation and approval of an assessment report covering:
- The current overall condition of the chimney
- The chimney's structural stability once scaffolding is removed
- Required make safe works for the upper portion of the chimney
- Investigative works needed to guide future repairs.
Once the assessment report and investigative methodology are approved, the required make safe and investigative works must be completed. These investigations will directly inform the scope and nature of future repairs.
Permit exemption issued
Heritage Victoria issued a permit exemption under section 92(3) of the Heritage Act 2017 on 11 August 2025 to allow for the scaffolding surrounding Chimney 1 to be dismantled.
The permit exemption was determined following engineering advice which confirmed that the structural stability of the chimney is not dependent upon the scaffolding, and that the netting applied to the upper portion of the chimney is adequate to protect the heritage fabric.
The owner has submitted a netting management plan to allow for regular checking of both the netting system and the brickwork it is protecting and is responsible for implementing this plan.
The removal of the scaffolding does not negate the owner’s obligation to repair the chimney in accordance with requirements of the repair orders.
Ongoing oversight
Heritage Victoria continues to work closely with Merri-bek City Council, which is responsible for ensuring public safety around the site. Site security remains the responsibility of the landowner.
Page last updated: 19/08/25