Williamstown Nelson Place Heritage Architecture | Shop, Apartments, Commercial Offices & Studio

Williamstown Nelson Place Heritage Architecture | Shop, Apartments, Commercial Offices & Studio

Preserving History, Enhancing Functionality

Nelson Place, Williamstown, holds one of the highest heritage designations in Victoria and is listed on the Heritage Register. Established before the settlement of Melbourne in the 1850s, the area originally served as a hub for shipbuilding, military operations, and industry. Over time, it evolved to accommodate various commercial functions, with this project situated within a former bakery and temporary bank, now transformed into a dynamic space integrating retail, residential, and commercial activity.

Masterplanning for Adaptive Commercial Use within Heritage Register Protection

The project required a careful masterplan to balance the client's commercial needs with the existing heritage framework. The rear yard's heritage listed brick walls were preserved and adapted to extend the existing shop towards the rear of the property. The new ground floor shop extension now occupies what was once the bakery scullery (i.e., kitchen), removed during successive renovations in the early 20th century.

A courtyard provides access to a laneway accessible car park, serving both practical needs and historical preservation.

The first floor renovation retains significant 19th century architectural details, including original skirting boards, architraves, fenestration, wainscot, cornices, and ceiling rosettes. A new kitchen opens onto a rooftop entertainment deck, positioned above the ground floor shop extension. The deck connects via a walkway above the courtyard to a newly constructed first floor studio above the car park. The kitchen opens onto a rooftop deck, offering a secluded space for relaxation or hosting guests, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living while enhancing the overall functionality and enjoyment of the space, all the while surrounded by the charm of Williamstown’s historic brick buildings.

This careful spatial planning respects the historical significance of the site while offering modern flexibility for evolving commercial and residential use within the Heritage Register protections.

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Render Images created in house by MAIArchitects | Robert Marcuccio Architect

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History Revealed | Restoring Heritage Character

The project places significant emphasis on restoring important historical features to their original 19th-century style. Key restoration elements include:

• The exterior verandah, reinstated to complement the Victorian-era streetscape.

• The shopfront’s painted timber windows, carefully restored and repainted to the historical colour scheme.

• The timber interior staircase, meticulously revived and restored to retain its period authenticity within the commercial development.

Retail & Commercial | Victorian Elegance in a Modern Context

The shop interior, reduced to a shell over successive renovations, is designed to meet the Classical Greek Revival Styleof the mid to late 19th century Victorian era, echoing the grandeur of historical retail spaces while accommodating current modern retail and commercial needs.

A Harmonious Blend of Heritage & Innovation

By honouring the historical significance of Nelson Place while integrating modern spatial solutions, this project achieves a seamless balance between preservation and adaptability. The design enhances the user experience by creating a dynamic, functional space that respects the past while catering to evolving commercial and residential needs. This approach not only safeguards cultural and historical integrity but also establishes an inspiring commercial model that bridges heritage with future possibilities.

For more details on our Heritage Design Services, click [here]. For information on our approach to Retail & Commercial Space Design, click [here].

Render Images created in house by MAIArchitects | Robert Marcuccio Architect

"Robert's expertise has been invaluable in transforming this heritage site. His deep respect for the building’s history, combined with thoughtful design solutions, has helped navigate the complexities of the construction process with clarity and care. We’re excited to see the vision come to life—a space that honours the past while embracing modern functionality and our commercial needs." - Owner of a local independent retail store

★★★★★