A fiery passion for art has resulted in a Victorian firefighter investing $1.9m into a rundown warehouse in Cheltenham, near Caulfield.
The purchase late last year of the 14 Hamlet Street property, which was snapped up after it failed to sell at auction, has given its new owner Phillip Smith an opportunity to pursue his artistic passions.
A 30-year career with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade will come to an end when Smith retires in April, leaving the path clear to begin work on converting the property – once used as a bricklaying warehouse and also a former button factory – into a café and art gallery.
Smith, who took up art about five years ago, admits the purchase of a warehouse has been on his agenda for some time, and explains that creativity is a key factor in the location. He hopes it will become a place for creative minds to meet.
It is expected that the address will also be included on many other Business Cards for Smith, as he is planning to rent out offices on the second floor to professional creative individuals.
Smith said he will be working alongside his daughter Alice, whose forte is graphic design and jewellery making, and her woodwork apprentice husband Jules in the venture, which is expected to be operational by July this year.
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