Adelaide Hills

Historic Onkaparinga Woollen Mill transforms into Fabrik Arts + Heritage, a new cultural hub in SA

Fabrik Arts + Heritage new arts hub offers galleries, workshops, and a curated retail space, celebrating the region’s rich textile legacy.

At the historic site of the former Onkaparinga Woollen Mill in Lobethal, a striking transformation has taken place. The locale that once produced the renowned Onkaparinga blankets has been redeveloped into Fabrik Arts + Heritage, a new hub for arts and culture in South Australia. The heritage-listed site boasts an impressive array of facilities including galleries, museum exhibits focused on textile history, workshops, artist studios, event spaces, and accommodation for artists in residence.

This significant project was brought to life through the creative vision of Walter Brooke, a prestigious South Australian architectural firm celebrated for its innovative designs in projects like Eos by Sky City, Soi 38, and 23rd Street Distillery. Their task was to reinvent the space while preserving its historic essence and distinctive architectural elements such as the classic saw tooth roofline.

The culmination of these efforts is evident in the seamlessly integrated modern and historical features of the building. The centrepiece of the redevelopment is a new glass-walled pavilion. This area serves as a dynamic retail space offering a carefully curated selection of local art, furnishings, homewares, jewellery, and accessories. It stands as a contemporary contrast to the preserved elements of the mill’s original structure, creating a unique visitor experience that honours the site’s industrial past.

Fabrik’s programming is rich and varied, featuring a year-round schedule of exhibitions, events, and workshops designed to spark creativity and engagement among visitors. The site also offers museum displays that celebrate the textile heritage of the Onkaparinga Woollen Mill, adding an educational layer to the visitor experience.

The redevelopment of this site was supported by funding from Federal, State, and Local Governments, with a contribution of $3 million through the Local Economic Recovery support under the National Bushfire Recovery Fund.

This innovative arts hub not only provides a space for artists to create and display their work but also acts as a cultural cornerstone for the Adelaide Hills community. It represents a successful blend of historical preservation and modern innovation, ensuring that the legacy of the Onkaparinga Woollen Mill is both celebrated and carried forward into a new era of artistic expression and cultural appreciation.

Fabrik Arts + Heritage is now open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, from 11am to 4pm.

Located at 1 Lobethal Road, Lobethal, it invites art lovers and cultural enthusiasts to explore its diverse offerings.

For those planning a visit, more information is available on their website at fabrik.org.au.

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