You might find it hard to imagine, but The Boroughs began as a ‘very raw and broken warehouse’ with no facilities, kitchen, limited power, and just two light bulbs! The space was overhauled by Belle Laide Events (BLE) Director Mark Taylor and his team, who first developed a ‘wish list’ and then went about making it happen.
The resulting converted warehouse is characterised by sunlight, raw brick, polished concrete, blond timbers and lush greenery. It’s a bright and energetic space, filled with original mid-century furniture pieces by Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl, Arne Vodder and Preben Fabricius. The heroes, though, are several original pieces by Australian designer Grant Featherston, including the modernist Contour series! There’s also brass vases from Anna Varendorff (Melbourne), and iconic angular metal sculptures by Dion Horstmans, among pieces by young artists and local designers who have collaborated with BLE on past projects.
‘Great design is a tonic for the creative spirit,’ says Mark, who admits he’s a little mid-century obsessed. ‘Being surrounded by the work of amazing designers inspires us to reach higher ourselves, and be more ambitious and focused on the work that we produce’.
Since moving their base from Surry Hills to Camperdown, event management and creative agency BLE has welcomed a number of co-tenants in the fields of branding, design, 3D animation, and content. ‘Some have won Cannes Lions, others produced the content for the Opera House projection for Vivid 2017, are flown abroad on speaker engagements, pushing as leaders in their fields … and ironically I get to sit among them – it’s amazing,’ explains Mark.
Housing people from other creative industries and potential collaborators was the plan from the get-go, while the generous size and thoughtful design of the space have ensured adaptability. The Boroughs isn’t a space for short-term day rentals, but is pitched as a place to grow, develop, collaborate and excel. Mark highlights engaging visual brainstorm boards and a kitchen inviting chit-chat about past or current projects as incredibly motivating for all involved.
It’s at this point that the name starts to make sense. ‘A ‘Borough’ is loosely defined as a designated, self-governing walled town – the four walls in Camperdown definitely house a community of characters,’ defines Mark. ‘The Boroughs is ultimately a space loaded with people respected in their chosen fields…pushing boundaries and challenging the norm.’
Type of space
Warehouse conversion
size of space
500-square-metres of floor space
Number of employees/co-tenants
30
An office should be…
a support structure for the body and the mind. Both practical and inspirational in equal measures.
For more information on The Boroughs visit Theboroughs.com.au.
