By Matthew Sims
Franco Cozzo’s iconic Footscray store would be transformed into a three-storey Moon Dog brewery and bar, if plans with Maribyrnong council were approved.
The proposed plans for the construction of buildings and works, display of an internally illuminated sign, waiver of the car parking requirements and use of the land for the sale and consumption of liquor included a fountain, a DJ booth and a rooftop bar.
Moon Dog co-founder Karl van Buuren said he and his team were “really excited” to realise their dreams for the site.
“The building is such an iconic piece of Melbourne’s heritage and history,” he said.
As reported by Star Weekly, after half a century selling furniture in Footscray, the renowned spruiker-turned-cult figure sold the 1088-square-metre Hopkins Road premises for well over $6 million in 2018.
Title documents showed a contract for sale was entered into for the site with Derrimut-based developer Pelligra Group, and the store was listed as sold on a number of real estate advertising sites.
Mr van Buuren said the plans would aim to keep in touch with the site’s past, with plans to restore and keep the store’s signage and retain the existing mural.
“We’re also looking at keeping the original furniture for people have a sit,” he said.
“It will also be a three-storey venue with a rooftop bar, so there will be good views of Footscray.”
Founded in 2010 in Melbourne by Josh and Jake Uljans and Mr van Buuren, Moon Dog began with a brewery in Abbotsford and have since expanded their operations into Preston.
The proposal has outlined that the brewery and bar will be trading from 11am to 1am for seven days a week, with no more than 900 patrons permitted on site and no more than 850 patrons after midnight.
Maribyrnong council will not make a decision on the application before Wednesday, December 21, 2022.
Details: www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Advertised-Planning-Applications/54-58-Hopkins-Street-Footscray
