Unrepeatable development opportunity in a prime Leichhardt location
- October 22, 2023
It’s not too often that development opportunities like this present themselves in the heart of Leichhardt, with this particular sale definitely set to pique the interest of everyone from astute owner-occupiers to developers and investors.
On the market for the first time in 80 years, the former Lindsay’s Toy Factory at 3-5 Foster Street, Leichhardt is a prized piece of Inner West commercial history. A.L. Lindsay & Co. was one of the longest-operating toy manufacturing companies in NSW and was the first Australian company to manufacture children’s costumes under licence from Disney and Warner Brothers. Specialising in fancy dress based mainly on television characters, the firm’s cowboy and Indian outfits ensured that the ‘wild west’ was part of Australian childhood. Their costumes were also based on beloved local television shows such as Skippy, Romper Room and Humphrey B. Bear.
Set on a prominent 557.8sqm parcel of land, the substantial freestanding warehouse has an R1 general residential zoning. The two-storey building encompasses expansive warehouse, office, showroom and storage areas. There’s also a loading bay, a garage, staff and customer parking for up to eight cars and convenient rear lane access.
Uniquely, the option is available to purchase and potentially incorporate an adjoining residential cottage at 41 Lords Road, Leichhardt, which would take the total site area to approximately 1,012.9sqm. Retaining plenty of original charm with features such as fireplaces and leadlight windows, the two-bedroom weatherboard offers immense scope for renovation and extension into the deep north-to-rear 455.1sqm block.
Whether acquired separately or in one line, the offering presents an array of versatile possibilities, all subject to the necessary council approvals. The buyer may opt for total or partial redevelopment of the entire site for apartments or townhouses, or they may choose to convert the existing commercial building to single or multiple warehouse-style residences. There’s also scope to retain the warehouse for commercial/office purposes, land banking the site for future development.
One thing’s certain, the location will always be sought-after given its proximity to MarketPlace Shopping Centre, Lambert Park, Kegworth Public School and the Marion Light Rail stop. We invite you to come and take a closer look and discuss the vast potential of this rare landholding.
Both properties are being offered by Expressions of Interest closing 5pm on Thursday, October 12th 2023, unless sold prior. For more information contact Matthew Hayson, 0411 519 190 or matth@ch.com.au, or Jack Tinworth, 0448 892 033 or jackt@ch.com.au.
