Richmond’s Iconic Bryant and May Building Re-energised
Media release dated 3 May 2018
On Thursday May 3, 2018 at 10.00am The Minister for the Environment and Energy, Josh Frydenberg will officially re-open the heritage listed Bryant and May building following an extensive refurbishment by its new occupants, Red Energy.
The iconic red brick building first opened its doors for business in 1909, manufacturing Australia’s most popular brand of matches through the 20th Century. Bryant and May became known as a model factory, providing workers with unprecedented working conditions including a shared dining hall, a tennis court and bowling green and a working ethos that relied on values rather than rules.
Today, following careful restoration of the building’s period features and the installation of fit for purpose technology, the building is home to 1200 employees of Red Energy.
Iain Graham, CEO of Red Energy said “our slogan for Red Energy is born and bred in Richmond. We are a proudly Australian business and established our base here over a decade ago. Staying local and nurturing neighbouring cafes, restaurants and other businesses was incredibly important when we were looking for a new home for Red. It is an absolute privilege to walk into this beautiful building each day.” Over three levels, the 10,000 sqm of workspace is punctuated by pavilions that break up the floor plate and create workstation neighbourhoods. Each level is themed, with signage, graphics and timelines that acknowledge the history of the building and Red Energy’s own story so far.
“The heritage of the match factory provided the perfect backdrop to a create sense of curiosity through a playful approach to the key design elements. The central stair looked to the idea of cubbies and forts and the elevated meeting pavilions take the form of the original supervisors offices that dotted the factory floor. A high priority for the design team was to maintain and enhance Red Energy’s dynamic atmosphere. We were to create and showcase an active, thriving business which we believe has been achieved” explains Dan Cox, Director of Carr Design Group.
The refurbishment was designed by Melbourne’s Carr Design Group and built by Shape Australia. It has been shortlisted for the Master Builders Awards and is a finalist in the Dulux Colour Awards 2018.
About Red Energy:
Red Energy is an Australian energy retailer owned by Snowy Hydro. Red Energy
employs more than 1200 Australians, most of them based in the Bryant and May
Building in Cremorne, Melbourne. Red Energy opened its doors for business 14
years ago in William Street, Cremorne and together with Lumo Energy services
over 1 million electricity and gas customers in SA, NSW, VIC and QLD.