John Coggan at one of Braddon’s most recognisable sites, the former Coggan’s Bakery, which will be the centrepiece of the community precinct, blending heritage with modern living. Photo: Coggan family.
A slice of Braddon’s past will rise again, with a project that will bring the 1920s Coggan’s Bakery back to life as the heart of a new neighbourhood hub.
Developers Roland Development Group and neighbours Dish developments have lodged the development application for Coggans Village.
History and community will be at the centre of the project, as they reimagine the site for future generations while honouring the past.
The site spanning the former bakery and the adjoining carwash block will become a transformative mixed-use precinct in Braddon, according to RDG director Chris Roland.
It will include a public green space, improved walkability through dual laneways and a mix of residential, retail and hospitality.
“We’ve taken a collaborative approach, a lot of engagement around the heritage of the Coggan’s Bakery landmark, which we want to restore as the centrepiece of our precinct masterplan,” he said.
“We’re working with world-renowned architects SJB, who helped identify early on the lack of greenery in the area, so we’re creating Braddon’s first pocket park – a setback along Elouera Street to allow for deep root planting and that’s unique for the area.”
With three frontages along Mort, Elouera and Lonsdale streets, the precinct will be the first of its kind in Braddon to introduce new north–south and east–west laneways, enhancing walkability and linking with light rail to strengthen Braddon’s connectivity.
“The ample laneway access is part of a very intentional effort to promote pedestrian activity,” Chris said.
Other features will include outdoor lighting and seating, and a built environment that stops short of the boundaries, allowing for more ground-floor activation.
While the Mort Street building will centre on the restoration of the heritage-listed bakery and a fresh-food grocer, the development will also deliver 129 apartments, including a residents’ lounge and communal workspaces.
The adjacent carwash site will include a boutique 191-room luxury hotel, a rooftop garden, and an additional 64 apartments. Residents and hotel guests will share an internal wellness podium with pool and gym, while retail and hospitality outlets at ground level will contribute to Braddon’s vibrant dining and cultural scene.
“The vision is to have an offering from early morning right through to late night, that both serves and supports the community, residents and businesses alike. This project preserves heritage, delivers housing choice, creates genuine public amenity and will help drive Braddon’s economic vitality into the future. We are excited,” Chris said.
Garry Coggan, grandson of the bakery’s original owners, said he was heartened to see the building’s restoration forming the foundation of the precinct.
“We grew up with the bakery … as kids, it was like our second home,” he said.
“I have always felt a deep connection to the building, so seeing it fall into disrepair has been difficult. Knowing it will be restored and given new life is a huge relief. It means a piece of Braddon’s history will be preserved for future generations.”
The bakery was originally built in 1925, and Garry’s grandfather worked there throughout the 30s, but only took over after the war in 1947.
Originally named Coggan’s Federal Bakery, the family had to drop the “Federal” due to it being a restricted word.
Garry was 16 when, in 1976, he started going to the shop after school to complete his baker’s apprenticeship. He worked there for years afterwards, both under his father and after the business was sold in 1989.
“We’d bake through the night so the bread was ready by 5 or 6 am the latest,” he said.
“The work wasn’t over after that. I’d do bread runs and help dad with the office work, and in the afternoon we’d start on the pastries.”
Garry was the last of the Coggans to work at the former bakery and was the driving force behind its heritage status.
He said he hoped the restoration of the bakery and the addition of a green space would restore something of the Braddon he once knew.
“Braddon has totally changed from what it used to be. Everyone knew each other back in the day. It had a real community atmosphere,” he said.
“Restoring the building, and creating a space where people can sit down, connect and enjoy the area, feels like we’re keeping that spirit alive.”
Visit Coggans Village for more information.
