Archaeological excavations beneath a new student accommodation development designed by COX Architecture in Melbourne’s CBD have uncovered the remains of a pioneering 19th-century refrigeration plant, once run by Scottish-Australian engineer James Harrison, also regarded as the father of mechanical refrigeration.

More than 6,700 artefacts were recovered from the site at 100 Franklin Street ahead of construction of Journal Student Living’s Market Way development. The finds include the foundations of Harrison’s ice-making machinery, along with a collection of household objects dating from the 19th century.

James Harrison.jpg — *James Harrison by E. Walter on display in Geelong Art Gallery (Source: COX)*

The excavation at the site of Australia’s first commercial ice-making works was led by Christine Williamson Heritage Consultants and Archaeological Excavations in consultation with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.

Among the most significant discoveries were matching stone and brick bases associated with Harrison’s machinery, wheel indentations believed to have accommodated its flywheels, and a brick-lined machinery base. Archaeologists also recovered glass and beer bottles, ceramic plates and jugs, Wedgwood mugs and stoneware ink bottles.

Harrison moved his ice-making operation from Geelong to Franklin Street in 1859. His Victoria Ice Works subsequently became one of the world’s earliest commercially viable mechanical refrigeration facilities.

His work had implications well beyond ice production. In 1873, Harrison received a gold medal at the Melbourne Exhibition after demonstrating that meat frozen for extended periods could remain edible, contributing to the emerging technology behind Australia’s frozen meat export trade. The Victoria Ice Works continued operating at the Franklin Street site into the 1880s.

*Plaque commemorating James Harrison at 100 Franklin Street, courtesy of the State Library of Victoria (Source: COX)*

The next chapter of the site’s history will centre on student living. Journal Market Way is being developed as a 40-level purpose-built student accommodation project, with 715 rooms and a range of shared facilities including a cinema, a music lounge, a makerspace, podcast studio and rooftop sky lounge.

“There’s something quite poetic about this site’s history,” observes Johannes Lupolo-Chan, Associate Director at COX Architecture.

The development will retain and restore the four-storey heritage-listed building now known as Burbank House, which was constructed in 1891 by stained-glass manufacturers Ferguson & Urie. The historic building will form the front portion of the new development and is set to house a library, kitchen, dining area, study spaces and the main entrance lobby.

COX’s design response to Journal Student Living’s landmark development draws inspiration from the heritage fabric of the Queen Victoria Market precinct where the tower is located.

“Journal Market Way purposefully melds Melbourne’s rich history with its dynamic present. Once the home of innovative 19th century industrialists, 100 Franklin Street will now be the address of a community of students from all over the world, shaping their own futures,” adds Ian Davidoff, CEO at Journal Student Living.

The development is scheduled for completion in September 2026, with the final fitout works now underway ahead of students moving in from early 2027.

Main image: Render of Journal Student Living’s Market Way development | Source: COX

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