Birkenhead Point facts for kids
Birkenhead Point is a small piece of land that sticks out into the water, also known as a point. It's located in Port Jackson, which is a famous harbor in Sydney, Australia. This area is part of the suburb called Drummoyne in New South Wales.
This spot used to be a busy industrial area, full of factories. But today, it's a popular place with a big shopping center called Birkenhead Point Outlet Centre. You can also find a marina for boats and modern apartment buildings here. People can get to Birkenhead Point by ferry at the Birkenhead ferry wharf or by bus along Victoria Road. Many buses travel this road, connecting the city to areas further west.
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History of Birkenhead Point
Birkenhead Point has a long and interesting history. It changed a lot over the years, from factories to shops.
Early Industries (1800s)
The first known business at Birkenhead Point started in 1844. A man named Charles Abercrombie set up a factory. This factory was used for salting meat and a process called "boiling down." This process extracted fat from animal parts.
Rubber and Tyre Production (1900s)
In 1900, two brothers, the Perdriau Brothers, started a company here. They imported rubber. As cars became more popular, their business grew. They began making rubber tyres for cars right at Birkenhead Point.
Later, in 1929, a big company called Dunlop took over the factory. By the 1960s, the tyre factory was very busy. About 1,600 people worked there, making tyres for vehicles.
From Factory to Shopping Centre
The tyre factory eventually closed down in 1977. After that, the area was completely changed. It became a waterfront shopping center, making use of its great location by the water.
In the 1990s, new apartment buildings were added to the site. The shops in the center also changed. They became "outlet stores," where you could buy designer clothes at bargain prices.
Modern Renovations
The shopping complex has been updated several times. Major renovations began in October 2004. A new floor and a modern glass roof were finished in November 2010. These changes made the shopping center even more modern and appealing.
