Dean Montgomery bought the factory site in May for more than $1 million dollars and has already carried out some work on the silver ball water tower and the main factory buildings. He said more work was planned in the warmer summer months. 

Mr Montgomery, who is based in China, was at the site for Sunday’s garden party and said workmen had been replacing broken windows throughout the buildings with the aim of getting it secure so it could be alarmed. 

“Most of the broken external windows have been done. There are still a few more to do,” he said.

“We’ve re-roofed the area over the market and will re-roof other areas to make sure the place is watertight. 

“Most of the loose asbestos has been removed and the buildings are WorkSafe compliant. There are still a few bits and pieces and a bit of work in the gardens, but I’m really happy with how it’s all progressing.” 

Mr Montgomery said there was still some more work to do on the silver ball and exterior painting would begin when the weather started to fine up. 

He said he would like to see the smaller markets that front Flaxman Street, move in to the same area as the bigger market off the gardens. He is also still working on plans to set up a car museum to house his extensive collection. 

“There has been some interest about space in the buildings but my main focus is getting the place fixed up,” Mr Montgomery. 

He said he hoped to see more community events like the one held on Sunday in the future. 

“It’s great to see so many people connecting with the place and enjoying the gardens. I would love to see more of this type of thing,” he said. 

“People have been telling me all sorts of stories about the place. It’s been great to hear them and find out what the place means to them.” 

jwoolley@fairfaxmedia.com.au