Hannah’s Factory (R.Hannah and Co. Building) was built in 1923 to accommodate Robert Hannah’s shoe manufacturing business. It was an example of enlightened and functional industrial architecture, built as open plan on each level, with working stations positioned by the windows for plentiful light and air.

 

The shoe factory was converted into New York loft-style apartments by prominent Wellington developer, Ian Cassels, over the period 1995 - 1996, to the design of noted Wellington architect, Sir Ian Athfield.  The building is a heritage building as listed on the Wellington City Council District Plan.

 

Ground-floor commercial premises include Golding's Free Dive Bar, Hanging Ditch Cocktail Bar and the Leeds Street Bakery and Cafe - combining coffee, freshly baked goods, and free wi-fi. And just across the courtyard is the Wellington Chocolate Factory, Pizza Pomodoro and Shepherd Resturant.  The recently opended Fortune Favours brewpub in Leeds St is the latest addition to the area.  

 

Located in the heart of the popular downtown Cuba Quarter Hannah's Factory residents enjoy the thriving and vibrant neighbourhood and the many exciting events held in and around the area.  In 2014 the Hannah’s precinct was the pilot project of a new WCC initiative – the Laneways Project - to beautify Wellington inner-city laneways.