Franco Cozzo’s Footscray store up for sale

For years, Melbourne furniture legend Franco Cozzo has exclaimed “grande sale, grande sale” in television advertisements that have made him famous the city over.

But now, the “Footiscray” landmark is itself the key item in a “grande sale”, with offers invited for Mr Cozzo’s showroom and site.

The Hopkins Street address is on the market for $6.5 million – $7 million, and, like the rest of old Footscray, could be turned into a multi-storey apartment development.

But early indications are this sale could last as long as one of Mr Cozzo’s famous furnitures ones.

The site’s large scale and location, within walking distance to Footscray CBD and station, should make it a prime target for developers. Much of Footscray is already undergoing redevelopment and welcoming a younger, trendier crowd into new apartment towers.

The Maribyrnong City Council has outlined goals to boost the number of residents through pro-development rules and already leads the city in the number of apartment approvals.

Mr Cozzo previously put the 1088-square-metre furniture shop on the market in 2014, but never said goodbye to his Footscray landmark.