Opportunity for business in Loddon Valley

Published on 09 November 2015

BEER and babies, boots and bargains – one historic Wedderburn building has seen the lot over its long and eventful life.

The one-time Commercial Hotel in High St, on the southern edge of town, is for sale, offering a rare business opportunity for someone ready to write the next chapter.

Priced at $150,000, the property is in two parts, each with its own title.

It features floor areas of 244 and 120 square metres, accommodation comprising a bedroom, kitchen and dining space, brick-lined cellar, a well and prominent highway location.

Former president and treasurer of the Korong (Wedderburn) Historical Society Keith Ring said the building boasted a colourful history.

“Originally built in 1879, it was first known as the Carriers Arms, but renamed The Commercial after a transfer of ownership in 1889,” Mr Ring said.

“Nine years later, it was destroyed by fire, but the owner – a Bendigo cordial manufacturer – chose to rebuild it in brick, to a design by renowned architect William Vahland.

“The hotel was delicensed and closed in December 1921, but three years later reopened as a private hospital under Nurse Donnelly – and, shortly after, Nurse Sarah Edwards.

“Nurse Edwards ran the place until the Korong Bush Nursing Hospital was built in 1938.

“In the years since, the building has had a range of uses, including as private rooms, the Rampling and Hall Boot Factory, a dry cleaner, one of Givoni’s factories making dressing gowns, a second-hand store and the home of an electrical business.”

Loddon Shire Director, Economy and Community, Bryan McEwan said the sale presented “a great opportunity for a business to establish on the Calder Highway in a historic, high-profile building with unique characteristics”.

“There’s space available here for a wide variety of uses and it’s the first substantial building as you come into Wedderburn,” Mr McEwan said.

“On a broader scale, Council is trying to promote the use of vacant buildings in each of its townships through an incentive scheme whereby new businesses coming into the shire can access grants of $1000 for marketing purposes over their initial 12 months.”

Loddon Real Estate principal Jason Lumsden, who is handling the sale, said two former bank premises were also on the market in Wedderburn.

“One is priced at $146,000 and the other $149,000, but they are much smaller than the building we’re talking about,” Mr Lumsden said.

“Another opportunity exists in the sale of two interconnected shops in the main street, also priced at $149,000.

“So far, I’ve shown several parties through the former Commercial Hotel and the primary interest has been for business use – to convert it to a home would be a huge amount of work.”

For more details, phone Loddon Real Estate on (03) 5494 3493.