Found: The perfect building for your dream microbrewery in country NSW

A piece of history is up for sale in Bombala, giving fresh hope that the old Literary Institute will be given a new lease on life.

An eye-catching 1865 facade is just one part of this heritage-listed building, which stands on a 2300sqm block at 73 Caveat Street.

One Agency principal Craig Schofield says the building is a well-known piece of the region’s history.

“It’s a unique structure, there’s nothing else like it in Bombala,” Craig says.

“There are only a few other historic buildings around as people aren’t restoring them, so it’s also rather rare.”

The Bombala Literary Institute, also known as the School of Arts, dates back to 1865 and holds many memories for locals.

“The brick and wood building has a distinct facade, with a rendered cathedral look,” Craig says.

“While the interior itself has been run-down, it still has its old bones, including the balcony that overlooks the auditorium and the stage at the end of the building.

“You can almost see back to the past, when patrons were sitting in the balcony area watching a performance before going into the back room to sip on wine, champagne or whatever was available.

“There are dressing rooms downstairs, a front-of-house lobby and reception area, as well as a space that could be used for delivery drop-off.”

But that’s not everything on the site, which also features a duplex home and 10 units that will be sold with the historic building.

Purchasing the entire complex would give the next owner a foothold in Bombala, Craig says.

“It’s a fairly tight-knit community – Bombala is your typical country town," he says.

“It’s known for the platypus in the river. You can take a walk or a picnic and try to see them.”

Craig says the town’s slower pace should not be mistaken for nothing to do.

“You’re only about an hour-and-a-half from the NSW snowfields, and about 80km from the Sapphire Coast,” he says.

“People think a place like Bombala is out of the way, but it’s still very central with all the facilities that a young family needs, like a grocery store, hospital and schools.”

Craig says the new owner will be spoilt for choice in deciding what the building could become, once it's transformed.

“My first thought would be restoration and then running it as a theatre or performance centre,” he says.

“It also could be a nice microbrewery, with the industrial atmosphere and heritage look of the property. As long as the facade is kept, you could use it for a number of different businesses.

“It’s an iconic building in town. That’s one reason the locals would like to see it restored again. Someone just has to come up with a bright idea to bring it back to life.”

While the Bombala Literary Institute is being sold with accommodation attached, Craig says the vendor is open to subdividing the site for this sale, depending on council approval.

73 Caveat Street, Bombala, is for sale by EOI (closing Friday 25 August 2023). The price guide is $1 million.

View the full listing.

Article originally written and published by The Riotact.