Historic Aussie village with schoolhouse up for sale
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A historic village in the heart of Canberra’s bustling tourist hub is now on the market, offering a rare opportunity for developers and investors. The Ginninderra Village, located at 11 O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls, spans nearly 12,000 square metres and includes the heritage-listed Ginninderra schoolhouse and residence, making it a significant landmark in the area.
The expansive 11,980 square metre site, described as “vastly underutilised,” boasts six single-level buildings, all available with vacant possession. Situated in the tourist-centric Gold Creek Village, the property is just a stone’s throw away from the National Dinosaur Museum, which features 23 complete dinosaur skeletons, and opposite the meticulously landscaped Cockington Green Gardens, known for its handcrafted miniature buildings from around the globe. Additionally, it is within proximity to the well-frequented George Harcourt Inn.
LJ Hooker Commercial Canberra is leading the expressions of interest campaign for the property, representing the receivers and managers who have been appointed to gauge market interest. Greg Lyons, an agent with LJ Hooker Commercial Canberra, highlighted the site’s unique appeal due to its scale and heritage elements. “It’s a bit of a blank canvas and a question of how you can blend the heritage into a new development,” Lyons remarked, emphasising the potential for developers to make a significant impact.
The former schoolhouse, a key feature of the site, opened its doors in 1884 and functioned as a public school until 1910. Currently, the site is zoned for leisure and accommodation purposes, allowing for uses such as indoor recreation facilities, childcare centres, restaurants, shops, craft workshops, and tourist facilities. However, the possibilities extend beyond these, contingent on obtaining the necessary approvals. Lyons noted, “There’s a whole range of uses, some of which are allowed at the moment, and some of which would require planning variation.”
The property is landscaped with manicured lawns, gardens, and mature trees, with the existing buildings offering a lettable area just shy of 800 square metres. Market insiders anticipate that the asset could command a price exceeding $6 million, especially considering that a smaller adjacent site with stricter permit conditions sold for approximately $4 million a few years ago.
Interest in the site has been steady, with inquiries coming from a diverse group of potential buyers intrigued by the site’s myriad possibilities. Lyons expressed optimism about the site’s future, stating, “It’s a lovely parcel of land – it’s sat a bit dormant for a while, so it needs to be repositioned and for someone to take on the challenge.” He also reminisced about the site’s past, noting, “There were a couple of restaurants on site years ago that were quite popular.”
The location of the site is advantageous, being close to the town centres of Gungahlin and Belconnen, and approximately 12 kilometres from the Canberra CBD. Nearby attractions include the Australian Reptile Centre and Federation Square, further enhancing its appeal.
Despite its name, Gold Creek Village does not feature any actual gold or a creek. The name is derived from a racehorse, adding a quirky twist to its identity. Since the 1970s, the tourist area has expanded, and more recently, the Nicholls region has seen the development of upscale residential properties, according to Lyons.
The expressions of interest campaign is set to close on December 10, offering a limited window for interested parties to stake their claim on this historic and potentially lucrative site.