A private investor is selling a Ballarat pub as a vacant freehold, heralding a rare opportunity in the heart of one of Victoria’s fastest-growing regional service hubs.
The Market Square Hotel was opened at 9 Creswick Road, Ballarat Central in 1856 by Thomas Whatley.
In 1869 it was renamed the Carriers’ Arms, before a grand new three-storey brick building was constructed in 1890 in an interpretation of the Second Empire architectural style, featuring a prominent mansard-roofed tower. The property incorporates an original kitchen at the rear and a brick stables, constructed circa 1866.
The Carriers’ Arms traded until 1968. Since then the landmark property, exuding historic significance, has seen multiple uses, including as an office.
The 1,335sqm land parcel is occupied by a 1,000sqm total building footprint, with 546 square metres of net lettable area tailored for high-end boutique hospitality plus 20 dedicated onsite parking bays.
It also holds flexible Commercial 1 Zoning (C1Z), positioned directly opposite the new GovHub administrative precinct.
Following approaches by parties interested in restoring the commercial site as a hospitality operation, the vendor opted to offer it to the open market.
An Expression of Interest campaign closing Wednesday, 5 August is being managed by HTL Property’s Scott Callow and Daniel Ryan, who anticipate strong competitive interest from both hospitality owner-occupiers and corporate investors.
“This multi-level commercial asset represents a tightly held opportunity to acquire a premium piece of Ballarat real estate, one that perfectly bridges gold rush heritage with modern corporate functionality.”
