By Shelby Brooks
An historic church in Cardinia could be revamped for a new purpose after it was put on the market six weeks ago.
The church, located at 2400 Ballarto Road Cardinia, has had interest from potential buyers to reinvent it into a café, restaurant, childcare, office space or liveable dwelling, First National Finning sales manager Jason Brown told the Gazette.
“We are happy for anyone to purchase the church and we have had interest shown from people wanting to convert,” he said.
“[There are] a few people wanting to still keep it for the purpose of a place of worship.”
The property is listed at $850,000 with a land size of approximately 3,461 metres squared.
It is in a low density residential zone and heritage overlay exits on the property.
Mr Brown said he believed the last time it was used as a church was two years ago.
“We have had a lot of interest on the property, mainly surrounding its uniqueness and with a couple of offers being made now,” he said.
The church boasts historical flooring, ceilings and windows with newer additional bathrooms at the rear of the building.
Built in 1915, the church is directly opposite Cardinia Primary School and adjacent to Dalmore Road.
It was formally the Cardinia Presbyterian Church, as stated in a historic pamphlet in celebration of its 50 year jubilee celebration in 1965, supplied by local historian Heather Arnold.
“What is unshakable evidence to the present celebrations is the little brick church on the brow of the brae in what is today the little hamlet of Cardinia,” the pamphlet read.
“Whatever direction you may be travelling, the church stands imposingly, although many may miss seeing it as it nestles in the trees surrounding it.
“For fifty years it has been the rendezvous of the Christian worshippers in the district.”
Mr Walter Duff donated the land for the church and he and his wife organised garden parties to start a building fund.
James Irwin of Ararat was the architect and the builder was a Mr Caulsen, costing 450 pounds to build.
