Opportunities abound at former winery: new owner

A FORMER Maiden Gully winery remains “very much open” to parties keen to utilise its vineyard, cellar door, restaurant, function and accommodation facilities, according to new owner Villawood Properties.

Villawood, which bought the site last year, is seeking expressions of interest in all or parts of the Hermitage Road winery’s varied operations.

“The winery (formerly Balgownie Estate) still offers a range of business opportunities we’re more than happy to discuss,” Villawood’s regional Victoria general manager Julian Perez said.

“We’re looking to breathe a new life into this precinct, to reset the agenda.

“We have more than $15 million of working infrastructure on the ground which can be utilised any number of ways.

“We can see very clear opportunities. And we really don’t want to see the doors stay closed.

“Equipment, facilities and machinery are all there for winemaking, cellar door, brewing, distilling, cold storage, restaurant, bar, functions, accommodation – even glamping.

“We’re very much open to all ideas. Interested parties don’t have to take on the lot, they can utilise different business elements of the precinct individually if they like.”

Mr Perez said a Villawood development could take up to five years to conceptualise, plan and initiate – if the development is approved – and the group was keen to integrate aspects of the former winery precinct into its plans.

“We want to retain what we can,” he said. “It might be community buildings or operations like a boutique clubhouse, cafe, a restaurant, outdoor dining.

“We’re very keen for people to come to us to investigate the opportunities.

“But right now, there is a real opportunity to lease ready-made, walk-in facilities that could generate business revenue from day one.”

Mr Perez said the group had consulted the City of Greater Bendigo’s economic development unit, which had been helpful in its ambitions for the precinct.

He said the 79-hectare holding was set in picturesque surroundings close to town, and was well placed to capitalise on Bendigo’s varied historical, cultural and natural tourist attractions.