A significant piece of Canberra's educational history has hit the market, with the historic Ginninderra Schoolhouse and surrounding village now available for purchase through an expressions of interest campaign.
The property at 11 O'Hanlon Place in Nicholls comprises six buildings that collectively form the Ginninderra Village, part of the broader Gold Creek Village complex that includes popular attractions like Cockington Green and the National Dinosaur Museum.
Historic Buildings with Modern Potential
The centerpiece of the sale is the Ginninderra Schoolhouse, constructed in 1884 and operating as an educational institution until 1910. This single-teacher bush school represents one of Canberra's earliest educational facilities and most recently functioned as an art gallery.
Alongside the heritage-listed schoolhouse and teacher's residence, the property includes two late 19th-century timber slab buildings that are not protected by heritage listing. Two additional buildings were constructed on the site in 2009, both designed to complement the heritage character of the area.
All six buildings are currently unoccupied, having previously housed various businesses including the well-known Green Herring restaurant.
Development Opportunities Abound
Selling agent Greg Lyons from LJ Hooker confirmed that with only the schoolhouse and residence carrying heritage protection, the new owner has the option to redevelop portions of the site. The property spans nearly 12,000 square metres and is zoned for leisure and recreation uses.
"I've been getting a lot of interest because of the unique nature of it," Mr Lyons said. "It's a site that's underutilised and has laid a little bit inactive for quite a period of time, so there's a real opportunity to reposition the property in the marketplace."
Existing permits allow for development of an indoor recreation facility, restaurant, shop, workshop, and tourist facility. While a previous plan to establish a childcare centre was abandoned after approvals were granted, Mr Lyons noted continued interest from childcare providers, religious groups, and others considering possibilities ranging from motels to retirement villages.
Investment Potential and Timeline
The property enters the market after the village went into receivership. While no official price guide has been provided, Mr Lyons referenced a nearby property with 4,000 fewer square metres that sold for $3.9 million in 2022.
The village last changed hands in 2007 for $1.85 million, indicating significant potential for capital growth in the intervening years. Expressions of interest for the historic precinct will close on Wednesday, December 10, offering a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of Canberra's educational heritage with substantial development potential.
