FREEHOLD Bookshop with Accommodation / Cafe Potential – Ballarat, VIC 

Description

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY – HISTORIC PROPERTY – PROFITABLE BUSINESS 

Considered one of Victoria’s most beautiful and eclectic bookshops, the Known World Bookshop has the potential to deliver multiple income streams. 

The historic 3-storey 1870s redbrick building includes a fully self-contained 1-bedroom apartment, al fresco dining area, built in wood-fired pizza oven – and the kitchen meets council requirements for food handling premises. 

Live onsite, rent out the apartment, open a B&B or add a funky café to this already successful business! 

There’s also potential to grow this popular second-hand bookshop online – currently about 30% of sales come via ABE books, an eBay Online Bookshop and phone – approx. 70% through the shop. 

• Trading in Ballarat and district for 22 years 
• Situated on centrally located Main Road – one of Ballarat’s most important and historic streets 
• Renowned for its beautiful collection of books and quirky ambience 
• Loyal customer base – Described as “A little spot of brilliance in the universe” by one regular 
• Hand-curated collection of books – History, the Arts, Literature, Children’s books and much, much more 
• Located in the historic Bakery Hill precinct (site of the Eureka Rebellion of 1857) 
• Precinct includes Ballarat’s award-winning Mr Jones Restaurant, a busy antiques shop, popular vintage clothes emporium, and a second-hand collective 
• Close to 2 major supermarkets and Sturt Street (Ballarat’s main boulevard) 
• Comprehensive database – Shop would benefit from a dedicated website  
• Potential to also sell fine prints and artworks 
• THE BUILDING: 

Rewired within the last 10 years – Maintenance kept up to the highest standards 

Beautifully appointed 1-bedroom apartment above the shop with rear access 

Bookshop occupies the ground floor and basement – with working fireplace 

Basement has access to the outside patio and decking – Al fresco dining area at the rear 

Secure off-street parking for 1 vehicle with remote roller door access  

Storage room (with built in wood-fired pizza oven) and kitchenette (stainless steel sink and benchtops, additional handwashing station and coving) 

THE BUSINESS: 

Ideally suit book lovers or the astute investor. No specialist knowledge required. Onsite training in all aspects of business operation, database management and processing internet orders provided. 

ASSETS INCLUDE: 

• Handcrafted and finished customised bookshelves with handcrafted timber overhead lighting 
• Antique display cabinets – Antique cash register – Numerous antique lamps 
• Stools – steps – library ladder – freestanding bookshelves 
• Database  

• All books (Current SAV between $120,000 and $150,000) 

Price: $950,000 – Freehold + Business 

($850,000 building + $100,000 business, stock, fittings and fixtures)