McLaren Vale’s oldest church a blessed business opportunity

Looking for a new location for your small business that’s a little outside the box? Have a little faith, we may have found the ultimate opportunity.

Located on McLaren Vale’s main street, at 133 Main Rd, the town’s oldest church has come onto the market and is ready for a new lease of life.

Harcourts Wine Coast Real Estate agent Sandy Mount says the heritage listed church is an important part of the town’s history and a great location for a range of businesses.

Commercial Insights: Subscribe to receive the latest news and updates

“It was built in 1861, it was the first church in McLaren Vale – prior to that they used to have open air services,” he says.

133 Main Rd, McLaren Vale.

133 Main Rd, McLaren Vale.

“I think that it could attract somebody like a cellar door or winery, or professional person to have offices, or it could attract a music type venue.”

Formerly known as The Singing Gallery and currently The Groove Garden, Mount says the great acoustics make the church ideal as a music venue.

“It was purchased 25 years ago and it’s been running as The Singing Gallery, they used to have concerts and music events in the church,” he says.

“Then some years ago, a garden was developed as a Groove Garden music venue – it still runs every Sunday afternoon.”

133 Main Rd, McLaren Vale.

133 Main Rd, McLaren Vale.

Set on 866sqm, Mount says the church does have a cemetery attached however that “will not be included in the sale”.

Listed on Tuesday, Mount says the church has attracted inquiries already, which isn’t surprising given the prime location.

“It’s opposite Ellis Park and right in the heart of the township, it’s quite a dominating location,” he says.

“It’s a very popular wine and food destination, we get thousands of people coming down on weekends. It’s close enough to town and it’s got 90 amazing wineries in our immediate vicinity.”

133 Main Rd, McLaren Vale.

The church features beautiful leadlight windows, original stonework, timber floors and ceilings, plus a mezzanine above the stage and a fully functional kitchen.

“You could use it as is, there are bathroom facilities, but it would respond very well to some renovation,” Mount says.

“It’s currently zoned for business purposes, however that zone does allow for mixed use of office and home.”

The church will go to auction on Saturday, March 23 at 1.30pm and will not be sold prior. It is being advertised without a price guide.

This article from The Advertiser originally appeared as “A heavenly business opportunity awaits in McLaren Vale”.