Piece of history goes on the block
THE historic Railway Hotel in Gympie goes up for auction next month.
Built in 1915, the hotel is a focal point of Gympie's emerging tourism industry, linked by proximity to the Mary Valley Heritage Railway and its historic railway station.
Auctioning real estate agent, Harcourts, said it hoped a buyer would turn up on auction day with a vision to carry on with the restoration of this valuable piece of Gympie history.
While no immediate work on the old hotel is required, the building is listed on the State Heritage Register.
Harcourts' sales agent Bill Mitchell said there had been some interest in the historic property from a hotelier in Maryborough and an investor from Sunshine Coast among others.
"While I'm ultimately looking for a sale on the day of auction, I'm hoping a local will buy the Railway Hotel," he said.
"I think they could do well with this property... there is untapped potential.
"It is a great investment, considering the location right next to the heritage railway, one of Gympie's star tourist attractions.
"Basically, it's still in its original condition with pressed-metal ceilings, VJ walls and old-style rooms with high ceilings and balconies that overlook Gympie. There is an opportunity here to tap into the boutique accommodation market."
Mr Mitchell invited potential buyers to "think outside the square". He said he didn't want to hear from people in three weeks' time saying: "I would have paid that". Given its location and Gympie's growing population it could lend itself to many entrepreneurial ventures, he said.
"It's a good old pub but it could be a lot more."
The Railway Hotel is one of the few pubs in Gympie without gaming machines.
The auction will be at Harcourts Gympie office at 3pm on February 4.
It is a great investment, considering the location right next to the heritage railway, one of Gympie's star tourist attractions.
