Local historic groups had their worst fears realised on Thursday with confirmation that historic Tremain’s Mill has been sold.
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The huge mill and associated buildings dating back to 1859 were due to be auctioned on Thursday evening, but a buyer was found earlier that day.
At 8522 square metre mill, with 5000 square metres of lettable area, Raine and Horne Bathurst principal Matt Clifton said the site provided a huge range of opportunities for the new owner.
The site includes a preschool (Keppel Street Kindy), laundromat (Keppel Street Laundry), Bedwells Feed Barn, as well as the old mill and concrete silos, a number of inter-linked buildings (constructed from a mix of brick and corrugated iron) and a vacant block of land on Havannah Street.
Tremain’s Mill also has frontages onto Havannah, Keppel and Manilla streets.
Mr Clifton said the huge property had been owned by a company with “local interests” and on Thursday was sold to a local company.
He said while there was some interest from within the mill’s current 20 tenants, the property was not sold to them.
Mr Clifton was also unable to reveal the sale price other than to confirm the owner was “satisfied with the price”.
It is common that properties are sold prior to auction and Mr Clifton said the owners felt it was in their best interests to accept the offer made before the auction.
Mr Clifton acknowledged there were concerns from Bathurst’s heritage groups over preserving the historical aspects of the building following the sale.
“I know there is concern with regard to development and respecting the historical integrity of the building,” he said. “Their [new owners] very clear intention is to preserve the historical integrity of the building.”
Bathurst resident, and member of the Save our Silos Facebook page, Vianne Tourle said she was not surprised that the mill had sold.
“We think it’s an interesting place for someone to take on,” she said.
Ms Tourle said Save our Silos members will continue to advocate that heritage items be kept.
“We just hope that whoever they are that they maintain the working machinery, silos, bins and the amazing timberwork and brickwork,” she said. “We hope the heritage values will be maintained.”
