GenU lists Geelong’s high-profile and historic Kardinia House
Support group GenU is selling its high-profile and historic outgoing headquarters overlooking Geelong’s Barwon River.
Kardinia House at 1 Riverview Terrace, Belmont, is being targeted to developers and renovation rescuers.
It is expected to sell for more than $5 million.
Built in about 1850 by Victorian colonist and politician, Dr Alexander Thompson, the bluestone mansion occupies a 1.7 hectare block also with exposure to Barrabool Road.
According to Heritage Council of Victoria, extensive additions were made to the home prior to 1869, with a verandah added in the 1880s.
After 1890, businessman H.F Richardson acquired Kardinia House – extending it “beyond recognition”, according to the council.
The property has also been used by the Salvation Army as a children’s home.
Most recently, Kardinia House has been occupied as the headquarters of GenU, which assists disadvantaged disabled, unemployed, and aged people.
Gen U employs more than 2800 staff across 200 national offices. Created following the merging of Karingal and St Laurence, it manages the Matchworks employment services brand.
GenU is selling Kardinia House as it prepares to relocate to new Geelong headquarters in Reynolds Road.
Colliers International marketing agent Jonathon Lumsden describes 1 Riverview Terrace as “a truly unique investment or development opportunity”.
“This is an established and proven residential location within one of Australia’s fastest growing regions and given the flexibility of the property, which is suitable for many development options including residential, a multi-unit complex, retirement living or subdivision, we expect a hot contest from a wide range of buyers,” Mr Lumsden said.
The holding, zoned General Residential 2, has 73 metres of Barwon River frontage.
“Situated a mere 2.3 kilometres from the Geelong CBD and an abundance of existing retail, social, health and community infrastructure, this property is perfectly positioned to all amenities,” Mr Lumsden said. “Surrounding the property is a mix of residential, recreation and short-term accommodation…and nearby arterials allow for easy access to both Melbourne and the Surf Coast”.
Mr Lumsden is marketing Kardinia House with colleagues Andrew Lewis and Sam Neale.
Last week, we reported that a Melbourne student accommodation provider was paying News Corp Australia $5 million for the 60-year old recently vacated headquarters of local newspaper Geelong Advertiser.
In another era-ending Geelong deal, Ford sold recently its historic engine making and plate stamping facilities in Norlane to Melbourne developer Pelligra Group
And in January, Target sold its long-time former North Geelong headquarters to Melbourne residential developer Leaf Corp for $10.6 million. Target is now based in Williams Landing, about 19 kilometres sout-west of the Melbourne CBD.
