Another historic Ballarat church is back on the market, adding to the litany of former religious buildings put up for sale in the past few years.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The former Methodist church and hall on Barkly Street in Ballarat East, built in about 1860, are up for sale by tender.
The former All Saints Church in Drummond Street, which has previously been used as an op-shop and has a developed office space out the back, is also for sale.
READ MORE: Pleasant Street Uniting Church sells
Among the other churches in the area up for sale, in central Ballarat and Wendouree two have been sold this year, including the Wendouree Uniting Church in Grevillea Road, and the Pleasant Street church, hall, and manse.
Other prominent churches include St Andrew's Kirk on Sturt Street, and rural Catholic churches in Springdallah and Blampied.
The Barkly Street church still has its stained glass windows and rear gallery seating, and agents say it's a "blank canvas".
On a separate title, the hall's interior has already been remodeled into a three-bedroom residence.
READ MORE: Wendouree Uniting Church closes its doors
It also has a permit for a cafe or restaurant in the front, with space for a garage behind.
Ray White Ballarat director Phillip Lee said the building's permit provided a rare opportunity for "someone with imagination".
"The current owner has obtained (the permit) but hasn't used it, they're moving on with other projects," he said.
"It allows for partial demolition, and building and works for use of a restaurant, application for a licence for sale and consumption of liquor, reduction in car parking requirements, and displaying business signage."
The Drummond Street property, formerly St Stephens, was refurbished in 1997 after it was sold off.
Mr Lee said it was always interesting to see what people chose to do with old churches.
"There's a lot around Ballarat, and some have been sold off, some are continuing to be sold off, but it is possible, with the right architectural advice and plans, to turn them into residences," he said.
"Often people come forward with different uses we don't think about.
"They've finished their use as a church, and then they're onto their next life."
Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.