THE long-closed Millicent and District Community Club will soon reopen as a retail outlet.
Victorian businessman John Boom sold his family home and retail business in Geelong and plans to open a shop selling general wares in the community club.
Mr Boom said it would take a few months to convert the empty premises and start to trade under the Bargain Market name, which will sell clothing, tools, jewellery and art.
He plans to make Millicent home and will be joined by his wife Chris and their granddaughter Alivrah Williamson.
“We were looking for a retail space with a car park,” Mr Boom said.
“It will take a few months to clean the building and remove the bars and kitchen.
“We should be able to salvage some items but some will be dumped.
“Help will be needed from electricians, plumbers and builders.”
Mr Boom said he would have a better idea about staffing once the store opens.
According to Mr Boom, the COVID-19 pandemic would not cause a major disruption to his plans.
He has also acknowledged the cooperation of Wattle Range Council.
Selling agent David Herbert said a contract had been written for the sale of the central business district landmark with the interstate retailer.
Mr Herbert said the sale price was not being revealed at this time.
The Davenport Street premises have been listed for sale since December 2018.
The latest published GST-exclusive asking price was $410,000 and many of its furnishings and fittings had been sold at a clearing sale in November.
The doors closed on the debt-laden facility over 18 months ago after almost 54 years of continuous trading.
The affairs of the Community Club have since been controlled by its liquidator David Kidman.
He has been approached for comment.
The major creditor of the Community Club is Wattle Range Council and is owed more than $200,000 in rates and outstanding loans.
Council has continued to meet the maintenance costs of the building such as insurance and lighting.
Earlier this month and before the sale, council chief executive Ben Gower said he had commissioned architects to draw up plans for the possible conversion of the Community Club building into offices for council.
The sale of the Community Club comes at a time when a record number of more than 25 Millicent CBD premises and businesses are either vacant or on the market.
