'Locals are excited': Historic Bombala Literary Institute hits the market

History buffs and project renovators alike are set to be delighted by the listing for sale of the old Bombala Literary Institute – a much-loved marker of the Monaro region. 

The institute, also known by locals as the School of Arts, at 73 Caveat Street was built in 1865 and is heritage listed. Back in the day it was used as a bustling theatre and community hub, but is now in a state where it will require some tender loving care to return to its former glory. 

The main building boasts a distinctive facade – which is protected by heritage laws – and sits on a large piece of land that is also home to 10 individual units as well as an owner’s cottage. 

Guide $1,000,000 +

73 Caveat Street, Bombala NSW 2632

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These can be bought together or there is the potential of subdivision, said listing agent Craig Schofield of One Agency Craig Schofield. 

The stage and balcony in the main building’s auditorium are still intact, and there is an open front-of-house lobby and reception area.  

Schofield said the building held a significant place in the history of the town, and he had spoken to many locals who had fond memories of attending concerts and plays there. 

“There have been some recognised artists play there, and I’ve been talking to a lot of the locals who have good memories of the performances there over time,” Schofield said.

He also indicated that the building held a lot of potential for business opportunities, with the heritage listing not requiring the building to be returned to its previous standing as a theatre. The local council could provide guidance and consultancy in terms of regulations when it came to restoration. 

“Locals are excited that it’s on the market,” Schofield said. “It’s an iconic building in the town. It’s one reason the locals would like to see it restored again.

“It could be quite a nice industrial-type building for a microbrewery or something like that.

“Bombala is a really tight-knit community, it’s a timber mill town and there are a lot of small businesses and rural properties around. In terms of the Institute, as long as the facade is kept, you could use it for a number of different businesses, I’d say.”