THE old Beechworth fire station will be up for auction next month.
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It has a long history, its equipment being used dramatically in 1904 to quell an arson attack in the town’s Chinese camp that destroyed a joss house, Freemasons’ hall and some homes.
An art gallery, restaurant or cafe are some of the options being floated for the 111-year-old brick building on Camp Street.
Agents expected it to fetch more than $600,000, being located on a block close to the post office crossroads in Beechworth.
The old station is being sold after a new building opened on Victoria Road in September last year.
Lupson’s Beechworth Real Estate agent Rod Devlin said they were expecting keen interest.
Mr Devlin said the old structure would suit somebody who wanted to use it for commercial purposes.
“It’s in the heart of the central business district and could be opened as a wine bar, art gallery, offices or other tourism endeavours,” he said.
The former station and the three-bedroom weatherboard cottage next door will be offered as a whole.
The station was built by T.A. Shoebridge in 1903 and has white, painted, rendered detailing above triple false arches typical of the Federation style popular at the time.
“The building is intact and contributes to the historic character of the town generally,” Mr Devlin said.
There are toilets and sheds at the back of the block and access can be gained to the side and rear of the station.
While the station stands on a 395 square metre block, the cottage is on a 481 square metre block and was built about 1900.
The property goes to auction on June 14 at 11am at the Camp Street site.