Closure of Mitre 10 opens up new opportunity for historic butter factory at Alstonville

There’s a rare opportunity to lease a space in one of the village’s historic buildings, whether it’s to reinstate the long-running hardware store or create something completely new.

A section of Alstonville’s historic butter factory has come up for lease, prompting the question ‒ what should go in there?

The original building was made of timber, according to the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society.

It dates back to 1904, when a group of local farmers formed a new co-operative called Alstonville Co-operative Refrigerating and Carrying Company.

In 1923, The Northern Star reported the successful enterprise planned to build a new brick building onto the front of the old factory.

The factory changed hands in 1930 when it amalgamated with Norco, before closing as a butter factory in 1946.

A historic photo of the Alstonville Butter Factory, courtesy of the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society.

“Since then the building has been used to manufacture caravans, as a peanut processing factory and a furniture and a hardware store,” the historical society’s website states.”

Local developer Paul Worth, who owns the building, spent years restoring it to its former glory.

At the time he described the project as a “labour of love”.

A savvy business person now has the opportunity to lease part of the building.

North Coast Commercial says it is an “aesthetic retail or arthouse commercial space” within a recognised landmark on the main road leading into Alstonville.

“The tenancy possesses both charm and functionality and is very well serviced by large carparking area,” the listing states.

“Poor health forces the lease.

“There is genuine opportunity to reinstate the long running (circa 14 years) hardware/garden centre.

“However, given the charm of the property, other applications could well benefit from the amenity – the space adjoins the renowned Alstonville Furniture Factory and could adapt and accommodate a range of uses.”

Other features include high ceilings, exposed brickwork and timber trusses, a back deck that overlooks rainforest gardens and a creek below.

For more information phone Peter Smailes on 0411 339 083.