THE former St John’s school site in Dennington has finally found a new owner after sitting idle for more than two years.
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A Geelong-based church has purchased the property for just under $1 million.
Brian O’Halloran and Co Real Estate agent Brian Hancock told The Standard the school had been on the market for more than a year.
“It’s a good sign to get it off the market,” Mr Hancock said.
Kardinia Christian Fellowship confirmed its purchase of the 6324-square- metre lot, although it declined to comment on plans for the property until lodging a permit with Warrnambool City Council.
“We’re working through it with the local council,” fellowship executive pastor John Taekema said.
It is believed the Warrnambool branch of the church plans to upgrade several buildings for church services, including childcare facilities.
“We hope to make good use of it,” Mr Taekema said.
St John’s Primary School relocated from the site in 2011.
“It’s been a long-winded sort of a sale. There was a lot of due diligence to be done,” Mr Hancock said.
Soil testing and building inspections were required because of the amount of time on the market, he said.
Commercial developers had voiced interest in moving on to the property but were prevented because of rezoning issues.
Mr Hancock said it would have “taken years” to switch the zoning from residential.
Another smaller 3000-square-metre lot is still available for purchase on the old school site fronting Hood Street.