Hot off the press: Former Great Southern Star office up for sale
A building that once housed one of South Gippsland’s longest-running newspapers is now on the market, offering buyers the chance to own a piece of Leongatha’s history in a thriving regional hub.
Located at 36 McCartin Street, the 360-square-metre property was purpose-built for The Great Southern Star, which began publishing in 1890 and continued operating from the site for more than 130 years until the paper closed in 2020.
“The building was originally constructed for the newspaper, so it’s always been a hub of local activity,” says Tony Giles of Alex Scott and Staff Leongatha.
“It has heritage significance, but it’s not formally heritage listed, which means a new owner has the flexibility to adapt or even refresh the facade to suit a different use.”
The double-fronted property occupies a prime position in the centre of Leongatha’s town centre, surrounded by banks, cafes, and retail. While the original facade remains, the building was renovated in the early 2000s, retaining the large office at the front, adding a second storey whilst removing the old printing works and creating a secure tenant at the rear. The main section, fronting McCartin Street, is largely vacant and ready for repurposing, while the rear tenancy, facing the car park, is leased to a local hairdresser, generating $16,520 per annum.
Giles says the property’s versatility will appeal to a wide range of buyers.
“It could suit professional offices such as accountants or solicitors, or even be transformed into a co-working hub,” he says.
“There’s also potential for a larger retail business, government service, or NDIS provider looking for prominent, accessible space in a prosperous regional centre.”
Leongatha, approximately an hour and 40 minutes from Melbourne, serves as the commercial hub of South Gippsland and continues to attract significant investment.
“It’s a very productive area – strong dairy country and one of the most prosperous regional centres in Victoria,” Giles says.
“You’ve got all the major banks here, lots of cafes, and steady foot traffic from surrounding towns like Inverloch, which has grown through tourism.”
The building is for sale for $890,000. Giles says the opportunity will likely draw both local and out-of-town interest.
“Investors who can secure a tenant will see reliable returns, and for an owner-occupier, it’s a chance to put their business in the middle of a busy, community-focused town that’s only getting stronger.”
