Maldon’s former ‘Porcupine Township’ Pioneer Settlement has sold to a Victorian buyer for an undisclosed sum.
The unique 15-acre property offers visitor accommodation and a glimpse into our colonial past.
The 1850s-themed attraction was created by Peter and Cristina Mitz back in the early 1990s and opened to the public in 1992. It ran very successfully for many years but has been closed to the public for about 13 years.
Real estate agent Ed Carthew said there was unprecedented interest in the property.
“We received more than 250 enquiries from all over Australia and showed more than 20 groups through the property,” he said.
“We had Indigenous groups, photographic groups, health and fitness and school groups.”
The property features a main residence, seven motel rooms, a separate manager’s residence and a restaurant.
Mr Carthew said the buyer first planned to focus on bringing up the standard of the motel accommodation side of the property, to provide more accommodation options in the historic township.
“He also plans to work with Mount Alexander Shire Council to put the work in required to reopen the Porcupine Township attraction to the public,” he said.
There is no timeframe on when this will happen.
“He eventually plans to work in with bus tour companies in Melbourne to bring day trippers to the region to enjoy the village and all that Maldon has to offer, just as the original owners did in the attraction’s heyday,” the agent said.
Mr Carthew indicated the buyer might also expand on the accommodation offerings and look to develop a caravan/camping ground and an area for trade shows, subject to council approval.
“He plans to employ local people and connect up with local tour operators,” he said.
“It’s great news for the owners. They are absolutely thrilled and will now move on to the next stage of their retirement. They will be staying in central Victoria so they will be watching the redevelopment with interest.
“It is also wonderful news for the township of Maldon and is sure to be another fantastic drawcard for visitors to the region.
“I’ve spoken to a few locals and they are delighted by the prospect of it reopening again,” he said.
