An exceptional opportunity has emerged to secure a landmark multi-use property, steeped in  history and a cornerstone of Melbourne’s Fitzroy community since the 19th century, with the  historic asset being launched to market this week. 

The property at 434 Gore Street Fitzroy, consists of a large two-story residence and a former church hall and offers flexibility for residential, commercial, and creative use with incredible  scope for conversion (STCA). 

“This is an extraordinary chance to secure a property with deep historical significance and  immense potential,” says Julian Heatherich, Director, Commercial Sales at Savills Australia and New Zealand. 

“Opportunities of this nature in Fitzroy are incredibly rare, and we anticipate strong interest from  a range of buyers,” Mr Heatherich said. 

A Storied Past Meets Limitless Potential 

Originally bequeathed in 1858 by John Matthew Smith, the property became the headquarters  for The Mission of the Holy Redeemer in 1891 under Reverend Ernest S. Hughes. In 1919, the  Mission Hall transitioned into the Alice Lovell Clarke Memorial Kindergarten and Creche, which  provided care for orphaned children until the 1970s. 

Acquired by its current owner in 1996, the property was transformed into a dynamic residential  and arts hub, featuring three character-filled Victorian-era apartments and a freestanding 1890s  church hall, which was revitalised as a performing arts venue. Over the past quarter of a  century, the hall has hosted a diverse array of events, from theatre and dance performances to  weddings and creative residencies. 

“Now, the next chapter awaits a visionary buyer who can either preserve its legacy or unlock its  vast potential” adds James Latos, Associate Director, Commercial Sales at Savills  Australia and New Zealand. 

Prime Location & Exceptional Versatility 

Positioned on a corner block spanning 759 sqm, the property boasts a 55-metre dual street  frontage to Gore and Leicester Streets, providing outstanding exposure and accessibility.  Fitzroy, known for its vibrant culture, thriving hospitality scene, and boutique retail offerings,  continues to be one of Melbourne’s most sought-after inner-city suburbs. 

The property’s versatile configuration includes: 

• Three self-contained apartments, each retaining original Victorian-era charm.
• A freestanding former church hall, with cathedral ceilings and independent street access.
• A north-facing walled garden, servicing both the hall and the residential spaces.
• Individually metered tenancies (4 in total), including three-phase power to the hall.

A Unique Opportunity for Investors, Developers & Visionaries 

The properties at 434 Gore Street offers a diverse range of future possibilities (STCA), including: 

• Conversion into a luxury single residence. 
• Commercial adaptation for a restaurant, boutique office, or event venue. 
• Continued multi-tenancy leasing for strong rental yield. 

“Whether as an investment, a boutique development, or a flagship hospitality venue, the  possibilities are endless” says Benson Zhou, Director, Commercial Sales at Savills Australia and New Zealand.  

Fitzroy: A Thriving Inner-City Hotspot 

Fitzroy continues to experience significant growth, with a forecasted 58% population increase by  2041. With direct CBD access via trams on Smith and Brunswick Streets, and train stations  within 2km, the area is an ideal location for urban dwellers, professionals, and creative  entrepreneurs. The suburb’s strong median house price of $1.68 million further underscores its  enduring market appeal. 

The property at 434 Gore Street in Fitzroy is for sale by auction on Wednesday, 9 April 2025 at 1:30pm AEDT, with offers expected upwards of $4.5 million. 

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