About the Business

Business ID: XB154514 - UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY – HISTORIC PROPERTY – PROFITABLE BUSINESS

Considered one of Victoria’s most beautiful and eclectic bookshops, the Known World Bookshop has the potential to deliver multiple income streams. The historic 3-storey 1870s redbrick building includes a fully self-contained 1-bedroom apartment, al fresco dining area, built in wood-fired pizza oven - and the kitchen meets council requirements for food handling premises.

Live onsite, rent out the apartment, open a B&B or add a funky café to this already successful business! There’s also potential to grow this popular second-hand bookshop online – currently about 30% of sales come via ABE books, an eBay Online Bookshop and phone – approx. 70% through the shop.

-Trading in Ballarat and district for 22 years

-Situated on centrally located Main Road – one of Ballarat’s most important and historic streets

-Renowned for its beautiful collection of books and quirky ambience

-Loyal customer base – Described as “A little spot of brilliance in the universe” by one regular

-Hand-curated collection of books - History, the Arts, Literature, Children’s books and much more

-Located in the historic Bakery Hill precinct (site of the Eureka Rebellion of 1857)

-Precinct includes Ballarat’s award-winning Mr Jones Restaurant, a busy antiques shop, popular vintage clothes emporium, and a second-hand collective

-Close to 2 major supermarkets and Sturt Street (Ballarat’s main boulevard)

-Comprehensive database - Shop would benefit from a dedicated website

-Potential to also sell fine prints and artworks

The Building, which has been rewired within the last 10 years and maintained to the highest standards, features a beautifully appointed 1-bedroom apartment with rear access above a bookshop occupying the ground floor and basement (complete with a working fireplace), a basement that opens to an outdoor patio and al fresco dining area, secure off-street parking for one vehicle with remote roller door access, as well as a storage room with a built-in wood-fired pizza oven and a kitchenette equipped with a stainless steel sink, benchtops, and an additional handwashing station.

Assets include handcrafted bookshelves with timber lighting, antique display cabinets, a cash register, lamps, stools, steps, a library ladder, freestanding bookshelves, a database, and books valued between $120,000 and $150,000.

Price: $950,000 - Freehold + Business ($850,000 building + $100,000 business, stock, fittings and fixtures)