Images courtesy of Karkoo Nursery
Despite a groundswell of support to keep them at their current home in the Adelaide Hills community of Blackwood, it appears that Karkoo Nursery could be on the move sooner rather than later.
Although saddened by Mitcham Council’s decision to sell the site they operate on now to help fund the $12 million Blackwood Hub, the popular nursery may have already found a new home.
Owners Peter and Jane Rowat have lodged an application with the Adelaide Hills Council to develop the historic Johnston Brewery in Oakbank, currently owned by winemakers O’Leary Walker, who use it as a cellar door and events location.
“We’d love to stay where we are but the council has left us no choice,” Mr. Rowat said.
“We’ve been searching everywhere for a new site and eventually saw the Johnston Brewery come up.”
“If all goes through, we hope to get the keys by mid-March, followed by a quiet opening as soon as we can and an official launch in spring.”
First established in 1843 by the Johnston family, the Oakbank property is listed as ‘under contract’ online by Colliers International, who have described it as a ‘Landmark Adelaide Hills Asset.’
‘Located in the heart of The Hills, only a 35 minute drive from the Adelaide CBD is the landmark Johnston Brewery complex. This historic complex accommodates multiple existing uses, and has considerable development potential,’ reads the listing.
According to the Rowat’s development application, among other new business ventures, they intend to open a café on the site, which will eventually be turned into a fully licensed venue.
“If we get the licence, we’ll approach the Lobethal Brewery to get the original Johnston brew made up. That was actually a suggestion from one of the locals and I think it’s a great idea,” said Mr. Rowat.
Well known as a community hub in Blackwood that regularly hosts live music and art, particularly during the Adelaide Fringe, the couple expressed their optimism about the new site last week on Facebook.
“Fingers crossed we will be able to continue at Blackwood for as long as possible, but this is entirely in Mitcham Council’s hands. However, we are incredibly excited about the prospect of opening at The Johnston Brewery, as it is the perfect setting and a totally unique and iconic site of amazing beauty and heritage.”
Stay tuned for more.
Check out Karkoo Nursery on Facebook here.
For now, find them at 207 Main Road, Blackwood, SA.
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