Castlemaine cultural institution up for sale

Take over the top theatre in town, one of the oldest operating theatres in the Southern Hemisphere.

After nine years at the helm of heritage-listed theatre, live music venue, cinema and entertainment space, owner operators Felicity Cripps and Tim Health have decided to list the Theatre Royal Castlemaine for sale.

The news came via social media as they present an golden opportunity to potential new custodians to drive the venue into its next era.

Theatre Royal

Where: 30 Hargraves Street, Castlemaine, Victoria

Keep connected to your live music scene here.

The post opens expressions of interest for interested parties to submit an application to buy the space, whilst also acknowledging their loyal community for their support through turning up to shows, supporting their vision, and championing their diverse program of events.

It reads, “After nine happy and fruitful years, Felicity and Tim are inviting interested parties to submit an expression of interest to purchase the business Theatre Royal Castlemaine! This is a golden opportunity for someone to become the next custodian of MAINLAND AUSTRALIA’S OLDEST CONTINUOUSLY OPERATING THEATRE! The business must be continued as a live music venue and cinema and submissions must be made no later than OCTOBER 21.”

The business will operate as usual in the interim with the venue required to remain a space for live music and performance, film and events under the new management. With Rich Moffat also spearheading their live music program, the curated gigs are locked into the new year feature standout names both nationally and internationally.

The post continues, “Our program will continue – all live shows, films, events – with HEAPS of exciting announcements coming up! Felicity and Tim will be sticking around in Castlemaine and looking to pass the baton on to people who will make the TR flourish long into the future with music and cinema at its core! Felicity and Tim sincerely thank their staff, members and supporters for the overwhelming support they have received over the past 9 years. A big thank you to Julian and Renee de Crespigny, our landlords, for their generous and unwavering support. Their commitment to the integrity of the building and support, especially during Covid, has helped ensure this landmark has survived and thrived.
This is truly a bitter-sweet decision, but we are so excited to see what this next chapter will bring… Until then, it’s business as usual and it’s going to be an incredible Summer at TR! Much love and gratefully,
Tim and Felicity x”

 

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This is a prime opportunity for culture enthusiasts to take on a slice of the rich Castlemaine cake.

Established in 1854, Theatre Royal came to life during the gold rush migration as a live entertainment venue, rolling on to be one of the first picture palaces to screen silent films. Proudly one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in the Southern Hemisphere, the heritage building now houses a cinema, a live music venue, a bar, and a bottle shop, acting as a cultural institution in Castlemaine and a hub for the creative community.

If the Theatre Royal Castlemaine sees like your next career or business step, now is the time to jump on board. Register interest via email to john@robertsonhyetts.com.au and kim@robertsonhyetts.com.au or write to: PO Box 206, Castlemaine VIC 3450.

For now, continue to support Felicity and Tim throughout their final weeks through swinging by the venue to say hi, attend one of their exciting shows including Nikki Lane on 10 October, Sycco on 4 October, John Spenser on 3 October, Ben Lee on 9 October and many many more.

See the full gig guide here and find out more about Theatre Royal Castlemaine here.