Mornington News 12 September 2023

Brewery site for ‘land banking’

THE St Andrews Beach Brewery is on the market, with agents calling it a “significant coastal land-banking” opportunity and say they expect interest from throughout Australia.

The former horse training centre once owned by the Freeman brothers is on 37.2 hectares and includes a wholesale business as well as restaurant and bar.

The property is being offered for sale and expressions of interest are being sought by J L L Hotels and Hospitality’s Will Connolly, Peter Harper and Lachlan Persley.

Formerly known as Markdel, the Fingal property was redefined in 2017 to create a hospitality venue and onsite brewery.

It features a beer garden and private dining areas converted from stables that once housed some of Australia’s horse racing legends, plus additional function areas.

It has a 25-hectolitre brewery along with on-site manufacturing including canning and storage, and the former racetrack is now a 6000-tree apple orchard for producing cider. Connolly said he expected interest in the property from individuals and private syndicates to national hospitality operators and beverage brands.