The Gisborne garage that opened before cars were invented
A slice of Gisborne’s history is set to go under the hammer next month.
The iconic Gardiner’s Garage at 7 Hamilton St is up for auction on December 19 with a $1.1-$1.2 million asking price.
The prime commercial site on a 1200sqm block in the heart of the township includes a large building with a 20m frontage and a large workshop.
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Raine & Horne’s Ken Grech says the 1918 landmark property was owned by four generations of the Gardiner family.
“This is the oldest family business in Gisborne that started even before cars were invented,” he says.
The business was established in 1863 by Sandy Gardiner.
Grech says the rare offering had generated good inquiry from local buyers, including developers.
“There are a few buyers looking to continue running it as a garage,” he says.
“And some considering redeveloping the site as a commercial building with upper level accommodation.”
William and Edward Gardiner opened a blacksmith shop at the back of Macedon House.
One of the most renowned in the Macedon Ranges, the business was established by blacksmith Sandy Gardiner in 1863, who repaired and built carriages and wagons for the local community and for travellers on the way to the goldfields.
The business grew over the years and eventually offered motor mechanical services and RACV roadside repairs for more than 50 years.
Respected members of the community, the Gardiners were heavily involved in local projects, the CFA and sporting clubs.
The property features large workshop areas.
The main oval at the Gisborne football club became known as Gardiner Reserve in 1983.
Sandy’s great grandchildren Peter and Eddie Gardiner received Order of Australia medals in 2016 for their contributions to the Gisborne community.
The brothers operated their garage on Hamilton St from the early 1970s and retired in September 2013.
This article from Leader Newspapers originally appeared as “Gisborne’s iconic Gardiner’s Garage, a four-generation family business, to go under the hammer”.
