No.3468 Channel Hwy, Woodbridge. Picture: Supplied

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THAT special magic that comes with a former church building is on show here in Kingborough.

About 40-minutes from Hobart, the St Simon and St Jude Anglican Church at Woodbridge has hit the market running with a huge number of inquiries and inspections.

In the first five days on the market, the property drew over 5000 views on realestate.com.au, good for second-most in Tasmania.

Elders Real Estate Southern Tasmania owner Wendy Wade said she had 24 people through on the first Sunday that it was on the market — in the rain, no less — followed by 11 more on Monday. Her phone and emails were also running hot with nearly two-dozen inquiries.

No.3468 Channel Hwy, Woodbridge.

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No.3468 Channel Hwy, Woodbridge.

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“The church has caught the eye of a mixture of potential buyers,” Mrs Wade said.

“Many are from the Woodbridge and Middleton area, people with a connection to the church. Others, about half a dozen, are from interstate.

“Interestingly, one is a celebrant.

“The feedback from people was that most imagined transforming the church into a house.”

This building, subject to approval, could potentially be transformed into an art studio, meeting hall, or a coffee shop.

However, this type of use would come with some challenges.

“I don’t think it would be easy to turn it into a business, as there is no driveway or parking, and disability access would be a challenge,” Mrs Wade said.

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No.3468 Channel Hwy, Woodbridge.

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No.3468 Channel Hwy, Woodbridge.

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The Heritage Listed building has been used for weddings, although that was a while ago. It was deconsecrated in May this year.

The Tasmanian Heritage Council describes the church as “of historical heritage and significance”, demonstrating the principal characteristics of a weatherboard Victorian Carpenter Gothic ecclesiastical building.

The Council noted its timber frame, weatherboard cladding, prominent timber gables, steep pitched roof, decorative barge boards, entrance porch and pointed Gothic windows.

The building is highly visible from the southern and northern approaches along Channel Hwy, with the Council saying it is a “significant element in the streetscape”.

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The character-filled church is steeped in history and is part of the Parish of Channel-Cygnet within the Diocese of Tasmania.

It was consecrated in 1885 by the Bishop of Tasmania, Daniel Sandford.

No.3468 Channel Hwy, Woodbridge is listed for sale with Elders Real Estate Southern Tasmania. It is priced at “Offers over $320,000”.

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