City of Greater Geraldton accepts offer for Mercantile Club after bids reportedly fell below reserve price

The City of Greater Geraldton says an offer has been accepted for the site of the Mercantile Club in the CBD, with the hope the area will be revitalised in the future. On Thursday, a strong crowd attended the auction, with 1447sqm on offer through the upstairs venue, two ground floor shops, and rear parking. The building had come under possession of the city, following years of unpaid rates and unsuccessful attempts to contact the owners. Reports emerged the site drew multiple bids, but the winning bid at the auction fell below the reserve price. Chief executive Ross McKim confirmed offers were received following the auction, with one being accepted. “Further offers were received post auction and the city has now accepted an offer that is subject to settlement,” he said. “The city is treating this as a commercial in confidence matter so no further details on the sale will be provided at this time. “The city is pleased that the sale will proceed and hopefully, we will see these premises reactivated in the near future.” The Mercantile Club used to be a hot spot for Geraldton, with hundreds heading to the pub in its heyday. In 2022, $750,000 worth of damage was caused by a fire to the historic building. Mayor Jerry Clune previously told the Geraldton Guardian work would be needed to get it back in good condition, but the location of the building made it an attractive prospect.