It has just been announced the the Guildford General Store has been bought by a family from Castlemaine who intend to re-open it as soon as possible after the sale is settled. See the article from the ABC News at https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-20/momentary-bold-decision-saves-guildford-general-store/104243910. The Guildford Store had recently closed, and locals have been campaigning to get it re-opened and thriving.
The Guildford Store began life as the Commercial Hotel in 1865 and became a shop in 1916. It has been the Guildford community meeting place and the centre of Guildford for decades.
The Guildford General Store will be an important stopping place for travelers on the future Castlemaine Maryborough Rail Trail. The CMRT committee has supported the community in their efforts to re-open the store and is thrilled by the outcome of its sale. CMRT’s rationale is threefold:
- to build strong communities everyone needs to contribute as much as they can;
- the store will be a focal point for people riding the Castlemaine Maryborough Rail Trail;
- the Guildford community has certainly supported CMRT in its fundraising efforts.