Former Ridley feed mill’s industrial days are over

The new owner of the century-old building on Mary Terrace, Murray Bridge has other plans for it, Mayor Brenton Lewis says.

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A “sold” sticker has appeared on the sign out the front of the old mill. Photo: Peri Strathearn.

A prominent industrial site in the heart of Murray Bridge will soon be transformed into something new.

A “sold” sticker appeared on the sign out the front of the former Ridley feed mill on Mary Terrace in late February.

Mayor Brenton Lewis was careful not to give away the identity of the site’s buyer, but said it would not be used for an industrial purpose.

Done right, he said, a redevelopment of the site would help to create a much-needed link between Bridge Street and Sturt Reserve.

“We couldn’t have a better scenario than private enterprise coming along, recognising the value of the site and hopefully developing it in a style that will be amendable to the riverfront and the town centre,” he said.

“It has massive potential.”

Real estate agency Loop Property had been seeking between $1.3 million and $1.5 million for the 15,000 square metre site.

Murray Bridge News understands several parties expressed an interest prior to its sale.

The site is zoned for employment: “low-impact light industrial, commercial and business activities” and buildings with “high visual and environmental amenity”.

Ridley Agriproducts closed the mill in October 2019, less than a month after the 100th anniversary of its opening.

It was operated by Noske Brothers for most of its working life.

The Mary Terrace site – which includes historic buildings, silos, milling and weighbridge facilities – has a uniquely prominent position overlooking Murray Bridge’s riverfront. Photo: Loop Property/Realcommercial.

The mill is the last surviving reminder of the industrial history of Murray Bridge’s riverfront, as the likes of the former Farmers Union factory and other such sites have otherwise long since been demolished.

• Know more about this story? Email peri@murraybridge.news.