Eltham's historic Municipal Building has been sold to a private developer who plans to earthquake strengthen and renovate the building.
The new owner, experienced property developer Dean Martin, understands the value of the building to the community and is excited about giving the old building new life.
"I'm looking forward to getting stuck in and have already had engineers do some initial assessments of the exterior, although I'd expect it'll be a solid year of preparation before the major earthquake strengthening can start taking place. In the meantime, the exterior will get a fresh coat of paint in the new year."
Dean says he has a local couple setting up a second hand and up-cycling business downstairs and plans to reinstate and renovate the two, two-bedroom apartments upstairs.
"Anyone who wants to stop by and share a few memories, stories or maybe some old photos of the building are more than welcome."