Sublease & Acquisition Opportunity

Turnkey Ceramics School – Abbotsford Convent, Victoria

Overview

Melbourne Clay has always been shaped by the people who move through the studio — and lately, our practice has been shifting in a new direction. As a result, we’re no longer making full use of the incredible opportunity we have here at Abbotsford Convent.

Rather than letting that potential sit idle, we’d love to offer the space up to someone who’s excited to build something of their own and genuinely engage with the community around it.

We’re offering approximately 75sqm of our fully equipped ceramics studio to an experienced practitioner or operator who’s ready to step into a space with strong foundations already in place.

This is not a cold start.

You’ll have access to existing infrastructure, systems, and a highly engaged creative environment — everything you need to re-establish a pottery school, run workshops, or develop your own studio model.

Our intention is to share the space for the next phase, with a view that we will leave the space completely by July 2027. Ideally, this creates a natural pathway for someone to grow into the teaching and community-facing side of the studio over time, if that’s where it leads.

We’re really looking for the right fit — someone capable, independent, and excited about being part of what makes this place special.

The Space & Infrastructure

  • Approx. 75sqm dedicated studio area

  • North East Facing studio with abundant natural light

  • Clay sink and clay settling tank

  • 3 phase kiln room

  • Natural Gas line, regulator and flue for gas kiln commision

  • Existing fit-out ready for immediate trading

Minimum July 2027 commitment required.

Equipment (Available by Negotiation)

  • 8 pottery wheels

  • Electric kiln

  • Industrial pug mill

  • Large shared handbuilding and glazing bench (primarily evenings & weekends)

  • Shelving and storage systems

  • Washing facilities

    Flexible options available: equipment rental or staged purchase.

Audience

The incoming operator benefits from:

  • Access to Convent promotional channels (20,000+ monthly newsletter reach)

  • Existing brand presence within a premium arts precinct

  • High foot traffic cultural destination

Potential Models

The space would suit:

  • Re-establishing a weekly pottery school

  • Membership-based ceramics studio

  • Retail ceramics & studio hybrid

  • Education + production hybrid model

Commercial Terms

Sublease available from: [Insert Date]

Structure options:

Option 1 – Fixed Monthly Lease $2600 gst inc
Option 2 – Fixed Monthly Lease + Equipement rental
Option 2 – Fixed Monthly Lease + Equipement purchase

Future Acquisition Option

At the conclusion of the two-year term, the incoming operator may:

  • Return the space in July 2027

  • Purchase the equioment for a fixed pre-agreed price

  • Assume the remaining lease

A descesion must be advised my November 2026

Expression of Interest

  • We are seeking an experienced ceramicist or studio operator with the capacity to independently run and grow a ceramics-based business.

    To register your interest, please submit via this link

    • Background and relevant experience

    • Proposed operating model

    • Business or teaching experience

    • Financial capacity overview

    Shortlisted applicants will be provided with detailed commercial terms and invited for further discussion.

EOI Form