The South Coast Register understands a number proposals have been put forward regarding the future of the historic building, including the future lease of the premises or the sale of the location for possible redevelopment.

The building is owned by an Australian family investment company, based in Queensland and it is understood there has been expressions of interest in purchasing the historic location, while at least two proposals have been put forward to possibly lease the building.

It is understood homeware store Harris Scarfe, which has a premises in Junction Street, Nowra might have expressed an interest in the location.

While the Nowra store primarily sells homewares, the company’s larger Ulladulla store also stocks clothes and white goods.

A possible move to a larger location may allow an expansion into more goods for the Nowra store.

The building in Berry Street, which also fronts Emporium Lane and Stewart Place, has been the former home to Woodhills, Mates, Emmotts, Youngs and Grace Bros, and while the building is not heritage listed, has been identified by Shoalhaven City Council of having heritage items attached to it.

A spokesperson for Harris Scarfe said the company could not release any information regarding its lease arrangements but said leases were reviews on a regular basis.