The Adelaide headquarters of the Church of Scientology has sold in a multimillion dollar deal.
The office on Pulteney Street in the city has acted as an office and worship space for the SA faction of the religious organisation, who have been based in the office for several years.
While the sale price has not been publicised, the property was expected to net offers just below the $3million price point, reported realcommercial.com.au on Friday.
The property was jointly owned by Catnip Investments PTY. LTD, Robert James Simpson, Jack (1988) PTY. LTD, and Wheaton (1992) PTY. LTD.
The former owners leased the building to the Church of Scientology, which boasts several famous members such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta, on a month-by-month basis.
It’s unclear if the new owner will continue to rent out the space to the organisation, but the listing said the monthly lease could provide short-term income.
The sale was handled by Sam Alexander of Cushman and Wakefield who said interest in the property was strong given its city locale and investment opportunity.
‘The lease that’s in place is an ongoing lease and they [Church of Scientology] have been there for a long period of time,’ he said.
Tom Cruise'(pictured) is among the high-profile adherents of the Church of Scientology, which has sold off an Australian property in a multimillion dollar deal
‘It’s a well trafficked area and a lot of people refer to it as the Scientology building, so it’s well known.’
The two-storey building features a grey façade which opens into a large information centre which displays books written by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.
A worship and lecture hall was set up in a room in the back with a bust of Hubbard and two banners spelling ‘Ideal’ with a projection screen between them.
Another bunker-like theatre room was featured in the listing which contained only two chairs with a projection screen.
225 Pulteney St acts as an office and worship space for the SA faction of the controversial organisation, who have rented the space for several years
It is likely some of the 84 technical training films created by Hubbard are aired here for new recruits during their spiritual progress.
Several office spaces, classrooms and a garage are also included in the building.
It’s believed the Church of Scientology may relocate to the former home of Messenger Community News on Baynes St, Port Adelaide if their lease isn’t renewed.
The organisation purchased the property in 2019 for $3.24million.
While the sale price has not been publicised, the property was expected to net offers just below the $3million price point, reported realcommercial.com.au on Friday