Church of Scientology buys up in Fortitude Valley property

The Church of Scientology, which lists Hollywood stars Tom Cruise and John Travolta as followers, has bought a Fortitude Valley property to cater for its “growing congregation”.

The controversial Church of Scientology has purchased an inner city Brisbane property to provide for its “growing congregation”.

The US-based organisation, which counts movies stars Tom Cruise and John Travolta as their most high profile followers, has bought a property at 395 St Pauls Tce, Fortitude Valley, that was previously the long-term home of the Australian Institute of Fitness.

Industry sources say the church paid about $9m for the 1965sq m site which has a three-level building.

The Church of Scientology Australia confirmed the purchase but did not disclose the price.

“The new church home will help us provide our growing congregation with religious services and the community with our social betterment programs and humanitarian initiatives,” a spokesman said.

“It will complement the services currently offered at our George St Brisbane premises.”

According to CoreLogic the property last changed hands for $6m when it was bought in a receivers sale by two private Sydney investors.

Church of Scientology Australia’s new property at 395 St Pauls Tce, Fortitude Valley.

The property currently has development approval for a childcare centre and with dual street frontages has a height allowance of up to 15 storeys.

Over the past decade the Church of Scientology has established bases in Perth, suburban Sydney and Melbourne as well as fully renovating and expanding its central Sydney headquarters.

JLL’s Sam Byrne and CBRE’s Adelaide O’Brien and Jack Morrison struck the deal.