The 132-year-old Princess Theatre In Woolloongabba is looking for a new owner

One of Brisbane’s oldest theatres which has been through many acts and different audiences is back on the market – and may be looking for a new direction.

ONE of Brisbane’s entertainment jewels is on the market.

The 132-year old heritage-listed Princess Theatre at 8 Annerley Rd, Woolloongabba, is being sold through Knight Frank’s Adam Willmore and Christian Sandstrom.

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Originally built for prominent Brisbane solicitor Phillip Hardgrave in 1888, the Princess theatre has a large two-storey 500-person theatre and three retail tenancies on a 1103sq m site.

The theatre was first named the South Brisbane Public Hall and was designed to provide the rapidly expanding surrounding population with a venue for theatre, lectures, balls, musical performances and other public meetings.

The Princess Theatre in Woolloongabba.

Over the years it has been bought and sold a number of times and been used for a several years as a clothing factory, a movie house and also to host the rehearsals and administration for the US Entertainment Unit during World War II.

For the past 13 years it has been owned by Lifecity Church and used for church events, as well as a venue for other events including wedding ceremonies, live music, school productions, private and corporate functions, theatre productions, trivia nights and fundraisers.

The Princess Theatre has been used for a wide variety of purposes over the years.

Lifecity Church is now selling to relocate to a more suitable location. Lifecity Church director and venue manager Frances Koops said she hoped the theatre would be purchased by someone who would make it available for the enjoyment of the community for many years to come.

“The theatre is such a valuable piece of history, with so many drawn in by its old world charm and beauty,” she said.

“We are looking forward to seeing it sold to someone who can lovingly restore and rejuvenate it, so it can be brought back to life and continue to be used as a space for the community for events.”

Inside the Princess Theatre.

Mr Willmore said the Princess Theatre, which has 20m of street frontage to the busy Annerley Rd, was a unique and iconic property that was expected to attract broad interest from a variety of buyers during the sale campaign.

“It is such a rare asset — there is nothing else like it currently on the market for sale in Brisbane,” he said.

“It will generate significant buyer interest due to the scarcity factor and its stellar location, situated in the heart of Woolloongabba close to the Mater Hospital and less than 2km from the CBD.

“Woolloongabba is benefiting from investments in both the public and private sector. The recent urban renewal and new development occurring within the suburb is redefining the suburb as a key southern ‘gateway’ into the city.”

“The property adjoins retail amenity with plenty of parking and is occupied by two retail tenancies on the ground floor including a barber and cafe, along with a small office space.”