Haigslea Uniting Church sold at auction after operating for 109 years

A historic church sold at auction is soon to be reborn, with bidders talking childcare centres, coffee shops and more.

Haigslea Uniting Church at 765 Thagoona-Haigslea Rd sold at auction for $366,000.

A coffee shop and childcare centre were just two of the possible future purposes suggested for a historic Ipswich church that has recently gone under the hammer.

Having operated as a place of worship for more than 100 years, the Haigslea Uniting Church closed its doors last year.

The property, which includes a church, a hall, amenities block and garden shed, spans an acre on Thagoona-Haigslea Rd across from Haigslea State School.

Five registered bidders battled it out at auction, each with different ideas for the church’s future.

Haigslea Uniting Church at 765 Thagoona-Haigslea Rd sold at auction for $366,000.

Ray White real estate agent Morrie Marsden said some prospective buyers simply wanted to maintain the property for its sentimental value.

“Some just wanted to keep (the church) because they had an affinity for the area,” Mr Marsden said.

“Others weren’t sure but were looking at maybe opening a coffee place with an outdoor setting.”

He said the property’s existing amenities would work well in a childcare centre.

Haigslea Uniting Church at 765 Thagoona-Haigslea Rd sold at auction for $366,000.

“Some people bidding mentioned maybe wanting to open a daycare centre,” he said.

“It’s all set up basically for kids; it’s got the amenities block there already and ramp access to both buildings, which is a plus.”

He said similar churches had been revamped to house families and accommodate businesses.

“Some have made them residences, some have made them cafes or arts and craft galleries, that sort of thing,” he said.

“People look at them for weddings.

“It’s a great area for an outdoor wedding.”

The church was built in 1911 and ran for 109 years before closing in March 2020.

Haigslea Uniting Church at 765 Thagoona-Haigslea Rd sold at auction for $366,000.

It sold for $366,000 on June 25.

Mr Marsden said while the property wasn’t heritage listed, it was subject to limitations imposed by the Ipswich City Council.

“Council has ‘character places’ listings and places that have an affinity with the area, like a landmark,” he said.

“The (new owner) will be limited with what they can do with it but my understanding is they won’t be able to move the building.”

He said there were plenty of businesses that would work in harmony with any restrictions.

“You could even rezone it for tea and bickies and run a Devonshire tea place,” he said.

“They would just have to maintain the outside look of the building.”

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