Old Cleveland Courthouse sold to people behind Indian Brothers restaurants

One of Brisbane’s original courthouses which dates back more than 170 years has a new owner who plans to restore the building to its former glory as a restaurant and wedding venue.

The old Cleveland Courthouse sold for $4m.

One of the founders of the Indian Brothers restaurant group has snapped up the heritage-listed Cleveland Courthouse under the hammer with plans to return it to its glory days.

Under a corporate entity he paid $4m for the waterfront courthouse at 149 Shore St North in an auction that drew more than 80 onlookers.

The property that had for decades been a restaurant was marketed by Nathan Moore and Alex Sinclair from RWC Bayside through a robust four-week campaign.

The winning bidder was a businessman behind the Indian Brothers restaurant group, which according to a company search is owned Rajinder Singh and Butta Singh Bhinder.

They launched the brand in Queensland in 2003 with the goal of introducing North Indian cuisine to Australia.

As well as the Indian Brothers restaurant group, the buyer also owns various wedding, catering and hospitality ventures including a wedding venue in Burbank.

Inside the old Cleveland Courthouse.

Mr Moore said he only inspected the property for the first time yesterday.

“He fell in love with it instantly,” he said.

“He has big plans to restore the courthouse to its former glory as a restaurant and wedding venue, which is such a win for Redlands locals.

“The community has a deep affection for this building and to see it come back to life is genuinely exciting.”

In a twist, the underbidder was a local builder who noticed the auction crowd, stopped to watch, and registered to bid on the spot.

Built originally as a courthouse, the property is perched on a 1290 sqm site with more than 20m of direct bay frontage.

The old Cleveland Courthouse which sold for $4m.

In recent decades, it operated as a hospitality venue and is known for its period features, including timber floors, exposed brickwork, and a working fireplace, combined with a modern commercial kitchen and outdoor dining areas.

“This sale represents more than just a transaction,” Mr Moore said.

“It’s the beginning of the next chapter for one of Redlands’ most iconic buildings. To see it remain in the hands of someone passionate about hospitality and community is the best possible outcome.”

The building was built from 1853 to 1977 and was also known as Cleveland Court House & Lockup, Ostend and Ye Olde Court House Restaurant.

Originally published as Old Cleveland Courthouse sold to people behind Indian Brothers restaurants