Cairns brothel Northern Belle set to become Autism Qld centre

It was once the top spot to sow one’s wild oats for a price, but the Northern Belle brothel is now set for a complete transformation.

IT WAS once the top spot to sow one’s wild oats for a price, but the Northern Belle brothel is now set for a complete transformation.

Social distancing rules of varying strictness have meant those in the world’s oldest profession have had to get increasingly creative since the onset of Covid.

Plenty have not survived, including the only legal bordello in Cairns.

Owners Aart and Winnie Brons launched the sex business at 11 Cava Cl in Bungalow in 2007 and have remained operators since.

Aart Brons inside Cairns' first legal brothel Northern Belle in Bungalow.

They put the property on the market in July – and it looks like an interested party is ready to take over.

Autism Queensland has submitted a development application to convert the former knock shop into a community care centre.

“(We) are intending to operate the existing purpose-built facilities to provide adaptable facilities to accommodate multiple community activities, services and functions and will operate for the benefit and clients of Autism Queensland for social support and development of persons with autism,” the document states.

Cairns brothel Northern Belle has hit the market for the first time since opening in 2007 at 11 Cava Cl in Bungalow. Picture: Supplied

“No overnight accommodation will be provided on-site and the hours of operation will be 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

“Autism Queensland advises that there will be a maximum of nine staff members onsite at any given time and the average group size for activities to be undertaken on site will generally be six participants.

“However, this may extend out to eight on the odd occasion.”

Cairns brothel Northern Belle has hit the market for the first time since opening in 2007 at 11 Cava Cl in Bungalow. Picture: Supplied

Structurally, very few changes will need to be made to the solid-block building.

It currently has five large bedrooms that have seen it all, extensive staff and office facilities and an external patio and courtyard.

Autism Queensland plans to convert the garage into a group therapy space, install windows in all bedrooms and convert the front reception into a public lobby.

Cairns brothel Northern Belle has hit the market for the first time since opening in 2007 at 11 Cava Cl in Bungalow. Picture: Supplied

The proposal also includes the creation of an “open works space” in the office and waiting area.

“(The property) presents an opportunity for Autism Queensland to undertake a complete refit and provide for purpose-built facilities to provide adaptable premise to accommodate multiple community activities, services and benefit clients … ” the document continues.

Cairns Regional Council is yet to assess the plan.

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Originally published as Cairns brothel Northern Belle set to become Autism Qld centre