The Church of Scientology in Brisbane has unveiled plans to expand after buying its new church home on St Pauls Tce in Fortitude Valley.
The controversial organisation, which has many Hollywood celebrity followers like Tom Cruise and John Travolta, bought the property to complement its existing base on George St at the CBD.
A spokesperson has confirmed the purchase of the 1,965-square-metre site with dual street frontage but did not indicate the price. Reports, however, indicated that the Church of Scientology paid $9 million for the property and will use the building for its religious, community and humanitarian programs.
The Fortitude Valley address was the former home of the Australian Institute of Fitness until June 2021. The site has an approved development application (DA A005640986) for a childcare centre, which was lodged by FDC Construction And Fitout (Qld) Pty Ltd in January 2021.
The three-level building is under Principle Centre Zoning, allowing up to 15 levels if redeveloped. It’s near the Fortitude Valley Train Station and the $2.9 billion master-planned RNA Showgrounds development.
The Church of Scientology has bases in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and is currently renovating and expanding its headquarters in central Sydney.