The Adelaide headquarters of Tom Cruise’s Church of Scientology in Australia has been sold for an undisclosed sum in a multimillion-dollar deal.
225 Pulteney St serves as office and worship space for the SA faction of the controversial organisation, which has been renting the space for several years.
Although the sale price was not disclosed, the property was expected to attract bids just under the $3 million price tag, r reportedealcommercial.com.au on Friday.
The property was jointly owned by Catnip Investments PTY. LTD, Robert James Simpson, Jack (1988) PTY. LTD, and Wheaton (1992) PTY. LTD.
The former owners rented the building on a monthly basis to the Church of Scientology, which has several famous members.
It’s unclear whether the new owner will continue to rent the space to the organization, but the listing said the monthly lease could generate revenue in the short term.
The sale was handled by Sam Alexander of Cushman and Wakefield, who said interest in the property was high given its city location and investment opportunities.
‘The lease in force is a continuous lease, and that applies to them as well [Church of Scientology] have been there for a long time,” he said.
The headquarters of Tom Cruise’s (pictured) Church of Scientology in Australia in Adelaide has been sold for an undisclosed sum in a multi-million dollar deal
“It’s a busy area and a lot of people call it the Scientology building, so it’s well known.”
The two-story building has a gray facade that opens into a large information center displaying books written by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.
In a room in the back, a worship and lecture hall was set up with a bust of Hubbard and two banners reading ‘Ideal’ with a projection screen in between.
Another bunker-like theater room was listed, which contained only two seats with a projection screen.
225 Pulteney St serves as office and worship space for the SA faction of the controversial organisation, which has been renting the space for several years
It is likely that some of the 84 technical training films created by Hubbard are broadcast here for new recruits as they progress spiritually.
The building also includes various office spaces, classrooms and a garage.
It is believed the Church of Scientology could move into the former home of Messenger Community News on Baynes St, Port Adelaide if their lease is not renewed.
The organization purchased the property in 2019 for $3.24 million.
Although the sale price was not disclosed, the property was expected to bid just under the $3 million price tag, realcommercial.com.au reported on Friday.