Locals grab highway sites
TWO prominent Captain Cook Highway properties north of Cairns have sold within a week of each other.
CBRE Cairns boss Danny Betos said the former Smithfield fire station and the Orange Vet, located just 60 metres from each other in Smithfield, were snapped up by locals.
“The former Smithfield fire station sold after a five-week expression of interest campaign to a local investor who intends to refurbish the property and seek a tenant on a long lease,” Mr Betos said.
“The property was surplus to state government requirements as the new fire station is now up and running at Mt Milman Dr on the opposite side of the highway.
“The building is 300 sqm in size on around 1400 sqm of land with access from two streets.
“There were more than 14 inspections conducted and five offers received.”
A large sealed carpark at the rear could be used for storage, vehicle parking or for future expansion.
Just down the road, the Orange Vet site also sold to a local businessman who plans to repurpose the block for his own use. The block was one of the first to open for business on the commercial-heavy stretch of the Captain Cook Highway and has been home to a very successful business for more than 40 years.
“The property has a small vet building and a two-bedroom house at the rear on about 1350 sqm of land,” Mr Betros said.
“The site also has access from two streets.
“Both sites enjoy enormous exposure and have never-tobe-repeated, easy access off the highway which is rare at any highway location.”
Dr Sheila Gadaloff’s decision to retire necessitated the sale of the 1324 sqm site at 1055 Captain Cook Highway.
The site has access from Lesley St and has commercial offices and retail on either side.
Material Change of Use plans have been lodged with Cairns Regional Council for a two-level office building of 1000 sqm with 23 on-street car parks.
Mr Betros previously said the generic design meant the site could be adapted to any use and about 30,000 vehicles passed the property every day.
Both properties sold for more than $1.54 million. To inquire about selling or buying commercial property in Cairns phone 0418 772 049.