The dust has yet to settle
No takers at GC arts hub auction
Fans of a much-loved Gold Coast cafe and arts hub that is facing closure after being put up for sale have been given a reprieve after the venue failed to find a buyer at auction.
The building that houses the Dust Temple at Currumbin went under the hammer last weekend but was passed in and has now been placed on the market at $5.2m.
Local couple John and Isla Wilson established the business in May 2013 in the Currumbin industrial estate and with its rustic decor and funky vibe, it quickly became a popular venue for coffee, art shows, live music and functions.
Speaking before the auction, the Wilsons said they had made a “personal decision” to sell up, have a rest and focus on other projects.
“We’re just ready next chapter,” Mrs said. for the Wilson
“We’ve been working our arses off seven days a week for the last 10-and-a-half years and we’re just ready for a change.”
Mrs Wilson said she and her husband had made the decision after “a pretty s**t year” including being burgled and having artwork vandalised.
“If one of our kids wanted to take it on, it would be a different story, but they have their own lives to live and have sacrificed a lot for this place over the years,” she said.
“It’s been a significant investment for us and we’re just looking to put ourselves first now.
“Our hope is that someone would be interested in taking it to the next level.
“It might be a local hospitality group who could continue to build on what we’ve developed – hopefully someone with a passion for the arts and culture.”
Locals had expressed their sadness that the Dust Temple could be no more.
“Jeez, if there’s a way the community can keep it running, I’d like to know about it,” one person commented in a Facebook post about the building’s sale.
The Dust Temple property, at 54 Currumbin Creek Rd, is listed as being owned by a company associated with wealthy Gold Coast funds manager Dr Manny Pohl.
Neighbouring businesses include Balter brewery, which was founded by surf stars including Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson, and a new warehouse complex owned by pioneering Currumbin family, the Neumanns.
Marketing agents Ray White Commercial have said the Dust Temple property has “endless possibilities” including a distillery, night market, art gallery or restaurant.
Negotiations with potential buyers are continuing.