Charity’s in a fun space

THE former campus of Youth With a Mission at West End is to have a new lease of life as a creative centre for Townsville charity Kith and Kin Association.

The association has bought the property at 123 Ingham Rd for $ 1.525 million and has big plans to use the facilities for a host of training and recreational services for people with a disability or mental illness. Kith and Kin CEO Alfred Wimblett said the property opened opportunities for clients to develop their skills, interests and passions in a creative and fun place, while it allowed the association to widen and extend its services.

Mr Wimblett said whether it was cooking in the commercial kitchen, using the auditorium and performance space or dancing in its dance and recording studio, the property would provide possibilities only limited by people’s imagination.

“123 Ingham Rd is not a building, it is an opportunity for anyone who steps through the doors,” Mr Wimblett said.

“Created to support kids with disabilities and their families, Kith and Kin will now have the capacity to work with children right through to mature adults.

“We want to be able to offer centre- based learning and skills development in a creative environment.”

The property is a series of converted buildings with total floorspace of 1313sq m including high- quality offices and training areas, large airconditioned auditorium, events area, commercial kitchen and lounge area, recording studio and seminar spaces that can seat up to 200 people.

The 2428sq m site also has a 30kW rooftop solar panel system.

Agent Steve Whaling of E Property Consultants, who negotiated the deal, said it was a good outcome for a relatively unique property made vacant by a move into the former city TAFE college by former owners YWAM.

Mr Whaling said the transaction represented the final piece in the sale of six YWAM properties in West End. He said the market in sales and leasing remained subdued, albeit with some “pearls” to be found.

“There is a lot of available stock,” Mr Whaling said.

“We are finding that solid investment properties with good tenancies are being picked up quite rapidly.”

Kith and Kin is looking to move into its new premises in the next couple of months.