Heritage building for sale
A STUDENT accommodation complex linked with the early history of Townsville is up for grabs in a sales campaign by Colliers International.
The property at 8-10 The Avenue, Hermit Park, is for sale by expressions of interest.
The two-level home was originally built in the late 1800s by the Rooney family, who were key players in the building industry.
In 1940 it was sold to a Swedish physician Ernst Kjellberg who operated a private clinic at the property for many years up to 1968.
During World War II it was used as the American Consulate and Officers Quarters.
Kjellberg also purchased another of the Rooney family properties, Federation House, in Sturt Street which was also taken over by the defence forces during the war years.
Colliers Associate Director Angelo Castorina said the property has been used for student accommodation by the current owners.
He said they had taken the opportunity during a break in trade over the COVID-19 pandemic to undertake a complete refurbishment.
“It has been brought back to its former glory. The current owners have done a spectacular job,” Mr Castorina said.
The property is listed on the heritage register with Townsville City Council.
It is a double storey timber student accommodation.
The ground floor comprises 17 accommodation rooms plus kitchen/dining area, communal lounge area, laundry, male and female communal type bathrooms.
The upper floor consists of seven accommodation rooms, communal type bathrooms, and three-bedroom manager’s accommodation with living areas, kitchen and bathroom.
A detached flat provides additional accommodation.
There is also an inground pool and outdoor entertainment area and on-site parking for nine vehicles.
The property is suitable for short-term or long-term accommodation and is licensed for 105 beds (short term) and 30 beds (long term).
The land area is 1613 sqm and zoned “Character Residential Zoning”.
Expressions of Interest close on November 19.