Johnathan Thurston Academy has opened in a new location in Townsville after signing up to lease a new commercial office building in the city.

The Academy, which was launched in 2018, is a provider of education programs and initiatives for the nation’s youth, aimed at employment, education, and wellbeing led by one of Australia’s greatest ever sporting champions and role models to young people, Johnathan Thurston.

It has locations in Cairns, Mt Isa, Hervey Bay, the Gold Coast and Townsville.

Its Townsville branch, which has been open since September 2023, will now relocate to a bigger space at 471 Flinders Street following an off-market leasing deal negotiated by Knight Frank agents Mark Fitzgerald and Dan Place on behalf of the landlord, Kaldpi Sabbia Pty Ltd.

The property has 265sq m of net lettable area on a 502sq m site, with six onsite car parks.

It includes nine private offices, two meeting rooms and an open plan area, as well as a staffroom and kitchen.

Previously Johnathan Thurston Academy was located further north on Flinders Street in North Town, however with the Academy growing, it required a larger space.

Mr Fitzgerald said Johnathan Thurston Academy was looking for a larger space and a more prominent presence in Townsville, and the property at 471 Flinders Street fitted the bill.

“The location in the heart of Townsville’s CBD and modern fitted office space was the main attraction of the property,” he said.

“Being in the CBD, the space is surrounded by plenty of amenities and other businesses, and is easily accessible.”

Mr Place said the Flinders Street property had only recently been vacated by the previous tenant, Mobbs Marr Legal, with the leasing deal completed off market.

“Marketing for a new tenant in the space was due to start in the following weeks, but Johnathan Thurston Academy snapped up the space before that began,” he said.

“This demonstrates the strong demand for quality space in the Townsville CBD that we have been seeing in the market.

“Demand in the city certainly has been much stronger for Premium and A-grade office space, but with the vacancy rate for the highest-grade buildings now being below 4.85% according to our research, demand is starting to filter down into other stock.

“Efforts by the council and business leaders are underway to revitalise the CBD, and we believe this will lead to even greater demand from tenants for space.”

Johnathan Thurston Academy Operations Manager Antonio Winterstein said: “Relocating to a new office is not just a physical move; it’s a strategic decision aimed at enhancing our service delivery, particularly having the capacity to provide individualised support to current and past participants of our programs. 

“By positioning ourselves in a more accessible location, we are able to offer a space for our participants that is culturally responsive and safe to foster closer relationships. 

“This transition reflects our commitment to excellence and our dedication to provide meaningful and sustainable opportunities for our youth”.