The Church of Scientology has bought the former home of Adelaide’s Messenger Press newspaper for $3.24 million.

The Port Adelaide property is located at 1 Baynes Street and was sold by Colliers International.

The building is 3,535 square metres and the total site is 4,700 square metres.

Colliers International’s said the sale showed tremendous growth in property value – the property was last sold for $1.76 million in 2013.  

Colliers International’s Tom Isaksson said it was a sign of increased interest in Port Adelaide.

At a glance

• ​The Church of Scientology has purchased 1 Baynes Street, Port Adelaide
• The building, formerly home to Adelaide's Messenger Press newspaper, is 3,535 square metres and the total site size is 4,700 square metres
• The Church of Scientology will move into its new building after previously residing in Pulteney Street in Adelaide

“People are starting to recognise the tide of investment surging back into Port Adelaide and surrounding areas on the back of significant defence expenditure, namely the Osborne Naval Shipyard,” he said.

“Additional new projects in Port Adelaide also include Dock One by Starfish, which will include circa 750 townhouses and apartments. Cedar Woods is finalising its design for the North West and Fletchers Slip precincts, which will comprise around 500 homes.

“We have also seen the recent finalisation of the new Nile Street State Government Administration Building.”

Mr Isaksson said the interest generated by the 1 Baynes Street sales campaign was also evidence of the strength of Adelaide’s owner-occupier market.

“We continue to see a marked increase among local tenants indicating a preference for owning their own premises,” he said.

The Church of Scientology will move into its new building after previously residing in Pulteney Street in Adelaide.

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