Church of Scientology’s SA headquarters to move out of Adelaide CBD to Port Adelaide

The controversial Church of Scientology will move its South Australian operations from Adelaide’s CBD to Port Adelaide.

The church, which boasts a vast global real estate portfolio, has bought the former home of Messenger Community News on Baynes St, Port Adelaide, for $3.24 million – almost double what property magnate Hans Ehmann paid for the building six years ago.

The church, which currently operates from Pulteney St, completed the sale after securing planning consent to redevelop the property into a place of worship and community centre, said Colliers International’s Tom Isaksson.

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

“It was an off-market deal and the client saw an opportunity.”

A church spokesman confirmed the relocation.

Scientology has an estimated global membership of up to 15 million people, among the most famous being Hollywood actors Tom Cruise and John Travolta.