Newly constructed CQUniversity building in Townsville sold for $12.8m
The newly constructed CQUniversity Building in Townsville’s CBD has sold for $12.8 million.
CQUniversity (CQUni), which is seeking to expand its Townsville footprint, commissioned Queensland developers Honeycombes to design and develop a multi-functional 2,592 square metre education facility on the CBD site.
The three-level building is located within the commercial precinct of Honeycombes’ $450 million Central development located in Townsville’s CBD.
The project was the first to be approved and completed in Townsville’s 97 hectare Waterfront Priority Development Area, which will include the city’s new $250 million sports stadium and entertainment centre.
The building accommodates between 150 and 200 students at any time and comprises a ground-level foyer and library area topped by state-of-the-art education facilities on the two upper levels.
It was designed to cater for increased student enrolments at the university with about 1,000 students expected to be using the facility by the end of the year.
CQUni’s 15-year lease has three 10-year options and returns an annual net income of more than $855,000, delivering a 6.7% yield for the purchaser.
“Since opening the new campus building, the feedback from students has been fantastic and they’re absolutely thrilled with the new space,” CQUniversity Townsville and North West Queensland associate vice-chancellor Kari Arbouin said.
“The CBD location is very much a drawcard.”
Honeycombes Property Group managing director Peter Honeycombe (pictured below) said the building design not only took into consideration the CQUni requirements, but also contemplated future uses beyond the 15-year lease.
“It was important for us that conversion of the building back into a regular office building was possible and feasible,” Honeycombe said.
“The CQUniversity Building was one of the few construction projects under way in Townsville over the past few months.
“We’re also thrilled to have been able to deliver a much needed, state-of-the-art education facility for CQUni in the CBD as part of their expansion.”
