Church of Scientology sells HQ after 30 years

The Church of Scientology has offloaded a Melbourne CBD building it bought for $720,000 in 1980 as its headquarters.

The group, which independent senator Nick Xenaphon has been calling pay tax, is believed to have made about $8.5 million from 42 Russell Street.

At the north east corner of Flinders Lane it contains 1377 square metres of area.

It occupies a 346 sqm block.

Local investor David Marriner, responsible for Collins Street’s Regent Theatre redevelopment, is the buyer.

The church is moving to the former Sisters of Mercy College in Ascot Vale, which it picked up for $7m in 2008 then renovated.

It twice shelved campaigns – on auction day – to sell the Russell St building.

Members include Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley.

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Marc Pallisco

A former property analyst and print journalist, Marc is the publisher of realestatesource.com.au.