The property was marketed by Nathan Moore and Alex Sinclair from RWC Bayside through a robust four-week campaign.
With Moreton Bay glistening at high tide and clear blue skies overhead, eight registered bidders gathered for what was one of the most anticipated Redlands auctions of the year.
The auctioneer led the auction with energy, as three of the eight bidders actively competed, with pauses for negotiations along the way before the hammer finally came down.
The winning bidder, a businessman behind the Indian Brothers restaurant group, as well as various wedding, catering and hospitality ventures including a wedding venue in Burbank, only inspected the property for the first time yesterday.
“He fell in love with it instantly,” said Nathan Moore of RWC Bayside.
“He has big plans to restore the court house to its former glory as a restaurant and wedding venue, which is such a win for Redlands locals. The community has a deep affection for this building and to see it come back to life is genuinely exciting.”
In a remarkable twist, the underbidder was a local builder who noticed the auction crowd, stopped to watch, and registered to bid on the spot.
“There was a real energy in the air today, the sun was shining, the tide was in, and the property just looked absolutely stunning,” said Alex Sinclair. “It was one of those moments where history, location, and opportunity all aligned.”
The campaign was a success, with huge media coverage in print and on TV news in the lead up to the auction. RWC Bayside received 50 enquiries and conducted 12 inspections, which led to eight serious bidders showing up on the day.
Built originally as a courthouse, the heritage-listed property at 149 Shore Street North is perched on a 1,290sqm site with more than 20 metres of direct bay frontage. In recent decades, it operated as a beloved hospitality venue, known for its period features, including timber floors, exposed brickwork, and a working fireplace, combined with a modern commercial kitchen and outdoor dining areas.
“This sale represents more than just a transaction,” Mr Moore said. “It’s the beginning of the next chapter for one of Redlands’ most iconic buildings. To see it remain in the hands of someone passionate about hospitality and community is the best possible outcome.”
The sale caps off a successful campaign and a standout result for the Redlands market, reinforcing demand for high-quality, character-filled properties with strong operational potential.
