A GROUP of Townsville businesspeople has snapped-up the heritage-listed Sun Skill House on the corner of Denham and Sturt Street’s for an undisclosed price.
The building, which was sold by receivers appointed to former owner Fortia Funds Management, was bought by UDP Consulting Group director Pat Brady and his wife Tanya; Purcell Taylor Lawyers director Ken Taylor and his wife Lucia; and Base iGi Consulting director Henry Fracchia.
The property, at 85 Denham Street, includes approximately 1500sq m of floor space over three levels.
Vacant for several years, the building is undergoing major renovations such as the installation of a new roof, external painting, replacement of windows and full internal fit-outs to include offices, boardrooms and foyer facilities.
The first two floors of the building will house four companies associated with UDP Consulting Group as well as engineering company Base iGi Consulting, while Purcell Taylor Lawyers will take the top level.
Mr Brady said the acquisition would provide his growing group of companies with a landmark regional headquarters.
“The Taylor and Fracchia families are both good friends and associates of ours and we’re all excited to have bought such a significant and prominent building in Townsville’s CBD,” Mr Brady said.
“The renovation work will help to restore this early 20th century building to its former glory and provide a modern workplace for all of the new tenants.
“Following our company’s recent expansion into Mackay and Papua New Guinea we will have a head office that all of our staff and clients can be proud of.”
Mr Taylor said his law firm, of which his wife Lucia is a senior associate, had outgrown its current facility in Sturt Street.
“For our firm it was important that we remain in a location accessible to our clients and close to the courts and other service providers that we do business with,” Mr Taylor said.
“It was also imperative that we secured enough space to continue growing our team and legal services in line with demand.
“This building ticks every box and places our firm in a great position for the future.”
Mr Fracchia said the acquisition was a sign of his confidence in Townsville.
“This property is an integral part of Townsville’s history and as an engineer experienced in working with heritage structures, I have really enjoyed restoring and renovating the building.”
Renovations are expected to be completed by mid January. The deal was negotiated by agents Ferry Property.
