Katoomba’s Exclusive Brethren church listed for March auction with price guide of $690,000–$750,000

Katoomba’s Exclusive Brethren church, a former meeting site of the Blue Mountains chapter of the evangelical Exclusive Brethren, has been listed for auction in March with a price guide of between $690,000 to $750,000. The property at 38-42 Lurline Street, Katoomba, was built in 1930 and is sold with existing development approval to knock down and rebuild four townhouses on the block.

The Exclusive Brethren are an offshoot of the Plymouth Brethren, an evangelical Christian group known in Australia as the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church. According to the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, the Exclusive Brethren’s headquarters is located in the Katoomba/Leura area. The church building, the group’s first, was constructed in 1920 by members and principal bricklayer and designer Jack Davies.

The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage noted that two adjacent lots, currently used for parking, were purchased in the 1990s. The building is described as “a well built modest church hall with a well proportioned if old fashioned design.” This assessment highlights the structure’s historical and architectural significance within the local community.

Belle Property agent Matt Grima emphasized the property’s unique appeal, noting that its value largely depends on the buyer’s intentions. “It is open to both commercial and residential applications and pricing really depends on the buyer,” he said. Properties of this nature are rare on the market, making the site particularly attractive for lifestyle or investment purposes.

The property’s location in Katoomba, a region known for its natural beauty and growing residential appeal, adds to its desirability. Many individuals are relocating to the area for its lifestyle benefits, further increasing the property’s potential value. The auction provides an opportunity for new owners to repurpose the site, reflecting the evolving needs of the community and the broader real estate market.

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