THE new owner of the historic Cleveland Courthouse had only set eyes on the property the day before it went under the hammer – but that was all it took.
Rajinder Singh, a Brisbane-based businessman known for his Indian Brothers restaurants and catering empire, was instantly captivated by the waterfront site and secured it at auction the next morning with a single $4 million bid.
“As soon as we saw it, we fell in love – the location, the heritage feel, and the fact it was already set up as a restaurant and wedding venue,” Mr Singh said.
“The view is amazing, and the place had such a warm feeling.
“We just knew: this is what we want.”
Mr Singh, who personally operates five Indian Brothers restaurants and caters for large weddings, said the Courthouse would be run as a unique, owner-operated venue.
“We want to keep the ‘Courthouse’ name – maybe something like ‘Courthouse Restaurant – Indian Brothers’,” he said.
“It’ll be a cafe during the day for breakfast and lunch, and Indian dining in the evenings.
“We’ll also host weddings and private functions.”
The auction was one of the Redlands’ most anticipated events of the year, drawing more than 80 onlookers to the scenic Shore Street North site, which boasts more than 20 metres of bay frontage looking out to North Stradbroke Island.
Eight bidders registered, with a surprise last-minute contender entering mid-auction.
But Mr Singh’s decisive bid sealed the deal.
“We expected it to go for around $3.7 or $3.8 million, but in an auction, you never know,” he said.
“We waited until the very end and made one bid – $4 million.
“We’re really happy with the purchase.”
RWC Bayside agent Nathan Moore said the outcome was a win for the Redlands community.
“He (Rajinder) fell in love with it instantly. He has big plans to restore the Courthouse to its former glory,” Mr Moore said.
Mr Singh, who has recently bought another heritage site in Ipswich for a similar venture, said he and his partner – who works in property development – were committed to preserving the building’s character.
“Yes, we’ll renovate and bring in an interior designer, but we want to keep the heritage look and feel,” he said.
Listed on the Queensland Heritage Register since 1992, it was originally built in 1853 by wealthy landowner Francis Edward Bigge using imported English sandstone and handmade bricks.
It has served as a courthouse, police lockup, place of worship and Sunday School.
After closing on New Year’s Eve 2024, the beloved venue is set to be revived.
“I hope the community supports us,” Mr Singh said.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone and serving up some delicious meals.”
