Yungaba, built 1887, desecrated 2008

Yungaba, a landmark heritage building at 120 Main Street in Kangaroo Point next to the Storey Bridge at the bend of the Brisbanis the latest victim of Brisbane's disdain for its heritage.

Despite the efforts of the Yungaba Action Group and even notable heritage proponent actor Geoffrey Rush, the state planning department has decided to reject the idea of it becoming an immigration museum and that the best outcome for the the historic 1887 immigration depot is to facade, state strata title and build it out it as part of a new apartment development. Historically the building was the only extant purpose-built immigration depot in Australia and one of the first buildings to be added to Queensland's first heritage register in 1988. It has played a key part in Brisbane's history including a key role in the development of the neighbouring landmark Storey Bridge.

Architecturally, the elegant building is in the distinctive Victorian Italianate style which although a popular style in the southern states is notably rare in Brisbane. The Palladian plan building has a twin set of small campanile belvedere towers with a set of Victorian filigree verandahs atop an arcade with waterfront position.

Rupert McCall has posted an interesting and passionate take on the situation.


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