Is Brisbane losing it's unique character ?

I note a recent blog article by Rupert McCall titled "Selling Queensland's Heritage" in which he talks about overdevelopment in inner suburban Paddington.

While I agree with these sentiments, I'd just like to point out that while Rupert says "It doesn't happen in Melbourne", I'm not sure why he used Melbourne as an example. Although many of the commentors on his post, many of which I assume are expatriate Victorians (as is much of Queensland's population these days), tend to agree this is probably more to do with Melbourne having substantially more heritage buildings than Brisbane than the overall prevailing attitudes of the public or developers. In fact the opposite is actually evidenced by the articles in my other blog Melbourne Heritage Watch.

Battle to save the Regent Theatre rages on

Something that gets my blood boiling is the arguments against the heritage value of the Regent Theatre.

ISPT and Multiplex are pushing for an $800 million redevelopment which at one point advocated for complete demolition of the 167 Queen Street building.

The preservationist argue that it is not worth saving, because the cinema was compromised years ago. And as usual, one asks where are the National Trust when you need them most ? Their Heritage at Risk website has a big "coming soon" on Brisbane. What may I ask is coming soon ? Demolition ? A decent heritage campaign ? A 22 storey replacement ? Someone who can build you a decent website and keep you up with the times ? Seriously, they are a bit of a joke these days ....

Not only is the 1929 and theatre the last of its kind remaining in Brisbane, but the foyer is spectacular and I have many fond memories of the excitement of going there to see a movie. The vaulted cathedral ceilings and their murals are a baroque revival with an eclectic splash of gothic and romanesque influences. It is one of few (along with the Regent in Melbourne) buildings of the old Hoyts franchise to survive which once had cinemas in most major cities of Australia. While the facade may not be seen by some to be noteworthy, it is one of the tallest interwar buildings in the city and contributes to the character of an otherwise ugly looking mall. Its proposed replacement is certainly not much better. I am even fond of the Elizabeth Street facing facade (photo is shown below as Google Street View apparently doesn't include the Queen Street Mall) although this will almost certainly disappear too.


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While Brisbane City Council may not want the Regent it appears that the Brisbane public (and ex-Brisvegans) alike want to fight to keep and there is even an active Facebook group, petition and website (http://www.savetheregent.com/) and even Geoffrey Rush want to save it and keep it open as a cinema. They appear to be succeeding, with proposals to retain the foyer and facade being seriously considered. Fingers crossed and I'll keep you posted as things develop.


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Council approves demolition of 470 Queens Street

It appears that Brisbane will lose a heritage building which can be seen from the river and the Storey Bridge.

While it isn't a landmark, the building sits opposite Customs House in an area otherwise dominated by apartment towers and ugly 70s office buildings.

The Beaux Arts style building was erected in the 1920s and features giant order columns, piano nobile features and miniature pediments typical of many in the city of that era, is one of the last remnants of interwar character remaining in the eastern end of the CBD.

Its replacement is a high rise tower of 31 storeys with river views (as reported in the Brisbane Times).

It is unfortunate that the Brisbane City Council opted not to preserve the facade, and agreed to the demolition on the condition that it became a temporary park.


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