Heritage protection a top priority for Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development

Destination Brisbane Consortium is leading the charge in ensuring our city’s protected heritage buildings maintain their integrity before the first demolition shift begins.

Harris Terrace, The Mansions, former Department of Primary Industries building, the former Government Printery building, and the Printery Office have all been flagged for investigation. These investigations look at the base of the 150-year-old buildings to determine the extent and method of their construction, and to then identify if any subsidence has occurred since they were built.

Destination Brisbane Consortium Project Director Simon Crooks said the work was of vital importance before any demolition and excavation activities begin.

“We have undertaken a dilapidation survey of the footings of these buildings, as this will identify the potential retention systems that will be required,” Mr Crooks said.

“Through preparatory testing in 2016, several of the buildings were identified as needing protective bracing ahead of nearby demolition and excavation work.

“This work will be done prior to the main demolition work commencing, expected in March 2017, and will look like steel scaffolding up against the building.”

With nine heritage buildings located within the precinct, their restoration and repurposing will be a major aspect of the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane integrated resort development.

The Commissariat Store is one of the heritage buildings in the precinct and currently houses the Royal Historical Society of Queensland (RHSQ). The RHSQ will continue to operate from these premises during construction with pedestrian access available from William St (near the Elizabeth St end).