Architect Don Watson wants to stop sale of Brisbane’s Metro Arts building

A respected Brisbane architect is trying to throw a wrench in plans to sell off one of the city’s most revered arts venues.

Brisbane architect Don Watson. Picture: AAP image, John Gass

Respected Brisbane architect Don Watson is trying to throw a wrench in plans to sell off one of the city’s most revered arts venues.

The board overseeing the historic Metro Arts building on Edward St flagged plans to sell the property late last year and relocate to a new premises as a result of the onerous costs of upkeep.

But Watson, who served on the centre’s first board of trustees in the late 1970s, told City Beat this week that he believes there may be a legal impediment to the sale of the heritage-listed, five-level building, which dates from 1889.

Property records show the Commonwealth sold it for $1 million in 2001 to Brisbane Community Arts Centre Pty Ltd.

“It’s not usual for public property to be transferred to a community group without some limitation on what can happen to thebuilding,’’ Watson said.

“All the original capital cost came from the Commonwealth. I maintain they really don’t have the moral right to sell. It’s just very opportunistic.’’

To learn more, Watson has just filed a Right To Information request with Canberra bureaucrats to examine some of the original documents about the deal.

Fearing that the arts group will move next year to smaller premises in a worse location without retail outlets to generate income, he wants the state or federal government to intervene.

“If given to the Arts Department at no cost, but conditional on the repairs being undertaken, it would represent good public value. If the proceeds from the sale dwindle to nothing in a few years, what will there to show for the public funds expended?’’ Watson asked.

Metro Arts boss Jo Thomas maintains there is no encumbrance on the sale of the building and she said talks with a prospective buyer have been under way since January.

“We’re doing absolutely the best thing we can for the sector, the artists and our audiences,’’ Thomas told us.