Consuelo acquired by Tim Wright from Atlas House Removers

In the next chapter in the life of a 110-year old Queenslander, Consuelo will become home to the young family of the remover contracted to relocate it.

Consuelo has been acquired by Tim Wright from Atlas House Removers, the company engaged by Uniland Investments to relocate the home.

With Consuelo destined for relocation following the dismissal of an appeal in the Planning and Environment court, NewsMail can reveal the details of the next chapter in the life of the 110-year old Bundaberg Queenslander.

Consuelo was bought by Tim Wright, a house removalist for the company contracted by the developer Uniland Investments to relocate the historic home.

Atlas House Removers, a business run by the Wright family for four generations, contacted Kenneth Yong, a director of Uniland Investments, about relocating Consuelo after learning of the public backlash against its demolition as was proposed in the original development application lodged with council.

Tim’s older sister, Erin Wright, drove up to Bundaberg from the Atlas head office at Yatala on the Gold Coast to view the home, and saw an immediate connection with her own family upon seeing the name plate next to the front door.

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Tim and Erin’s aunt was a nun in the order of the Sisters of Mercy named Sister Mary Consuelo.

After Erin reached out to Mr Yong and Atlas House Removers was engaged for Consuelo’s relocation, Erin brought Tim’s wife Bailey and their two youngest children to view the house.

Tim said Bailey “fell in love” with the house, which led to the company acquiring the home from Uniland Investments as part of the relocation contract.

Atlas House Removers declined to disclose the amount paid to acquire Consuelo.

Tim, who is leading the removal, will relocate Consuelo to his property in Harrisville, about 30km south of Ipswich, where he will live in the home with Bailey and their four children.

The swimming pool on the site at 210 George St, Bundaberg West will be demolished, according to the current development proposal lodged with council.

While he is involved in the relocation of about 75 homes every year, Tim said he immediately recognised that Consuelo was “a special house” due to the unique design and ornamentation by builder Robert and Elsie May Kirkwood in 1911-12.

“There’s not many like this,” Tim said.

“There’s a lot of features on his house which I haven’t seen on any other house.

“I’ve been doing this job for 24 years, and obviously, you do come across some special houses, but this is right up there.”

Tim was aware of the public outcry against the planned demolition of the home, and given the development has been approved was glad to be involved in the relocation of Consuelo.

“You couldn’t demolish a house like this, no way,” he said.

“You would just try and move it no matter what.”

Tim Wright confirmed Uniland Investments gave directions not to touch the iconic giant bottle tree on the property.

Tim confirmed Uniland Investments gave directions not to touch the iconic giant bottle tree on the property, which the developer has committed to retaining in situ through the construction of the childcare centre proposed for the site.

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Depending on permit approvals which are currently in process, on Tim’s best estimate the house will be relocated in the week of September 4.

Erin said the community should take solace that Consuelo would continue to be used as a “living, breathing house” by Tim’s young family.

“It’s what it was intended for,” she said.

“Tim’s family are so happy, it’s going to bring joy to for years to come.”