Lutwyche City’s retro frieze is about to be covered up in centre revamp
A Brisbane shopping centre is about to lose its retro detailing as it undergoes the final stages of a stunning revamp. | HISTORICAL PHOTOS
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The rest of the iconic “bubbles” around the outside of Lutwyche City Shopping Centre will be covered up in the ongoing revamp of the 44-year-old centre.
Developers Abacus confirmed to City North News that about half of the circular frieze around the exterior of the centre was removed by previous owners of the site, under development plans approved in 2002. The rest of the frieze will be covered over in the latest round of work.
“A small number of the baubles have (recently) been removed in order to facilitate the building of the new lift shaft which will be the new entry to the office level,” the spokesman said. “The current plan, is to cover the remaining baubles to maintain the design intent of the development application requirements.
“The approved development application includes a more contemporary design including improvements to landscaping, lighting and the reactivation of both Chalk St and Lutwyche Rd.”
A Brisbane City Council spokesman said council “did not require the removal of the Lutwyche City circular façade, however, there was no requirement for it to be retained”.
The centre’s $60 million redevelopment has already reworked the Cafe Court and, when finished in late 2019, will include a new fresh food marketplace, additional office tenancies, updated shop fit-outs, updated centre amenities, a new full-line Woolworths supermarket, childcare facilities for more than 100 children, improved car park lighting and signage, installation of controlled parking and new travelators and lifts.
The centre has also put out a call for memorabilia, such as photographs and brochures, which will be displayed on a history wall.
The release about the call for memoribilia said: “Midway through a massive $60 million redevelopment, Lutwyche City Shopping Centre in Brisbane’s inner north is set to unveil a new style of super-neighbourhood centre, one that focuses on being local, rather than generic. “Since 1974 the centre has been integral to the local community, and the new Lutwyche City will celebrate this heritage and history as a pivotal gathering place for the inner north, while welcoming new spaces, retailers, experiences and services.
“As part of the revamp, centre manager, David Smith, is keen to ensure the suburb’s past is honoured by gathering photos, advertising material and other memorabilia from Lutwyche in the 1970s to feature on a planned history wall.
“Smith says, “The centre was opened at such a pivotal time in Queensland’s history; 1974 was the year of the devastating flood and the year that Premier Bjelke-Petersen was elected for a third term. In fact, it was Sir Joh who opened the centre on October 11, proudly hailing it as a sign of Queensland’s economic success! We are hoping that members of the community will have kept mementos such as ticket stubs, newspaper clippings and even menus from that era, that they will allow us to copy for the history wall.”
“The centre-wide redevelopment is expected to finish in late 2019 and it includes all public realm and landscape improvements, a new fresh food marketplace, additional retail and office tenancies, updated shop fit outs, new centre amenities, a new full-line Woolworths supermarket, childcare facilities for more than 100 children, a healthcare hub, improved car park lighting and signage, installation of controlled parking and new travelators and lifts.
“In addition, the facade and exterior of the building will be refreshed with improved street activation provided in concert with Brisbane City Council design aspirations for the local area as well as the creation of an entry statement on Chalk Street and a dining deck.
“Lutwyche City has been the unofficial meeting place for the Italian community since its conception, and there are many who gather daily to socialise and share stories. This is a vibrant part of the centre’s social fabric and we were committed to maintaining this heritage element of the centre,” said Smith.
“The upgrade coincides with the transformation of Lutwyche which at just 5km north of the CBD, has become a thriving inner-city village, bolstered by the development of some 24 multi-level apartment blocks over the past five year, making the suburb a keenly sought-after place to live for singles and young families alike, as well as the older families and generations who have called the area home for many years.
“If you have memorabilia you are willing to submit for the Lutwyche City Shopping Centre’s history wall, please email info@lutwychecity.com.au or call centre management on 3857 5035.
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