Heritage expert advised Broadway site could not be developed
A heritage consultant advised architects in 2015 there was little scope to redevelop the Broadway Hotel site.
Southeast
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A HERITAGE consultant commissioned by an architect working on plans for development at the Broadway Hotel and adjoining land advised in 2015 there was little scope for development of the site.
Former Brisbane City Council heritage unit historian Dr Jack Ford was called in to compile a report on the above-ground World War II air raid shelter at the back of the property which was to be demolished as part of the plans.
Dr Ford advised that could not happen.
“The air raid shelter is part of the site. My assessment was that it had to be retained because there are so few of them left in Brisbane. Having a completely cleared site doesn’t appear to be an option,” Dr Ford said.
“The Broadway Hotel itself had been heritage listed by council before I started work there in 2001. It was one of the earliest listings by council.
“You really need to look at what the whole site can be used as with the existing structures that are there.”
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Dr Ford said the hotel was a landmark and an important part of Brisbane’s heritage.
“As an early surviving hotel in Brisbane, this is a 19th century hotel, so many of them have either been demolished or changed so they no longer have the original appearance.”
Dr Ford said he believed the hotel building could be restored.
“When I last went through the entire site in 2015 there had been a previous fire that had burnt out the stairwell leading to the top floor but the top floor was still intact.
“The fire that happened last year took out the top floor and my understanding is the four exterior walls including the impressive front facade are still intact and from what I’ve been told, in no danger of collapsing. You could rebuild it.”
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