Morningside house, built more than a century ago, to be relocated by developer

The future of a Brisbane house, believed to be more than a century old, has been decided after fears it could be demolished. FIND OUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN HERE

A historic Brisbane house, that a community fought tooth and nail to save, will not be demolished to make room for a multimillion-dollar townhouse complex.

The Brisbane City Council approved a proposal from developer Wisan Hawa earlier this month to transform a site at 50 Richmond Rd, where a house believed to be built before 1914 currently sits, into an eight-unit complex.

Mr Hawa’s proposal received more than 60 submissions from local residents opposing the project as they believed the house would be demolished but should be saved due to its character and age.

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However, Brisbane City Councillor and City Planning Chair Krista Adams said there were no protections over the site.

Historic house at 50 Richmond Rd set for demolition.

But Anthony Colwell from Insight Planning and Development, who is the town planner for the project, said they were looking at options to relocate the house instead of demolishing it.

Now Mr Colwell has revealed the house will be relocated despite fears from Councillor for Morningside (ALP) Kara Cook, who believed it would be gone forever.

Historic house at 50 Richmond Rd set for demolition.

“The house will be moved to a new location, where it will be made habitable for future occupants to live and renovate further,” Mr Colwell said.

“A number of inquiries for relocating the house are being negotiated with the owner.”

Artist impression of plans for townhouse complex at 50 Richmond Rd, Morningside.

A Brisbane City Council spokesman confirmed planning officers had approved the development on November 5 but said there would be no demolition at the site.

“An existing home will be relocated to ensure its significance remains protected,” the spokesman said.

Artist impression of plans for townhouse complex at 50 Richmond Rd, Morningside.

But Cr Cook said the LNP had failed the community once again when it came to protecting the character of the area.

“Residents have expressed to me that they oppose removal and/or demolition of the majestic home,” she said.

“They want the site retained as a single dwelling not a multiple dwelling site.

Artist impression of plans for townhouse complex at 50 Richmond Rd, Morningside.

“There were over 60 submissions and as the local councillor, I made multiple representations to council making clear that I too did not support the development of this site.

“The LNP council has ignored the local community again and quite frankly cannot be trusted with preserving majestic homes and ‘saving backyards’ like they claim.”

But Brisbane City Council City Planning Chair Krista Adams they remained committed to protecting character homes for future generations while balancing the needs of the growing Morningside community.

“Every single bit of feedback from residents and the local councillor was considered as part of the assessment process for 50 Richmond Road,” she said.

Artist impression of plans for townhouse complex at 50 Richmond Rd, Morningside.

“Labor councillor Kara Cook knows that the LNP Administration takes protecting character areas seriously as we are in the middle of progressing a re-zoning of part of Camp Hill to protect it from apartment development.”

Mr Colwell said he expected construction to start in early 2020.

“The project will provide additional housing options in close proximity to public transport and jobs for the local community, assisting in improving housing diversity and housing choice in Brisbane,” he said.

“In terms of jobs, more than 20 full-time jobs over the construction period is expected.

“This is obviously my more individual people given some trades are only on site for a couple of months.”