Traffic, heritage concerns over church building plan

Anglican Church plans to build a childcare centre have sparked concerns about worsening already heavy traffic on the southside site.

St Lukes Theatre Society vice-president Ros Dempsey. She is concerned about Anglican Church plans for the hall. Picture: AAP/Renae Droop

Anglican Church plans to build a childcare centre on a landmark Tarragindi property have sparked concerns about worsening already heavy traffic on Ekibin Rd East.

The church plans to replace the hall and move a carpark and land where ashes of parishioners have been scattered.

It denied fears from residents that units would also be built on the large site and said it was considering moving the entrance to facilitate traffic movement.

But residents said the road was already dangerous and congested, particularly on the corner of Sexton St which was used to access or cross the M1.

St Luke’s Theatre Society vice-president Ros Dempsey said she was concerned they — and chess, martial arts, painting and exercise groups which also used the hall — could struggle to find a suitable venue while a new hall was being built.

“They initially told us we had to leave by June, but now we’ve been given until September so we can perform our third play for the year,’’ she said.

“We have a lot of props and costumes which will be hard to find storage for and the designs we have been shown for the newhall look like it may be too small.’’

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Councillor Steve Griffiths (Moorooka), whose ward formerly covered the site, and Labor’s

Holland Park ward candidate, Karleigh Auguston, were concerned.

“St Luke’s Parish has contributed significantly to the local community, offering space for Centacare, the theatre group and numerous others,’’ Cr Griffiths said.

“Parishioners have contacted me and told me that they are disappointed by the way with which they have been consulted.

“These are character buildings, such as the hall and presbytery house, that should be preserved not demolished or removed. It would be a great loss to the local community.’’

However, St Luke’s Theatre president Trevor Bond said he was happy with the Church’s consultation process and it was helping with a number of options for alternative accommodation.

He hoped the replacement hall would meet the society’s needs.

“The Church is doing everything they can to make the process as smooth as possible,’’ he said.

Labor council candidate for Holland Park, Karleigh Auguston, Vice President of the St Lukes Theatre Society, Roslyn Dempsey, and Moorooka Ward councillor Steve Griffiths. Picture: AAP/Renae Droop

A spokesman for the Anglican Diocese Southern Qld said the childcare centre would service the needs of southside families.

“A new parish hall will be a resource for the parish family and the wider community,’’ he said.

“The parish council and locum priest, Rev Rodney Wolff, have spent several months closely consulting with key stakeholders including the theatre society and other current users of the hall.

“The theatre society has always paid well below the normal hiring rate and this will continue in the new and better-equipped hall.

“Their relocation is temporary and we are working hard with them to cater for their needs in the new hall, which will be a larger, superior modern venue which is more flexible.’’

The spokesman said the new building would be a larger, modern which would be more flexible and better suit the long-term needs of the theatre and the other users.

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“St Luke’s parish has also engaged in close and sensitive consultation with parishioners and family with an interest in the Memorial Gardens, including meeting with them on six occasions since January,’’ he said.

“There has been extensive discussion over the care of sacred ground and other sacred entities of the church as part of this potential development. Contrary to the claims made, there is no question that these aspects will be handled other than in a prayerful and pastoral manner.

“If the development proceeds, a new Memorial Garden will be created close to the church building and the remains of loved ones currently placed in the earth will be moved respectfully under the direction of the Bishop.

“We are addressing current traffic concerns and the entry point is planned to be moved further away from the intersection to reduce traffic risks.

“The final design will be worked through as part of the development approval process.’’