Woolloongabba’s iconic Broadway Hotel is set to get a $260m transformation

AN inner-city Brisbane hotel is set to be brought back to life as part of a $260 million development, with a design in stark contrast to the building’s original character.

Sebastian Monsour of Majella at the Hotel Broadway site. Photo Ric Frearson

THE dilapidated Broadway Hotel on Logan Rd at Woolloongabba is set to be brought back to life as part of a $260 million mixed-use development.

The plan includes a 24-storey tower with 280 apartments and a three-level commercial podium incorporating the hotel.

The iconic hotel was built in 1889-90 for Brisbane publican Michael McKenna and was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in October, 1992. Unfortunately, in 2010, the hotel, owned by Brisbane doctor Malcolm Nyst, was extensively damaged by fire and never reopened.

Majella Property Developments founder Professor Frank Monsour said he was “delighted” to be bringing back the glory of the hotel.

Brisbane's Broadway Hotel was extensively damaged by fire in 2010. Pic by reader Stephen Walker

His son, Sebastian, will take the reins for the project.

He said experiences from every development Majella to date had played a significant role in preparing his team for the challenging project.

“It’s taking the leanings of all our other developments into one,” Mr Monsour said.

“And it’s taking the level of technology that we’ve used to the next level.”

An artist impression of Broadway.

Mr Monsour said the mixed-use nature of the development, with a dining precinct, would attract young professionals, empty nesters and investors.

“If you’re going to move into a unit, you want the convenience of having restaurants and everything at your fingertips,” he said.

A photo of the Broadway Hotel, Woolloongabba circa 1929.

The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) said it encourages the “adaptive reuse” of heritage buildings, such as the Broadway Hotel at Woolloongabba.

“There are many examples across Brisbane where heritage buildings are successfully being reused as cafes, bars and restaurants,” the EHP spokeswoman said.

She said these building included The Triffid at Newstead, The Gresham Bar, Brisbane City and Jamie’s Italian restaurant in the heritage-listed Rowes Arcade, Edward St, Brisbane.

“Such uses would align with the original purpose of the building as a hotel,” the spokeswoman said.

“However, the Broadway Hotel is in private ownership and the use of the building ultimately rests with the owner.”

The development application for the $260 million mixed-use project is expected to be lodged with Brisbane City Council next month. Construction is expected to start next year and is earmarked for completion in 2019.

Originally published as Woolloongabba’s iconic Broadway Hotel is set to get a $260m transformation