Leading architect Matthew Eagle leads calls to save Old Burleigh Arcade

A prominent architect is leading calls for the Old Burleigh Arcade to be saved after plans were unveiled to bulldoze the historic building.

A LEADING architect has joined calls for the Old Burleigh Arcade to be saved from demolition.

The Bulletin yesterday revealed new owners of the historic building plan to bulldoze it to make way for an apartment building.

But multi award-winning Gold Coast architect and Clinical Assistant Professor of Architecture at Bond University’s Abedian School of Architecture Matthew Eagle said the building, built in the 1930s, had “architectural and historical merit” and was worthy of protection.

Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade has been a favourite with locals for decades.

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Mr Eagle said the building had been recognised in Gold Coast City Council’s 2010 Burleigh Heads Heritage and Character study as having “historical and aesthetic significance” but was not listed on the local or state heritage register.

“There are very few buildings of this type, scale and vintage remaining in the city,” he said.

“(It) should be listed.”

Inside the Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade. Picture: Supplied

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Mr Eagle said the arcade was “widely recognised” by the community, both for its unique style and the level of detail in its construction.

“As a global city — council’s words — we should be able to have a mature discussion and response to heritage and conservation in our city rather than half-baked responses like what happened with the Miami Ice building,” he said.

The Old Burleigh Arcade will be demolished after selling for $18.5 million. Photo: Supplied

Leagues of furious locals have also taken to social media, demanding the plan be reconsidered.

Dozens called for the old building facade to be incorporated into the new design.

Many were surprised to discover the building had not been heritage listed.

“This is a disgrace. The way things are going none of our history will be left,” one posted.

“Any character that the Gold Coast has left is being destroyed,” agreed another.