Queensland cultural icon recognised on heritage register

The Palaszczuk Government has welcomed the decision to give a heritage listing to Brisbane’s iconic South Bank Cultural Precinct. 

The decision by the Queensland Heritage Council will protect the original cultural and civic buildings from inappropriate future development and puts an end to controversial plans – proposed by the former LNP Government – to build two high-rise towers in the precinct. 

Today’s listing includes the Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and The Edge at the State Library of Queensland. 

The original buildings were designed by architect Robin Gibson and built in four stages between 1976 and 1988. 

The Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Dr Steven Miles said the Cultural Precinct was a much loved public asset attracting millions of visitors every year. 

“These buildings, widely recognised as a unique part of Brisbane’s skyline, are some of the most celebrated works of the late architect Robin Gibson,” Dr Miles said. 

“The listing ensures any changes to the Precinct remain true to the spirit of its original design. 

“The Australian Institute of Architects’ nomination of the Queensland Cultural Centre attracted a record 1254 public submissions—the most received by the Queensland Heritage Council for a single nomination in the history of the Heritage Act. 

“The Queensland Heritage Act protects our state’s diverse heritage places. These places have aesthetic, architectural, historical, scientific, social values that are important to the community,” he said. 

Today’s listing excludes the original State Library, which was re-developed, along with the Gallery of Modern Art which opened in 2006. 

Deputy Premier and Member for South Brisbane, Jackie Trad supported the listing and said the Brisbane Cultural Precinct clearly demonstrated historical, aesthetic and cultural significance. 

“The architectural and design brilliance of the Queensland Cultural Centre plays a continuing role in celebrating our cultural and creative identity,” Ms Trad said. 

“As South Brisbane becomes more densely developed, it is important for the Cultural Precinct to preserve its open public spaces and low rise architecture, while also looking at the precinct’s capacity to expand in line with our growing population.” 

The Cultural Precinct Master Plan, an initiative of the former LNP Government, will now be reviewed. 

Arts Queensland will commission a Conservation Management Plan to inform future planning and investment in the area.

Media contact: 0437 533 172