Abbotsleigh to be protected for future generations

The Palaszczuk Government has listened to the community and will protect ‘Abbotsleigh’, 11 Abbotsford Road Bowen Hills, from possible demolition.

In announcing the decision, Acting Premier and Minister for Planning, Jackie Trad, said a report on the building found it was still a place of heritage significance despite being damaged by fire in 2011.

“Abbotsleigh is a place of local significance to Brisbane, and feedback from the community has overwhelming told us that it should be preserved as part of our inner city streetscape,” Ms Trad said.

“After engaging an independent heritage consultant, we’ve found that repairs to the home following the fire in 2011 are sympathetic to its original style and era and have not diminished its local heritage significance.

“As such, we have decided that the development application on this site, which includes the proposed demolition of Abbotsleigh, is absolutely unacceptable in its current form.

“Economic Development Queensland (EQD) has advised the applicant that the development application would not be approved as long as it contains the extensive demolition of Abbotsleigh.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to getting the balance right between urban development and the preservation of our important heritage buildings – this application fails to do that.”

Member for Brisbane Central Grace Grace welcomed the decision, after leading a campaign in partnership with the local community to strongly oppose the demolition.  

“I am thrilled at the decision to save Abbotsleigh. I said that I would stand up for this house and the community on this issue and I’m very pleased with this fantastic outcome,” Ms Grace said.

“The Bowen Hills community cares deeply about preserving our local heritage, as was demonstrated through the campaign to save Abbotsleigh.

“We had 1,200 residents sign our petition to save Abbotsleigh and dozens of local residents came to our ‘Save Abbotsleigh’ rally last month.

“As Brisbane evolves, preserving places of heritage and character significance must be considered. We must hold on to the places that are a rich part of our history so that they can be enjoyed by future generations.”

EDQ received an application for the Demolition of a Heritage Place at 11-13 Abbotsford Road, Bowen Hills on 23 November 2015.

The Abbotsleigh residence is within the Bowen Hills Priority Development Area and its development is regulated by the Economic Development Act 2012 with any proposal requiring state government approval.

The Bowen Hills PDA is currently being reviewed with community consultation currently open. People are invited to have their say online at www.edq.qld.gov.au/BH-PDA-review

ENDS

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