Heritage plan adopted for Queensland cultural icon

The heritage values of Queensland’s Cultural Centre will be protected under a new Conservation Management Plan that will guide future planning and development in the area. 

Premier and Arts Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Cultural Centre was a much-loved and iconic Brisbane site and the formal guidelines would safeguard its heritage significance while allowing it to adapt to meet future needs.

“Over more than 30 years, the Cultural Centre has evolved into the state’s arts and culture centrepiece,” the Premier said.

“I’m delighted this plan will ensure the original design by the late acclaimed architect Robin Gibson will be respected as part of any potential enhancements and development.

“My Government welcomed the decision in 2015 to heritage list the iconic site which includes the Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and The Edge at the State Library of Queensland.

“This Conservation Management Plan has been developed to ensure the centre’s heritage values are respected and managed into the future while allowing it to thrive and adapt to provide the millions of visitors to this site with the best possible experience.

“This plan identifies the Cultural Centre’s significant heritage and architectural elements and sets out policies and guidelines on how any maintenance, alterations or additions should be managed.”

The Premier said specialist advice would be sought to review any work planned for the site including maintenance or alterations that may impact on its heritage significance, considering the guidelines as outlined within the Conservation Management Plan.

“The plan has been developed following an extensive consultation process, led by Conrad Gargett architects and a team of heritage consultants, to ensure Queenslanders’ views were represented and considered,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

Input was received from the cultural institutions within the precinct, professional organisations, other key stakeholders and from the broader community.

“We also established a Cultural Precinct Design and Heritage Stakeholder Roundtable, to provide independent advice during the development of the plan,” the Premier said.

Members of this Roundtable were:

• Queensland Government Architect Malcolm Middleton OAM (Chair);
• Landscape Architect and South Bank Corporation Chair Dr Catherin Bull AM;
• Architects Kristina Gibson (daughter of the late Robin Gibson AO), Professor Kerry Clare and Elizabeth Watson-Brown;
• QUT Vice-Chancellor and former Heritage Council Chair Peter Coaldrake AO;
• the Honourable Matt Foley, barrister and former Queensland Arts Minister.

“I thank everyone who was involved in this important process, in developing and reviewing this plan,” the Premier said.

The Queensland Cultural Centre was initially developed in four stages from 1976 to 1988, with a fifth stage, QPAC’s Playhouse Theatre, completed in 1998.

The buildings and landscaping within the Queensland Cultural Centre are considered an exceptional example of late 20^th century International Style architecture.

To view the Conservation Management Plan go to: www.arts.qld.gov.au. 

Media contact:       

Premier’s Office-Susan McGrady 0488 996 667