Stop Order extended for Broadway Hotel

The Palaszczuk Government is taking further action to protect the historical Broadway Hotel at Woolloongabba and has extended a Stop Order notice.

Deputy Premier and Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad said the extension of the Stop Order would pre-empt any demolition of the heritage building, and gives more time for Brisbane City Council to act.

“This extension gives Brisbane City Council more time to step-up and use its powers under the Building Act 1975 to compel the owner to carry out necessary work to stabilise the hotel,” Ms Trad said.

“The Palaszczuk Government recognises the historical value of this building, which is an important part of Brisbane’s history and has been on the Queensland Heritage Register since 1992.

“The Stop Order does not prevent the building’s owner from carrying out repair and maintenance works but stops any potential demolition of this historical building.

“We are taking what action we can to ensure the building is protected for our community and the ball is now in Brisbane City Council’s court.

“Without further enforcement action from Council, the Broadway Hotel is at risk, especially as we approach storm season.”

Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch issued an initial Stop Order in September to pre-empt any demolition of the building, and to provide more time to allow more informed decisions to be made about the building’s future after it was severely damaged by a fire.

“This current Stop Order expires at midnight December 3, and I have now extended this until the beginning of March.

“This Stop Order ensures that any demolition of the masonry walls that survived the fire will not be allowed to take place, particularly as there is a lack of compelling evidence that the building’s overall structure is at risk of collapse.”

Ms Enoch said the Department of Environment and Science had been in contact with the owner since the first Stop Order was issued, urging the owner to carry out necessary works including replacing the existing shuttering that boards up openings, which has so far failed to ensure site security.

“This is why I have written several times to Lord Mayor Graham Quirk requesting Brisbane City Council use its powers under the Building Act, and I have also written to Councillor Jonathan Sri to inform him about Council’s powers,” Ms Enoch said.

“Councillor Sri has made comments that suggested he was not aware of the powers Council has under the Building Act to protect the heritage building. He should call on his LNP colleagues to stop delaying, and use Council’s powers to help preserve the Broadway Hotel.”

Ms Enoch said protecting the Broadway Hotel was vital for the local community, and for Queensland.

“When the Broadway Hotel was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, it is described as ‘important in demonstrating the evolution and pattern of Queensland's history’.

“The Palaszczuk Government recognises that demolishing this beautiful building would destroy a significant part of Brisbane’s cultural heritage.”

Built in 1889-1890, the Broadway Hotel is described as illustrating the characteristics of a large, masonry, 1880s Brisbane hotel, designed as a local landmark to attract local custom and as superior accommodation to attract country and family visitors.

The Stop Order will now expire on March 5.

Media contact: 0437 859 987