Further Stop Order for the Broadway Hotel

Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch has issued an eighth Stop Order under the Queensland Heritage Act, preventing any demolition that would impact the heritage significance of the Woolloongabba’s Broadway Hotel, ensuring the heritage-listed building is protected as essential repair work continues.

Minister Enoch said that since the first Stop Order, the Department of Environment and Science had continued to communicate with the owner to ensure he carries out all necessary work to secure and protect what’s left of the building and to guarantee public safety.

“The Stop Orders I have issued since the September 2018 fire, have saved the Broadway Hotel from demolition or works that may have compromised the heritage value of this significant Brisbane hotel,” Ms Enoch said

“My department has also commissioned several expert reports confirming the 2018 fire did not compromise the building’s overall structural stability.

“However, reports did show that temporary propping of masonry walls was required and a roof covering was needed to ensure the building’s preservation in the longer-term.

“I welcome Brisbane City Council having eventually agreed to my calls to use their powers to issue enforcement notices for the propping of this important heritage place,” Ms Enoch said.

Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad welcomed the issuing of the Stop Order to protect the historic local site.

“I’ve worked hard alongside the local community for years to save the iconic Broadway Hotel from demolition,” Ms Trad said.

“I do not support any demolition or development that would compromise the heritage value of the Broadway Hotel, or go beyond that necessary to protect the heritage value of the site and I know that this is a view shared by the local community.

“We all expect that the owners will fulfil their obligations to complete all works to secure the building and preserve its important local heritage value.

“The owner has owned the Broadway Hotel since 1998. It has sat vacant for 10 years and it’s time they did the work necessary to restore it.

“I am committed to advocating on behalf of the community to ensure the preservation of the building for future generations.”

In November 2019, a Development Tribunal hearing upheld a Brisbane City Council enforcement notice for the building’s owner to continue work to stabilise the former hotel’s walls.

Ms Enoch said the Queensland Government was aware the building’s owner had submitted a development application to the Brisbane City Council to demolish certain structures within the heritage boundary of the site.

“With these types of applications, specific statutory requirements need to be followed, including a referral to the State Assessment and Referral Agency for its advice back to Council, and these processes are occurring,” Ms Enoch said.

“Ultimately, the decision on the current Development Application for more extensive demolition works rests with Brisbane City Council.”

The initial Stop Order was issued to the building’s owner after fire severely damaged the unoccupied property in September 2018. Among other things, the Stop Orders prohibit demolition of the building’s surviving masonry walls and provide time for decisions to be made about its future.

ENDS