The fate of the 161-year-old Stock Exchange Hotel in Brisbane City hangs in the balance following an unexpected shift in the landowner’s stance on a proposed redevelopment.
The iconic pub, a fixture in the city’s landscape for over a century and a half, is now subject to a new development application that seeks to expand the area slated for demolition.
Developer JGL Projects recently submitted revised plans to the Brisbane City Council, requesting permission to increase the scope of demolition at the rear of the historic structure. This change, supported by the current property owner, the Archdiocese of Brisbane, would remove a two-story section currently used as a bar and storage area.
According to urban planning firm Urbis, the proposed demolition would affect an area approximately 6 metres deep and 15 metres long, extending into the roof space. However, a heritage assessment conducted by architect Luke Pendergast contends that the modifications would not diminish the building’s heritage value.
Pendergast argues that the area has undergone significant alterations, obscuring original architectural features. He believes that while remnants of the original structure may exist, they are no longer visible or historically significant in their current state.
Intriguingly, this latest development departs from the Archdiocese’s previous position. In 2016, when the building was under different ownership, the Archdiocese objected to a proposal to demolish nearly 80 percent of the structure. At that time, concerns about the impact on neighbouring buildings and the lack of clarity regarding the final development plans were raised.
However, since acquiring the property in 2019, the Archdiocese has made multiple applications to extend the demolition approval period.
The current application documents do not specify what will replace the demolished sections of the hotel, leaving the future of this Brisbane City landmark uncertain.
Published Date 28-December-2024