OUR HERITAGE AT RISK -  QUEENSLAND - 2008

Place:   Ann Street Presbyterian Church Hall

Threat:  Destruction

Ann Street Presbyterian Church (right) and Hall (left)

Photo: National Trust of Queensland

Significance:          

The hall is located next to one of the oldest churches in Brisbane, the Ann Street Presbyterian Church, which was originally built in 1858 and reconstructed in 1872 following a fire. The hall was built in 1936 on the site of the former manse. It was designed by architect DFW Roberts in a style intended to blend with the 1872 church. The upper floor comprised meeting halls, a kitchen and office facilities.

Statement of Risk:

During the 1990s the church hall was included within the Queensland Heritage Register boundary of the church site. It was later excluded. Development plans for the site, currently under consideration by local government, involve the demolition of the church hall and construction of a thirty-five storey building adjacent to the church.

Degree of Risk:    At risk

Threats/Risks:      Destruction

Fate/outcome:      Surviving

A development application was lodged with Brisbane City Council in August 2007. Council approval for this proposal is currently pending.

Desired Outcome:

There will be some financial benefits for the church that are some compensation for the loss of the hall.

Bibliography:

‘Farewell to Ann Street Church Hall’, in Trust News Queensland, vol. 20, August 2008, p. 6.