Middenbury, former ABC Studios, Toowong

At risk of destruction

·         Long history associated with prominent Brisbane identities and in one family for 6 generations

·         State heritage values identified, but removed from Queensland register for legislative reasons

·         Currently ineligible for inclusion on Commonwealth Heritage List

·         Under provisions of disposal, ABC must assess for Commonwealth Heritage Values and, if identified, secure protection

Constructed for Eliza Rogers c1865, Middenbury is a single-storey brick residence overlooking the Brisbane River at Toowong. Purchased by the Commonwealth in 1957, it was part of the ABC Toowong studio complex until 2007, Expressions of interest for development of the 15,000 m² site, including Middenbury, closed in July.

THREAT:
Protection of Middenbury under development of the site is uncertain. Will the ABC take into consideration State Heritage values and apply covenants should no ‘Commonwealth Heritage values’ be identified? 

DESIRED OUTCOME/VISION:

If no “Commonwealth heritage values” are identified, State heritage values should be recognised, Middenbury listed and covenants applied to assure its future. Development of the site should be sympathetic to Middenbury.

FATE/OUTCOME:
Surviving