OUR HERITAGE AT RISK - QUEENSLAND - 2007

Place:   William Street Heritage Precinct (Northbank)

Threat:  Devaluation of Heritage values

UPDATE: National Trust says "NO" to Northbank

Significance:

The William Street heritage precinct encompasses eight sites included in the Queensland Heritage Register. The buildings within the precinct are linked aesthetically as well as historically. Part of the significance of this governmental precinct is its now threatened spatial and visual connections to the river. 

Statement of Risk:

Degree of Risk:          At Risk - No Solution Agreed

Threats/Risks:            Devaluation of Heritage Values

Fate/outcome:            Surviving

A concept plan for North Bank unveiled early in 2007 proposes three office buildings (up to 25 floors), an 18 floor hotel and three apartment buildings (up to 37 floors) constructed over the Brisbane River. This effectively separates the heritage precinct from the river and destroys vistas of the precinct from across the river.

Desired Outcome / Vision:

Alternate proposals, which address the need to revitalise the area, yet which respect the heritage precinct, should be considered as an option to this proposed over-river development. 

Bibliography:

Australian Financial Review, 30 November 2004, p. 49,

Courier-Mail, 11 December 2004, p. 33, 4-5 November 2007, p. 36, 14 February 2007, p. 1 & pp. 10-11, 15 February 2007, pp. 12-13, 17 February 2007, p. 28, 7 March 2007, p. 24.

North Bank Insight, Issue 5,

http://www.northbankbrisbane.com.au/options.html 

http://www.coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au/north_bank

http://www.coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au/north_bank/library/images/stage1/nb_designs_19.jpg

Northbank