(Photo: State Library of Queensland and John Oxley Library; #31184)
We learn now that City Hall is suffering from "serious structural, electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and safety issues and may have to close permanently", according to the City Council's web site. Estimates for the repair of the building vary between $100 million and $200 million, but fortunately the consensus seems to be that City Hall must be saved. Actually, that part of town is looking quite bedraggled already - King George Square is being redeveloped because of the construction of the Northern Busway, and the closure of City Hall for major repairs will increase the look of abandonment. Here is a picture taken of City Hall before King George Square was cleared for its makeover.

It would be a shame to lose this icon of the city,and I think that the funds for the building's restoration just have to be found somehow. I can't imagine Brisbane without a City Hall, and if not this one, then where? Tearing it down and rebuilding would be anathema to most Brisbanites.
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tff
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wow look at that sky!
ReplyDeleteGreat photo ff, and I agree, cit hall needs to be restored to its former glory, a beautiful building and some lovely interior rooms.
ReplyDeleteYou almost need an update photo... Look at King George Square now! horrible, horrible concrete!
ReplyDeleteHi Loretta
ReplyDeleteI agree about the concrete.There is a post on it: http://www.yourbrisbanepastandpresent.com/2009/12/king-george-square.html
Cheers
As ex-pat Brisbanite (Bardon mostly) I would appreciate knowing if City Hall is safe - I spent a lot of time in the Art Gallery & Museum. Its hard to keep up from Lancashire, UK
ReplyDeleteGood news!
DeleteAfter a three year, $215 million refurb, City Hall is now not only safe, but there have been improvements to community space and accessibility as well as upgrades to current building standards.
As a result, City Hall will be with us for a long while yet.
Excellent news, many thanks for letting me know
Delete