Greenslopes Strengthens Veteran Care Legacy with Legacy House

The construction of Legacy House is set to commence on the former site of Australian Red Cross Centre at Greenslopes. This cutting-edge facility is designed to provide comprehensive health support to veterans and their families.

Photo Credit: Hayball

The new Legacy House, designed by Hayball Architects, will be built on the site of the former Australian Red Cross Centre at Greenslopes, which was originally constructed in early 1945. This location choice deliberately honours and continues Greenslopes’ long-standing commitment to veteran care.



Graham Legerton, Hayball principal said, “This is a site and project that has great meaning for the community, state, and country. Legacy House honours this significance and ensures the site’s story, the story of our veterans, and our immense gratitude for their service continues long into the future.”

Legacy House will be situated across from the existing Greenslopes medical precinct, which includes the Keith Payne Mental Health Unit, Greenslopes Private Hospital, and Gallipoli Medical Research. This proximity creates a comprehensive care ecosystem for veterans and their families.

Legacy Brisbane CEO Brendan Cox highlighted the importance of this location, stating, “Legacy House is a vitally important step for veterans and their families, providing the support they need in life after service. Its placement in Greenslopes, with its existing medical infrastructure, allows us to provide needed, and deserved, wraparound health and support.”



The design of Legacy House incorporates elements that respect Greenslopes’ architectural heritage while providing modern, supportive spaces. Broad verandahs embrace the Queensland vernacular, while landscaped outdoor areas will link the building to the adjoining Brisbane City Council parkland, offering green spaces for families to connect and reflect.

Photo Credit: Hayball

As construction is set to commence soon, Legacy House promises to be a valuable addition to Greenslopes’ community and a continuation of its proud tradition of veteran support.

Published 7-July-2024

Australian Red Cross Centre in Greenslopes Up for Demolition

Despite an initial plan to rehabilitate the former Australian Red Cross Centre in Greenslopes, changes are now underway to demolish the old building and put a public park in its place. 



The intention to buy the land on Headfort Street from the Department of Veterans Affairs was laid out in a Council letter to residents. The decision was deemed the more cost-effective solution to the historical site, which has been highly contaminated and closed off to the public since 2013 due to the presence of asbestos. 

The cost of retaining and renovating the building would set back the government between $5.4 to $7.5 million. On the other hand, full demolition and removal of all hazardous material would cost $1.8 million.

Photo Credit: BCC

The creation of the parkland will preserve most of the heritage-listed elements of the property. A portion of the area will also be allocated for the headquarters of Legacy Queensland, a non-profit that supports the families of the veterans if they decide to erect a building.

On 16 September, EPB Notice 2021/8997 was issued approving the demolition of all hazardous materials and removal of contaminated soil from the site. Following the earthworks, the land will be turned over to Brisbane City for community use. 

Councillor Fiona Cunningham said that the residents of Greenslopes have asked for the park since there is no such public space for families within the precinct. They will work with DVA to plan out a “heritage strategy” in designing the new public space. 



“Council has also had discussions with Legacy, an organisation with deep connection to this site, about a portion of the land being used for their services for the families of our veterans,” the councillor said. 

“While it is sad to see the buildings go, I believe it is important to provide certainty to residents about the future of the site. I am also pleased that we will be able to provide new parkland for local families and community use that will honour the site’s history.”