Just a few minutes away from Stones Corner, one of Brisbane’s most recognisable heritage pubs could finally be heading towards a new chapter. After more than 15 years of closure and three major fires, the Broadway Hotel in Woolloongabba now has approved restoration plans.
In January 2026, the site received approval for a major redevelopment (DEV2025/1691) that would restore the historic hotel and bring hundreds of new residents to the area. But with the property recently placed on the market, the biggest question remains unanswered: who will be the one to bring the project to life?
A Landmark on a Busy Corner of Woolloongabba
The Broadway Hotel occupies a prominent corner at Logan Road and Balaclava Street, just minutes from Stones Corner. Built in 1889 and expanded in the years that followed, the hotel became a well-known landmark in Brisbane’s inner south east.
Its octagonal tower has long been regarded as a local landmark. The building secured a place on the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992 in recognition of its historical and architectural significance.
For decades, the hotel served locals, workers and visitors. However, its future changed dramatically in 2010 when a major fire broke out while renovation works were underway.
The hotel never resumed trading.
Two More Major Fires Added to the Building’s Challenges
Eight years later, in September 2018, another fire tore through the structure. Flames engulfed much of the building overnight, causing further damage to the vacant property.
Then, in January 2026, the Broadway Hotel was struck again when a third major fire broke out shortly before midnight. The latest blaze damaged sections of the roof and added another setback to the long-running effort to restore the site.
Despite the repeated damage, the heritage building remains standing and remains listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.
Approval Creates a Path Back for the Old Pub
After several years of planning and design work, developer Carbone Developments secured approval to build a mixed-use project at the site. This scheme included the restoration of the Broadway Hotel alongside a new 34-storey residential tower behind the heritage building.
Under the plans, the hotel would once again become a hospitality venue, with spaces for dining, social gatherings and community use. Heritage features including original windows, brickwork, timber joinery and the building’s staircase are intended to be restored as part of the project.
Importantly, the tower has been designed to sit behind the historic hotel rather than replace it. The proposal aims to preserve the character of the heritage building while allowing for significant residential development on the remainder of the site.
The approved development includes 256 apartments, 276 car parks and bicycle facilities.
Woolloongabba’s Major Transformation
The Broadway Hotel sits within an area undergoing major transformation.
The future Woolloongabba station, part of the Cross River Rail project, is expected to open in 2029 and will place high-capacity rail services within walking distance of the site. The precinct is also close to the Princess Alexandra Hospital, major employment centres and planned infrastructure upgrades linked to Brisbane’s growth.
Woolloongabba has attracted significant development interest because of its location between the CBD and Brisbane’s southern suburbs. The area is also expected to benefit from investment connected to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Sites with approved plans near major transport infrastructure are often highly sought after because much of the planning risk has already been addressed.
Why the Site Was Put on the Market
Although Carbone Developments secured approval for the project, the company subsequently placed the site on the market.
According to information released by Knight Frank, Carbone acquired the site and spent several years progressing the design and approval process before deciding to focus on its existing development pipeline in Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
The company described itself as a family-owned developer specialising in medium-scale projects. The approved redevelopment is substantially larger than the medium-scale projects referenced by the company.
The sales campaign promoted the property as a development-ready opportunity, highlighting both the approved tower project and the opportunity to restore one of Brisbane’s best-known historic pubs.
Expressions of interest closed in late May, although no purchaser has been publicly announced.
Published 18-June-2026
