After years of planning, the remediation works for the former Red Cross Hall in Greenslopes has finally started, which would prepare the property before it will be transformed into a public park.
Read: New Community Park Planned at Former Red Cross Site in Greenslopes
Red Cross Hall, located on the corner of Newdegate Street and Headfort Street in Greenslopes has been closed since 2013 due to the presence of asbestos.
The decision to sell the property is believed to be a more cost-effective solution, rather than retaining or renovating it, which is expected to cost the government anywhere between $5.4 million and $7.5 million.
The remediated site will then be sold to the Brisbane City Council for the purpose of constructing a public park and Legacy House.
Local officials will work with the Department of Veterans Affairs for a heritage strategy in designing the new public space, to allow them to preserve most of the building’s heritage-listed elements.
Consisting of a large timber hall and smaller neighbouring building built circa 1945, the former Red Cross Hall was constructed to provide recreation services to the military personnel who were patients at the 112th Australian Military Hospital.
At the time, hundreds of soldiers were taken to the hospital for medical examinations before and after active service. Many of them were treated for medical, surgical or other conditions.
Councillor for Coorparoo Ward Fiona Cunningham earlier announced that locals wanted to see a public park on the site, given that there are no playgrounds or family recreational facilities nearby.
“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,” Cr Cunningham said in a social media post.
Read: Broadway Hotel: Neglected Heritage Landmark Up for Restoration
Council would also sell a portion of the land to Legacy Queensland who will use the space to continue support for local veteran families.
Legacy QLD is a non-profit organisation currently based in South Brisbane, which supports thousands of family members of fallen and injured veterans across South-East, Central and Western Queensland.
Published 23-March-2023