West End … this one was saved … but why not in Indooroopilly?

This wonderful residence had seen better times when this photo was taken. It looked as if, despite its qualities, it was not going to be looked after. A close look at the photo shows windows hanging loose, gutters in a mess, broken downpipes, loose roof tiles and a most untidy yard … all the indicators of an “unloved” house ready for demolition or the increasingly notorious “midnight trip on the back of the trucks”.

The good news is however that it has been rescued and to some eyes, restored. At least it now looks as if it belongs and is loved. If you are in the West End area, its on Vulture Street near the intersection with Merivale Street. Well worth a look!

Also worth asking why Brisbane City Council does not provide incentives to keep such important elements of the character and heritage of Brisbane. A look at the “timber and tin” example on the corner of Lambert and Clarence Roads at Indooroopilly and its neighbour in Lambert Road raise the question as to why BCC is not insisting on these two excellent examples of Brisbane’s character being restored and used for uses which reward the owner rather than encouraging their demolition or removal.

A similar problem is now emerging with a wonderful strip of “old Queenslanders” in Railway Avenue beside the Indooroopilly Citytrain Station … a very characteristic and genuine reminder of Brisbane’s character … and all about to go …!

Why have character protection … if it doesn’t protect character precincts such as these?

An example where a grand old house has survived for another generation