Construction has begun on an almost $8 million creative hub at the historical Witton Barracks site in Brisbane’s west.
Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner said the project would transform the site for residents now and into the future.
“This historical site has been underutilised for too long and we want to return it to the community,” Lord Mayor Schrinner said.
“Council acquired this site in 2016 and since then has been busy remediating and upgrading the site.
“We’ve now hit a major milestone in the transformation of this site with work starting on the Creative Community Hub.”
The project includes refurbishing the three existing cell blocks, repurposing the former HQ building into a multi-use space, restoring the Motor Transport Cover which act as a carport, revitalising the exercise yard and delivering new pathways, landscaping and on-site parking.
“The upgrade of this site is the next step in achieving the long-term vision for this space, which included restoration of the heritage buildings into a vibrant and modern community space,” the Lord Mayor said.
The barracks were constructed between 1942 and 1960 and played a vital role in military intelligence during World War II.
“These buildings have been closed off to the public, but this project will see them preserved and restored and returned to the community to use,” he said.
Once the Witton Barracks Creative Community Hub is complete, Council says it may seek applications from eligible not-for-profit community organisations to lease the facility.
The refurbishment of the Witton Barracks buildings into a Creative Community Hub has been jointly funded by the Australian Government and Brisbane City Council.
Construction is expected to be completed by late 2023.
