Newstead House and Substation Conservation Project
Protecting, conserving and investing in heritage places and their stories plays an important role in creating community identity, sustaining local economies and contributing to Queensland’s cultural heritage tourism industry.
The Queensland Government has committed over $5 million for remedial works to conserve Newstead House, Brisbane’s oldest surviving European home.
Newstead House was built in 1846 and demonstrates the pattern of the early period of free settlement in Queensland. The adjoining substation, the former Brisbane Tramways Substation No. 5, is important in demonstrating the pattern of Queensland’s industrial development.
To conserve and address safety issues, the works will include roof replacement, drainage and service upgrades, repairs work to timbers, stone and brickwork and interior works to conserve this historically significant building.
Works commenced in December 2021, with project updates to be made available.
Brisbane City Council is working with the Queensland Government and Newstead House Board of Trustees to minimise impacts on park users throughout construction of the Breakfast Creek Green Bridge and Newstead House and Substation Conservation Project.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Newstead House and Substation Conservation Project?
The Queensland Government places great value on our state’s unique and diverse cultural heritage, which is why we are committing over $5 million for remedial works to conserve Newstead House, Brisbane’s oldest surviving European home.
To conserve and address safety issues, the works will include roof replacement, drainage and service upgrades, repairs work to timbers, stone and brickwork and interior works.
What is the substation and why is it being preserved?
The historic former electricity Substation No. 5 was built in the 1920s to help power the city’s tramway system. It is one of a number of such substations that powered the trams around Brisbane which are now also listed in the Queensland Heritage Register.
Why is it important to conserve Newstead House?
Protecting, conserving and investing in heritage places and their stories plays an important role in creating community identity, sustaining local economies and contributing to Queensland’s cultural heritage tourism industry.
Who is responsible for the Newstead House and Substation Conservation Project?
The Newstead House Conservation Project is being funded by the Queensland Government and managed by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation on behalf of the Newstead House Board of Trustees.
What is Council’s role in the Newstead House and Substation Conservation Project?
Breakfast Creek Green Bridge construction will commence early 2022 and will be completed by late 2023. Brisbane City Council is working with the Queensland Government and Newstead House Board of Trustees to minimise impacts on park users throughout construction of the Breakfast Creek Bridge and Newstead House and Substation Conservation Project.
Will Newstead House be closed for the duration of the conservation project?
As with any major building project, there will be a need to temporarily close Newstead House for worker and public safety.
To facilitate the safe construction for the conservation project there will be no bookings for events, tours or education programs at Newstead House during the project. The exact timeline for the closure is yet to finalised, however the project team is working hard to ensure that these bookings can return as fast as possible.
Can I still book an event space at Newstead Park during the Newstead House and Substation Conservation Project?
The bookable event spaces within Newstead Park will be available for hire during this time although a few temporary disruptions may occur during particular construction activities. Bookings can be made here.
It must be noted that the usual aesthetic backdrop of the house will be significantly impacted by construction scaffolding, screens and fencing and may not be suitable for events such as weddings during this period. People with mobility issues or heavier items may require additional support to access the park during construction due to the closure of the road access into the park. We apologies for any inconvenience this may create.
What is the Newstead House collection and what will come of it?
The Newstead House collection is an assortment of more than 6,000 historical items, collected over many years from a range of sources and are displayed within the home as museum pieces.
The management of the collection forms part of the project and the interpretation of Newstead House as a late 1880s residence.
If you have any questions about the project, contact heritage@des.qld.gov.au.