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 first built in 1846, and later significantly extended, and demonstrates aspects of the early period of European 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 have included roof replacement, drainage and service upgrades, repair work to structural and decorative timbers, stone and brickwork and interior works to revitalise this historically significant building.
Works commenced in December 2021, with the project now nearing completion.
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 have committed 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 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 Board of Trustees of Newstead House.
Will Newstead House be closed for the duration of the conservation project?
As with any major building project, there has been a need to temporarily close Newstead House for worker and public safety.
To facilitate the safe construction for the conservation project there have been no bookings for events, tours or education programs at Newstead House during the project. The exact timeline for the closure is yet to finalised, and the project team is expecting the place to reopen to the public shortly.
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.
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 when it reopens.
If you have any questions about the project, contact heritage@des.qld.gov.au.