Attractions

The Fascinating Brisbane Powerhouse

July 5, 2015 by manager

Powerhouse Tunnel of Art Brisbane — by zayzayem

The Fascinating Brisbane Powerhouse, home of…

Arts and Culture

Among the things to see and do when visiting Brisbane in Queensland Australia is going to the Brisbane Powerhouse located at 119 Lamington Street, New Farm. The Powerhouse was originally built in the 1927 – 28 period for the Brisbane Tram system as at that time there was a limited electricity supply for the city. With the expansion of Brisbane, more and more suburbs drew their electricity from the Powerhouse. Before the Powerhouse was built, the City Electric and Light Company supplied the commercial areas and the older suburbs from their generating plants operating on the Bulima Reach of the Brisbane River.

Poetry at Powerhouse Brisbane — by David McKelvey

The end of an era

The Powerhouse stopped production of electricity in 1971 mainly due to heavy maintenance costs, and for the following twenty years the building was used as a works depot and chemical storage plant for the Queensland Government and the Australian Defence Force who made use of the building for military exercises. It then fell into a state of disrepair and became inhabited by vagrants who used the walls as a writing block and enjoyed putting their names and artistic talents on the walls. Street kids as well made the building their hangout for gatherings and other jaunts that they took pleasure doing. The film industry played a part by using the deserted areas for filming artistic and commercials during this time, and The Brisbane City Council took back ownership of this unique site in 1989.

Given a new look

Fortunately in time the building was renovated and in 2000 the Brisbane Powerhouse reopened its doors as a modern hub of entertainment with arts and culture as the main attractions. After another six years passed, with a significant investment from the Brisbane City Council the building underwent a complete refurbishment which included a huge upgrade of the hospitality facilities, more undercover areas of entertainment and better layouts for performances. All of this has contributed to an exciting experience for visitors to the Powerhouse.

What is on offer

Today the Powerhouse offers a theatre (The Powerhouse) with seating for 536 people, the Visy theatre seating 200 people, Turbine Hall, an outdoor plaza , plenty of green space, a rooftop terrace, bar and restaurant and at the weekends a lively Farmers Market.

The amazing Powerhouse Theatre can be adapted to providing more seating if needed and more space for performances as well. Ongoing projects are developed and workshops for children are encouraged. Community functions such as weddings or other special occasions or corporate events are also often held at the Powerhouse.

Saturday farmers Markets

A fun way to spend a Saturday morning is by going to the Farmers Market held in front of the Powerhouse. This market operates from as early as 6am and runs until 12 noon. The market is busy and lively with a magnificent array of fresh produce from to choose. Some delicious foodies are on sale and you can certainly indulge in many dishes to fill hunger pangs while you wander and browse or buy.

Brisbane City Council Powerhouse — by eGuide Travel

The Iconic Treasury Casino

May 16, 2015 by manager

Iconic Treasury Casino Building — by denisbin

An excellent hotel for staying at when on a visit to Brisbane, Australia is the iconic Treasury Casino, located at 130 William Street, Brisbane. In 1992 the grandiose old building housing the hotel was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in order to preserve its old classic architecture. Visitors staying at the hotel have the opportunity to experience all the modern comforts that a five star hotel offers, together with the magical charm of a bygone era.

Situated in a convenient position for people who want to do some shopping, the hotel is near to the Brisbane Arcade which is one of the oldest arcades in Brisbane or they can visit the other popular shopping areas of the Queens Plaza or the Queen Street Mall. The Treasury building occupies an entire block besides William Street. It is surrounded by Queen Street, George Street, and Elizabeth Street.

In 1995 the building became the Conrad Treasury Casino, going through a transformation from a once political building refurbished to now become a hotel and a centre of entertainment. Amongst its features are two bars, five restaurants and eight function rooms. Every night there is live entertainment varying from comedy shows, individual musicians, bands, and dancing shows and every Monday at 1pm and at 7pm there is a Mah-jong tournament to which entry is free, and on Mother’s Day a traditional High Tea is served at the Marco Polo which is on level 2. The Treasury Casino is also host to the annual Groove and Grape Festival.

The Casino boasts three levels of eighty gaming tables and thirteen hundred gaming machines.

History of the Treasury Building

At the turn of the last century many celebrations and displays of patriotism were held at the Treasury Building where the Queensland Government Cabinet met. Before the Treasury Building was built, there was a double story military barracks occupying the site. Visitors to Brisbane will be interested to learn that in 1901 the then governor of Queensland read the proclamation of the federation of the Australian Commonwealth from a balcony on the William Street side of the building.

The building of The Treasury between 1886 and 1928 was done in three stages. During the first stage the frontages of the William Street as well as part of the Queen Street were erected, this took until September 1889. This new Government building became occupied by the Premier along with the Colonial Secretary, Treasury, Mines, Police, Registrar-General and Auditor-General.

The Elizabeth Street section that was stage two was then begun and completed in February 1893. The Registrar of Titles, Justice, Works, Public Instruction and the States Savings Bank all moved into this part of the building.

The last stage began in 1922 and completed in 1928, this gave extra space for the then occupants of the Treasury Building. A five story annex was added in the courtyard during 1961.