Billionaire mining developer Sam Chong has submitted a demolition application to the Brisbane City Council for three old brick buildings on Margaret Street in Brisbane’s CBD.

It is proposed that the existing buildings - the O’Reilly’s Bonded Stores (83 Margaret St), the Free Stores (93-105 Margaret St) and Hotpoint House (111 Margaret St) - be replaced by a temporary off-leash dog park.

The proposed park "will be turfed and include the planting of trees". Sandstone or concrete block seating will be provided throughout the space, with a 1.2 metre high black pool fence constructed along the north west boundary of the park.

A block retaining wall and row of trees will be established along the south west boundary.

If approved, the demolition would remove a large part of the Margaret Street heritage streetscape, which includes many buildings that date back over 100 years.

Artist's impression of proposed dog park. Image: DA submission, application A003775340

Currently, the sites are owned by Chong’s company, Margaux 93, who bought the land from Devine Limited several years ago, along with a valid 1992 approval for a multi-storey apartment tower over 111-113 Margaret Street.

According to Brisbane City Council, there is also an existing 2012 approval for a two-storey office and shop over 105 and 107 Margaret Street. Marked for demolition: Free Stores Building on Margaret St, Brisbane. Photo: Tony Moore. Source: smh.com.au

Despite the buildings not being on the Queensland Government’s heritage register, protesters against the demolition of these buildings have already gathered in full force.

Protest Group Brisbane Heritage argues that the destruction of 100-year-old buildings for a dog park is ridiculous.

“Their demolition would destroy an almost fully intact heritage streetscape only one block from the Botanic Gardens in the CBD. I’d just like to see the character of Brisbane preserved,” campaign organiser John Macdonald said.

“It’s incredible that you don’t have to make a public advertisement to demolish buildings that are 100 years old.” Heritage campaigner John Macdonald outside three buildings in Margaret St that could be demolished to make way for a temporary dog park. Picture: Annette Dew Source: News Limited

However, architect Noel Robinson, who has been engaged by the site owners, has told the Brisbane Times that the buildings were too badly damaged to be restored.

“The timber is falling out in them and there is asbestos through it and it is dangerous to go in there,” he said.

“The cost of actually trying to keep these facades up – even if they were any good – would be millions of dollars. You’ve got to build steel frames up the back of them and you’ve got to try to hold up crumbling brick walls.”

“Not every old building is a good building and not every one has heritage qualities.” Marked for demolition: Hotpoint House at 111 Margaret Street. Photo: Tony Moore. Source: smh.com.au

Although the application only mentions a temporary dog park, Macdonald believes the Margaret Street sites will ultimately be redeveloped for commercial use. Robinson has said that plans were currently being developed for a major international five star hotel.

So far, 14 submissions opposing the demolition have been lodged with Brisbane City Council, although no decision has yet been made on this application.

Geraldine Chua

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