Queensland’s oldest police station is set to be transformed into a community services hub.
The West End Police Station in Brisbane was vacated by Police back in 2014, after more than 130 years of service.
Built in 1884, the historic building will now undergo upgrade works for a new life as a community hub, with the refurbishment reflecting consideration of its heritage-listed status, Minister Leeanne Enoch has confirmed.
“This new community hub will be a valuable new resource for Queenslanders in need in West End and surrounding areas,” said Minister Enoch.
“The heritage listed building has been used intermittently since its closure, including for the G20 summit and the Commonwealth Games, and this renewed use will mean an ongoing benefit for the local community.”
The building, now owned by the Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts, will be leased to Micah Projects to offer a range of services and supports in the central West End location.
“Micah Projects are already a well-established service provider in West End and are funded by the Palaszczuk Government to provide a range of services to vulnerable Queenslanders,” said Ms Enoch.
“This includes community support services under the Queensland Community Support Scheme, with an investment of over $1.9 million over the next five years.
“Having these services available from the Boundary Street location will mean more people are able to access them when they are in need,” she said.
The new hub is expected to open by the end of the year.
“We welcome the opportunity to create accessible services to the most vulnerable in the community,” said Micah Projects Chief Executive Officer, Karyn Walsh.
“We are also looking forward to working with the department on the repurposing of the building.”
