RedHillSkateProject

Exclusive photos from inside the burned-out much-loved 60s and 70s entertainment centre ... the Red Hill Skate Arena.

A landmark inner-city Brisbane property derelict since destroyed by arson six years ago, has been sold paving the way for the development of a residential and retail complex.

The Red Hill Skate Arena, on the corner of Musgrave Road and Enoggera Terrace in Paddington, has been sold conditionally for an undisclosed price.

The elevated site has been associated with community entertainment since the former picture theatre was converted into a skate rink in the 1920s. It operated as a skate rink until the fire on Boxing Day 2002.

The property was sold by David Venables who has owned the skating rink for 35 years and some years ago purchased the adjoining block of land from the Queensland Police Service

This week (September 19) real estate brokers, DTZ, confirmed the 2,000 square metre property was contracted for sale but declined to name the new owners.

Agent, Mark Evans, said he could not release details of the sale until it became unconditional, probably in mid October.

He said the sale was a good opportunity to remove an eyesore.

This site needs something to happen on it. It is truly time for some development to tidy it up, he said.

The sale contract includes Brisbane City Council development approval for a 20 unit residential and retail space.

The fit out within the skate rink is for 14 units over three floors and a new building on the corner of Musgrave Road and Enoggera Terrace for retail on the ground level and six units over the two upper storeys, a council spokesman said.

The building is on the Brisbane City Council heritage register, and the council spokesman said the development approval required the rinks façade and roof be retained.

Earlier this century, the building was also the subject of an unsuccessful bid to have it listed on the Queensland heritage register.

In December 2002, Brisbane newspaper The Courier Mail reported that current property owner, David Venables welcomed the failed heritage bid because the attempted listing had stopped developers ..approaching him with a range of commercial and residential proposals.

It is not known whether the contracted owners propose to redevelop the site.

The rink was destroyed by fire on Boxing Day 2002 leading to the charging of 23 year old John Cameron Wright with arson, break-and-enter and stealing.

Mark Evans from DTZ said the burnt out shell of the building was not a danger to public safety as it was regularly inspected by council. However, the building has been a target of graffiti vandals and on occasions entry to the building has not been secured.

This reporter inspected the ruined interior after gaining entry through an unlocked front door. The condition of the rinks interior raises questions about the condition and safety of the building.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Red Hill
• roller-skating
• Brisbane
• heritage
• arson
• Paddington
• Skate-Arena

[isayrawr100]

this is great, thanks for uploading :) is there any way to view the original still photos of inside the building?