Lamb House dodges demolition for another 60 days
Brisbane’s heritage-listed Lamb House is now protected from demolition until November 17.
Lamb House was built as the family home of prominent Queensland Street draper John Lamb in 1901-02 and is today still owned by Joy Lamb.
The view of Brisbane from the front verandah of Lamb House, built between 1901 and 1902 for one of Brisbane’s leading traders, John Lamb of Queen Street is truly breathtaking.
Photo Credits: TONY MOORE
Lamb House has been on the Queensland Heritage Register since October 1992.
Above: A large hole in the roof has not been repaired and any rain will damage the top floor of the Kangaroo Point property.
The Palaszczuk government has extended stop-work orders over the heritage-listed property for another 60 business days.
Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch first put a stop order on June 3, preventing work not approved by Brisbane City Council or the Queensland government at the site.
The stop order was placed over the site after Environment Department officers received advice Ms Lamb was considering demolishing part of the property.
Lord mayor Adrian Schrinner said he had met with Ms Lamb to discuss the situation.
The council and the state government have sought legal advice that suggested Lamb House could not be resumed, Cr Schrinner said.
"Both the state government and the council have legal advice that suggests we cannot compulsorily acquire the property.
"So it cannot be a resumption. It would have to be a purchase with the agreement of the owner. "That makes it a challenge."
Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad said the second stop order would reassure the community members who were passionate to protect Lamb House.
"The protection of Lamb House is an important example of state and local government working together to ensure heritage locations are respected and cared for within Brisbane," Ms Trad said.
"Lamb House includes a substantial, 118-year-old, two-storey brick home that is a rare surviving example of an intact Federation-period Brisbane residence.
"We have seen too much of Brisbane’s history and heritage fall into disrepair and disappear, and we cannot stand by and witness this wonderful surviving example of Federation-period Brisbane vanish from the landscape."
Ms Enoch, who oversees the Queensland Heritage Register, said the department’s heritage specialists had been in touch with Ms Lamb. "They have requested that essential repair works be undertaken," Ms Enoch said.
"To date, these works have not yet occurred."
The Queensland government has recently discussed with Cr Schrinner ways to better protect Brisbane’s heritage.
Ms Trad made the approach last week during discussions over the Broadway Hotel at the Gabba. "Last week I also advocated that both the lord mayor and [Ms] Enoch think about establishing a more structured collaboration process between both jurisdictions to ensure our city’s heritage is better protected."
Cr Schrinner said the approach made by the state government was sensible.
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