Treasury Building, Brisbane
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The former Queensland Government Treasury Building, is located in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia on a city block surrounded by George Street, Queen Street, Elizabeth Street and William Street.
The building is near the northern end of Victoria Bridge and the Elizabeth Street frontage is opposite the Queens Gardens.
In the 1890s and early 1900s the imposing Treasury Building served as a symbol of self-government and as a focus for celebratory and patriotic displays. In 1901 the proclamation of the federation of the Australian Commonwealth was read by the Governor of Queensland Baron Lamington from a balcony on the William Street elevation.
The Treasury was erected in three stages between 1886 and 1928. In 1883 a design competition for a two-storeyed building was won by Melbourne architects Grainger and D'Ebro. However this design was never used as the Queensland Colonial Architect, John James Clark, argued that the site warranted a four-storeyed complex. Clark's own neo-Italianate design, entered in the competition prior to his appointment, was used. Clarke is also known for his earlier work on the Old Treasury Building in Melbourne and other public works in Perth.
The first stage of the building to be completed was the William Street and part of the Queen St frontages. When completed in September 1889, the new building was occupied by the Premier, Colonial Secretary, Registrar-General, Treasury, Mines, Works, Police and Auditor-General. The construction of stage two, which completed the Elizabeth Street section, was commenced almost immediately and was completed by February 1893. This new wing was occupied by the Registrar of Titles, Justice, Works, Public Instruction and the State Savings Bank. The final stage of construction saw the completion of the Queen and George street frontages. This was commenced in 1922 and officially opened in 1928, providing expanded accommodation for the existing occupants.
The building is faced with sandstone ashlar except for the inner walls of the arcade. These brick walls are finished with lined and unpainted render imitating ashlar. Each phase of construction has used a different type of sandstone. A colour difference is discernible between the Highfields stone used for the first phase of construction, and the Helidon sandstones used for the later stages. The external walls sit on a porphyry plinth.
The Queensland Government Cabinet met in the building until the 1905, when the Premier's Department moved into the Executive Building (subsequently known as the Lands Administration Building) in George Street. Subsequently, more departments moved out of the building into modern accommodation and the Treasury, along with the Lands Administration Building were sold and now form the Conrad Treasury Casino.
The design was proposed by Australian Architect John James Clark. In that time the treasury building would be home to many government authorities such as the Registrar-General, Premier, Treasury, Security, Mines, and the Police. However, from 1989 the Registrar-General was the sole occupant of the building due to the development of other modern accommodation for other members of the government. The building is an important symbol of the development and progress of Brisbane’s political history. The architectural style can be compared to that of the 16th century Italian architecture. (EPA 2006) It has an accomplished design, detailing both exterior and interior, materials such as sandstone and boasts exquisite workmanship. Compared to modern buildings in the Brisbane CBD it is a jewel of history that should be appreciated. It is this transcendence that this building has with our past that adds to its significance to Brisbane now in 2006. The now Conrad Treasury Casino, is now a contrast of the once political orientated statue it is now a building full vibrance and entertainment. It is home to two bars, five restaurants, and eight function rooms. The treasury casino is also provides for the Brisbane community by hosting of the annual groove and grape festival plus the entertainment they provide every night of the week. This includes comedy shows, bands, musicians and dancing shows.
