Nestled along Redcliffe Parade, an art deco gem stands as a testament to the peninsula’s rich history. The former Redcliffe Town Council Chambers, now a heritage-listed building, has witnessed the transformation of Redcliffe from a small coastal town to a thriving city.
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Constructed in 1940-41 for £5,200 (equivalent to $542,180 today), the building was designed by Sidney William Prior and brought to life by builder Carl Gustav Thiedeke. Its creation coincided with a pivotal moment in Redcliffe’s development, following the construction of the Hornibrook Highway that connected the peninsula to Brisbane.
The building’s architectural features are a callback to a bygone era. A curved façade greets visitors, while high, decorative ceilings and silky oak timber details showcase the craftsmanship of the time. Glass bricks and stained glass add to its unique character, with a striking four-metre high stained-glass window depicting explorer John Oxley as the centrepiece of the council meeting room.
Originally serving multiple purposes, the building housed council services, offices, and even facilities for the South Coast Hospitals Board. Its versatility was evident in the array of rooms, from a surgery and examination rooms to a dispensary and waiting area.
The building’s significance grew alongside Redcliffe itself. When Redcliffe achieved city status on 11 June 1959, the chambers stood as a symbol of the community’s progress. However, change came in 1972 when the Council relocated, and the building was repurposed as a community health centre.
Despite facing challenges, including extensive fire damage in 2006, the building’s story was far from over. A careful renovation breathed new life into the structure, preserving its heritage while adapting to modern needs.
Today, the former Council Chambers houses Wallace Davies Solicitors, owned by Peter Wallace, whose family connection to the building spans generations. Mr Wallace reminisced about growing up in the building, mentioning his father’s role as a councillor and his brother-in-law’s career beginnings within these very walls.
Mr Wallace expressed his appreciation for the building’s unique qualities, particularly its age and high ceilings. He notes the rarity of such well-preserved buildings in Redcliffe, highlighting the special ambiance that can only be found in a structure of this vintage.
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As it approaches its centenary, the former Redcliffe Town Council Chambers continues to serve the community, albeit in a different capacity. Its journey from civic centre to legal practice encapsulates the evolving nature of Redcliffe itself – honouring its past while embracing the future. This architectural treasure stands not just as a protected heritage site, but as a living, breathing part of Redcliffe’s ongoing story.
Published 24-September-2024
