Police lock-up (former)

It was the combination of a need for a lockup and the prospect of the area growing in population, that lead to tenders being called in August 1872 for the erection of a “Lock-up, Kangaroo Point”.1 The successful tenderer was John Petrie, who at the same time was awarded the tender for “additions to Government House”.1 Plans were changed just prior to the construction so as to include accommodation for the constable. This timber and brick building originally contained an area for one large cell, but this was later divided so that two cells were created. Small alterations were carried out over the years to make the building more habitable for the resident constables and their families.1

In August 1910 tenders were called for “New Cells, additions, and alterations, Police Station, Kangaroo Point”.1 The work included the addition of verandahs to the lockup and the two cells converted into offices. Two further cells were constructed external to the building. These two cells are the existing lockup. The successful tenderer for this job was a Mr. T Hooper, who, for the sum of £216 completed the work.1 As a cost cutting measure it appears that the original cell doors were reused in the new cells.

By 1927 Petrie’s timber and brick building had become inadequate for its purposes. The Sub-Inspector, after inspecting the police station, wrote to the Inspector of Police;
    …I am quite satisfied that the building at present housing the Acting Sergeant with his wife and family is not suited for that purpose and that a new building in imperative.1

Other factors were also given consideration within the letter; the viability to renovate rather than demolish the old station; the ideal location of the station with the “probability of a new bridge being erected over the water in the near future;” value of the land to the Government as an asset; and the need to have a police station in close proximity to the population of Kangaroo Point, which was described as being “estimated at 20,000 – and increasing”.1

Eventually it was decided to demolish the old station (that was constructed in 1872) and rebuild - retaining the cells constructed in 1910. The old station was vacated in July 1928, and the police used a temporary site in Carter Street, Kangaroo Point. The station was demolished and a new reinforced-concrete structure was erected.1

The cellblock remained intact, and from 1928 was basically used for storage purposes. The new station, which included an expanded residence, was occupied in 1929 and continued in service until 1964. The detached twin cell structure although built in 1910 is constructed to an earlier design. Examples also constructed in Cairns (1884) and Clifton (1897).1

Woven wire grills were placed over the ventilator bars of the two cells circa 1948.1 At one stage the cell block had a lavatory added to the verandah, (now removed). A 1951 police report indicates it was for the use of the constables at the station and the public.1 A carport was added in the 1940s but was later removed.

With the redefining of the Police districts in 1964 and as an indication of the changing circumstances of the Kangaroo Point, the station was no longer required, its duties being absorbed by the Woolloongabba station. The building continued in use only as a residence for the local constables until 1976. In that year part of the site was resumed for the Story Bridge Expressway and the Station and residence were demolished.1 The cell building remained on site, but was sold not long after to the proprietor of the Story Bridge Hotel for removal. However, the cellblock was never removed from the site.

In 1996 it was announced that the cellblock was to be moved on the site and renovated to accommodate development of the property. Such is the sentiment and historic importance attached to this building that its alterations caused a mixed response within the local community. While some approved of the retention and incorporation of the cellblock into the new complex, other residents described the situation as if “the historic building had been raped”.1 The building is now used as a reception area.

The building’s verandah is supported by timber posts with a simple hand and midrail balustrade in between. It is partially enclosed with lattice above the handrail.

The heavy tongue and groove timber doors of the cells still have their original bolts and peepholes. An opening above each door and within the opposite wall of the cells is secured with iron bars to provide ventilation.

The building is located close to the corner alignment with Thornton and Main Streets and has been incorporated into a recently built office building. The two are connected by a glazed link. A doorway has been punched into the rear wall of the building. A toilet, which was once located on the verandah, partially enclosing it, has been removed.

1. Brisbane City Council Heritage Files. Police Lock-Up. Notes By B Rough

2. Queensland Government Gazette. 1872, Vol. XIII. p.1061

3. Queensland Government Gazette. 1872, Vol. XIII. p.1539

4. Brisbane City Council Heritage Files. Police Lock-Up. Notes By B Rough

5. Queensland Government Gazette. 1910, Vol. XCV. p. 44

6. Department of Works Files, held at Police Museum. Copies held in Brisbane City Council Heritage Files – Police Lock-Up

7. “Police Dept of Queensland”, Letter from Sub Inspector to Inspector of Police. Queensland State Archives.

8. Ibid

9. “Police Dept of Queensland”, Memo from Inspector of Police. Dated 9 July 1928. Queensland State Archives.

10. Brisbane City Council Heritage Files. Police Lock-Up. Notes By B Rough

11. Ibid

12. “Police Dept of Queensland”. Letter to the Inspector of Police, South Coast District from W.C. Bramley Sergeant, South Coast District, Kangaroo Point. Dated 7 October 1951.

13. “Queensland Police Department”. Letter to the Inspector of Police from Sub Inspector”. Dated 27 February 1967.

14. The Sunday Mail. 16 June 1996. p.46