Hospitality management group Solotel plans to breathe new life into the heritage listed Collins Place at Southpoint, creating a “modern” Queensland pub with design features that stay true to the buildings rich heritage and Brisbane’s sub-tropical climate.
An architectural focal point in Anthony John Group’s $600m mixed-use development in South Bank, the 127-year-old building was originally built around 1890 for Ship Inn proprietor Michael Foley.
The building has had many lives, from a fashionable residence to police station and restaurant Spaghetti House during World Expo 88.
Solotel Director Bruce Solomon said it was the locational features as well as the building’s history and aesthetic that attracted them to Southpoint, making the building's redevelopment the group's third venture in Brisbane.
“The opportunity of being part of the new precinct and having access to a new market in a new area was a big draw for us. South Bank has a fantastic reputation as the city’s premier cultural and lifestyle destination, and we see Southpoint as another exciting extension to this offering. We’re delighted to be working with the Anthony John Group on this new venture and see a great opportunity for our new venue to be at the heart of this new precinct."Mr Solomon said that the design team have been very conscious of staying true to the building as an authentic Queenslander and will be respectful to the history of the building.
“This is a beautiful old Queenslander, steeped in history, a real stand out, unique space. The architecture and interior will be a playful design mix of the heritage of the house and the tropical aesthetic of Queensland.
"All elements will be considered for their authenticity to the heritage of the house and its location.
“As the natural house plan will remain, guests will feel like they are being entertained in a rambling private house, and the space will have a lived-in, casual feeling," he said.
Anthony John Group Managing Director Tony John said there has been strong ongoing interest in what was to come.
“We know many people have been watching and waiting to see what becomes of this special building. We are so excited to see this very talented team bring Collins Place back to life, being such an important part of our local history and a real hero piece for Southpoint.”
“The painstaking process being undertaken to restore and refurbish this beautiful structure is a fine example of how developers can preserve and incorporate heritage buildings into the masterplan - the end result being not only a spectacular juxtaposing of old and new built form, but another drawcard for tourism and customers.”
Solotel’s yet-to-be-named venture is scheduled to open at Southpoint in June 2017.
