CONSERVATION PROJECT

In 2021, the Queensland Government announced a $5.5million to restore and conserve Newstead House and the historic former electricity substation known as Substation No. 5.

Built as a privately owned cottage in 1846, Newstead House is Brisbane’s earliest surviving European residence. Newstead House, along with the Substation and the Park were entered into the Queensland Heritage Register in October 1992.

Newstead House is a house museum that has been loved by generations of Queenslanders, however, after 175 years, the house is starting to show the natural wear and tear that can occur when many thousands of people visit the building each year.

It’s important we protect our heritage and maintain buildings like Newstead House for all to enjoy.

The conservation project aims to undertake works to protect and conserve Newstead House and present it as a late 1800s residence.

While the project team is working to conserve and interpret the house to an 1800s residence, modern building codes will need to be complied with. 

The works undertaken include replacement of the concrete roof tiles with Welsh slate, structural repairs to the foundations, improving ventilation in the basement, and interior and exterior finishes.

The conservation project includes an extensive program of work to protect and conserve Newstead House. 

The present form and layout dates to when the Harris family occupied the Newstead House between 1862-1890.  George Harris, a businessman and member of the Legislative Council of Queensland, and wife Jane were renowned for their lavish ‘voguish’ lifestyle. An auction catalogue dating from 1890 details the extent and extravagance of the Harris home furnishings and reveals Harris’ interest in Eastern cultures, which were also evident in interior and exterior decorations. The auction catalogue is being used to help inform a faithful interpretation of Newstead House as part of the delivery of the conservation works.

The colours chosen to repaint the exterior of Newstead House reflects the scheme of the house when occupied by the Harris family during 1862-1890. Heritage experts from Department of Environment and Science conducted a thorough study of the early colour schemes of Newstead House to inform the historically accurate reinterpretation. 

Further opportunities to learn more about the investigative process and research undertaken to inform the colour study will be offered upon the reopening of Newstead House in mid-2023.

The Substation was built in the 1920s to help power the city’s tramway system. It is one of several such substations that powered the trams around Brisbane which are now also listed in the Queensland Heritage Register.

While the Substation’s rationale, design, and use does not intrinsically link with Newstead House, it has been part of the home’s overall environment for close to 100 years and it’s important to preserve the Substation for all of Queensland to enjoy.

The Newstead House collection is a vast assortment of some historical items, collected over many years from a range of sources and are displayed within the home as museum pieces.

To help facilitate the conservation works, it was necessary to remove and store the Newstead House collection. As part of this work a full inventory of the collection has been created and all hard-copy collection records digitised.  The Museum of Brisbane have been supporting the work on the Newstead House collection and have established a comprehensive framework to guide collection management into the future in line with accepted Museum practices.

The Newstead House Conservation Project is being funded by the Queensland Government and managed by the Department of Environment and Science on behalf of the Newstead House Board of Trustees. residence.

Brisbane City Council are working with the State to support the project and minimise the impacts to Newstead Park.

Brisbane City Council has relocated the Newstead Park grounds team to a temporary location adjacent to the public toilets.

As with any major building project, there will be a need to temporarily close Newstead House for worker and public safety.

To facilitate the safe construction for the conservation project there will be no bookings for events at Newstead House during the project. 

It is anticipated that the House will be re-opened to the public in mid-2023.

To ensure safety for workers and the public during construction work we will have to close Newstead House and sections of Newstead Park for a period. This may include closures of the main entrance and road into Newstead Park (on the corner of Breakfast Creek Road and Newstead Avenue) as well as the immediate area around the house.  All parts of the park not enclosed in the construction footprint will remain open to the public and access can be achieved via pedestrian paths and the boat pontoon. People with mobility issues or heavier items may require additional support to access the park during construction due to the closure of the road access into the park. We apologies for any inconvenience this may create.

Brisbane City Council has relocated the Newstead Park grounds team to a temporary location adjacent to the public toilets

Project works is being coordinated with the Brisbane City Council Green Bridges project team to limit impact to Newstead Park and visitors.

The bookable event spaces within Newstead Park will be available for hire during this time although a few temporary disruptions may occur during particular construction activities. More information on these times will be provided soon. 

It must be noted that the usual aesthetic backdrop of the house will be significantly impacted by construction scaffolding, screens and fencing and may not be suitable for events such as weddings during this period. People with mobility issues or heavier items may require additional support to access the park during construction due to the closure of the road access into the park. We apologies for any inconvenience this may create.

No memorials will be impacted by the Newstead House Conservation Project.  All construction plans will take into account and minimise the risk to any culturally significant element of the park or house. All ceremonial use of the memorials will continue during the construction. People with mobility issues or heavier items may require additional support to access the park during construction due to the closure of the road access into the park. We apologies for any inconvenience this may create.

The bookable event spaces will still be available for hire during this time although a few temporary disruptions may occur during construction activities. More information on these times will be given.

It must be noted that the access to Newstead Park will be impacted at times, when only pedestrian access will be available. Access for people with mobility issues or for heavier items maybe more difficult due to the temporary closure of the road access into the park. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

People with mobility issues may require additional support to access the park during construction. Signage will be installed for any detours in place. We apologise for any inconvenience this may create.

The construction plans will take into account, and minimise the risk, to any culturally significant elements of the Park or House.

The access road to Newstead House and Newstead Park will be closed for periods of time during the project. Specific times will be confirmed once the project scope and timeline is confirmed in the near future.  The closest parking location is along Newstead Avenue. The number of car parks available will be reduced and public transport may be the best way to get to the park.  

For further information on the Newstead House conservation project or for information about Newstead House and future events, programs and visiting the House when it re-opens, enquiries should be directed to Newstead House management:

Phone – 07 3216 1846 or Email – enquiries@newsteadhouse.com.au

For further information about Newstead Park enquiries should be directed to Brisbane City Council:

Phone – 07 3403 8888.