Architectural plan and perspective drawing of Brisbane Customs House, Queen Street, Brisbane

Architectural plan and perspective drawing of Brisbane Customs House, Queen Street, Brisbane
Customs House on Queen Street was erected between 1886 and 1889. This plan lists the materials and cost of the building whilst under construction.

This document was ranked #68 in the Top 150 exhibition.
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Theme

Buildings Plans

Time

1860s

Tags

Architecture Heritage River Top 150
Source
QSA Series ID 17690, Architectural Drawings of Public Buildings
Contributor

News of the day: TBA
Background: While Brisbane’s first Customs House opened in March 1850, the steady growth of Brisbane as a port ensured that larger premises would eventually be required. Designed by Colonial Architect Charles Tiffin, the well-known Brisbane contractor John Petrie & Son commenced work on a new Customs House in 1886, with construction being completed three years later at a cost of £39,000. The building features an unusual semi-circular bay, a distinctive copper-sheathed dome and Corinthian columns. The Customs House was taken over by the Commonwealth government following Federation in 1901 and remained under federal control until 1988. Acquired by the University of Queensland under a 99-year lease, the building was completely refurbished and opened as an inner-city facility in 1994. It remains a Brisbane landmark and is one of the State’s best examples of classic revival architecture.

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