The heritage listed Belvedere – the building situated next door to South Brisbane’s Greek Club and one that is owned by the Greek community of St George – has been destroyed in a suspicious fire.
The building, which has been abandones for several years, was knocked down today. An excavator was brought in to knock down two walls, which were in danger of collapsing.
“To make sure it’s safe we’re going to knock down two walls to stop them falling on other houses,” Qld Fire and rescue Service acting superintendent Frank Stemm said.
It took 11 fire crews 90 minutes to fight the fire and try and save the building but it was all in vain.
The Greek Community of St George, which owns the building, has been told to call in an excavator after a Brisbane City Council representative deemed it unsafe.
The Belvedere building at 27 Edmonstone Street is more than 125 years old and once inspired prize-winning Brisbane writer David Malouf.
It is understood the Greek community applied for the building to be demolished in 2010 but after a legal battle, it was decided the historic building would be restored.
Since then, it has been boarded up and been the haunt of squatters, although there was nobody in the house when the fire took hold.
There were fears that the fire could threaten neighbouring properties, which include the Greek Club and a sprawling, renovated colonial home.
Greek Club Vice-President Michael Anastas said it had been a morning of shock and awe.
He said he had been at the site since 7:00 am and his first priority was to work with police and fire crews and ensure no one was inside.
“The (Greek) Community has taken immediate precautions and shut down our services on the advice of the fire brigade,” he said.
Their services include the Greek Club next door to Belvedere, their church, child care, aged care, respite care and disability and youth services.
He said the use of the building and land was the subject of legal proceedings.
“(Brisbane City) Council had rejected an application for demolition during the past 12 months,” he said.
“We’re currently actively involved in discussions with the Council to discuss options for the retention of the property ans to maximise the benefits to the community for its services and needs – not just the Greek Community, the broader community,” he said.
When asked if the Greek Community had any plans to develop the property, Mr Anastas said development “was not the appropriate word”.
Source: news.com
