To address the critical need for health, housing, and legal services in Brisbane, the old West End Police Station, built in 1884, is set to be transformed into a comprehensive community centre.
Located in one of South East Queensland’s homelessness hotspots, the site encompasses Musgrave Park, the Go Between Bridge, and various hostels offering emergency and temporary accommodation. For years, this area has been grappling with significant shortfalls in essential services and the renovation of the West End Police Station aims to directly tackle these challenges.
The Queensland Government, in collaboration with multifaceted housing agency Micah Projects, has allocated a $1.9 million grant for the renovation project, announced Communities Minister Leeanne Enoch. The Queenslander has been vacant since the police station moved to Vulture St in 2021.
Ms Enoch acknowledged the increasing reliance on support services in the area and emphasized the necessity of providing adequate space to cater to the growing demand. The renovated community centre will offer health services, housing support, dentistry facilities, and legal referrals. Micah Projects‘ Karyn Walsh said that a medical respite could be built at the back of the property.
“We desperately need something that is a medical ‘step down’ for when people are discharged early or walk out of the hospital,” she said.
The conversion of the heritage-listed Queenslander into a community hub is expected to be completed by the end of the year, following minor modifications. Furthermore, the state is actively considering other properties to be repurposed as community hubs to address the growing demand for essential services across Brisbane.
Published 30-June-2023