Source: Couriermail.com.au
Historic property Belvedere was devastated by fire and subsequently demolished on November 13 at Edmondstone St, South Brisbane. Picture: Peter Wallis. Source: News Corp Australia
THE Greek Orthodox Community of St George hasn’t decided what to do with the site where a historic home stood until a devastating fire last week, despite years of fighting with the council over the property.
The heritage-listed Belvedere building had stood in Edmondstone St, South Brisbane, since 1888 before it was destroyed by fire and subsequently demolished on November 13.
Firefighters battle the fire in Edmonstone St, South Brisbane. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: News Corp Australia
The Greek Orthodox Community of St George had owned the property for about 30 years.
President Jim Georgiou said the community was “shocked” by what had happened, but no future plans had been made.
“We haven’t had a committee meeting. We’re in between terms and hopefully will have a new committee coming on next week, then we can start talking,” he said
“We had been planning to renovate it, architects had been employed.
“There will be a lot of discussion and whatever it is will go in front of our members.”
The Brisbane City Council refused an application in 2010 to demolish the building, which is listed on council’s Heritage Register.
The decision was appealed and was before the courts at the time of the fire.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said he was disappointed the Belvedere had been destroyed.
“It’s very sad news for the local community and the broader Brisbane community that this precious and historic building has been destroyed by fire,” he said.
There were reports squatters had been living in the abandoned boarding home, though no one was inside at the time of the blaze.
A Queensland Fire and Rescue Services spokeswoman said due to the intensity of the fire an investigation could not take place, and for safety reasons the building was demolished the day of the fire.
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