Newstead House and Substation Conservation Project
Protecting, conserving and investing in heritage places and their stories plays an important role in creating community identity, sustaining local economies and contributing to Queensland’s cultural heritage tourism industry.
The Queensland Government committed over $5 million for remedial works to conserve Newstead House, Brisbane’s oldest surviving European home.
Newstead House was first built in 1846, and later significantly extended, and demonstrates aspects of the early period of European settlement in Queensland. The adjoining substation, the former Brisbane Tramways Substation No. 5, is important in demonstrating the pattern of Queensland’s industrial development.
To conserve and address safety issues, works included roof replacement, drainage and service upgrades, repair work to structural and decorative timbers, stone and brickwork, repainting the exterior, and interior works to revitalise this historically significant building.
Works commenced in December 2021, with the project now complete.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Newstead House and Substation Conservation Project?
The Queensland Government places great value on our state’s unique and diverse cultural heritage, which is why we committed over $5 million for remedial works to conserve Newstead House, Brisbane’s oldest surviving European home.
What is the substation and why is it being preserved?
The former electricity Substation No. 5 was built in the 1920s to help power the city’s tramway system. It is one of a number of such substations that powered the trams around Brisbane which are now also listed in the Queensland Heritage Register (search using the term ‘600265’).
Why is it important to conserve Newstead House?
Protecting, conserving and investing in heritage places and their stories plays an important role in creating community identity, sustaining local economies and contributing to Queensland’s cultural heritage tourism industry.
Who is responsible for the Newstead House and Substation Conservation Project?
The Newstead House Conservation Project has been funded by the Queensland Government and managed by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation on behalf of the Board of Trustees of Newstead House.
What is the Newstead House collection?
The Newstead House collection is an assortment of more than 6,000 historical items, collected over many years from a range of sources and are displayed within the home as museum pieces.
The management of the collection formed part of the project and the interpretation of Newstead House as a late 1880s residence ready for its reopening.
If you have any questions about the project, contact heritage@des.qld.gov.au
What if I would like to visit Newstead House and Park?
Visit the Newstead House website for more information.
Event spaces within Newstead Park are available for hire. Enquiries should be made to enquiries@newsreadhouse.com.au