By Susan Schwartz
The heritage-listed Brisbane School of Arts building at 166 Ann St in the city will be sold after the Council failed to receive feasible proposals to revitalise the property.
The Council’s expressions of interest process, which finished in May 2026, called for industry, cultural organisations, education providers and investors to collaborate on the revitalisation for a “commercially-sustainable, community-enhancing, heritage-led outcome.”
The Council was looking for a vibrant mixed-use concept that combined cultural programming, adult learning, and commercial uses such as boutique food and beverage outlets that respected the building’s significance.
Brisbane Deputy Mayor Fiona Cunningham said the Brisbane School of Arts building was one of only a handful of heritage landmarks left in Brisbane with untapped potential for renewal.
“Opportunities like this are rare and we’re now looking to secure private sector investment to write the next chapter of this iconic Brisbane building,” Cr Cunningham said.
The building, which is currently vacant, was erected in 1865-66 with a ground floor and two upper galleries.
According to the government’s Queensland Heritage Register, it was originally known as a Servants Home that accommodated single adult females who had migrated to Queensland and were waiting to be employed as domestic servants.
It was purchased in 1873 by the trustees of the North Brisbane School of Arts for one thousand pounds and let to tenants before it was converted to a school of arts in 1878.
It had libraries and reading rooms to “advance reading and study by the delivery of lectures and otherwise,” according to a trustee document. It promoted the “recreation and entertainment of its members by games of skill, and generally the diffusion of knowledge and the promotion of intellectual amusement.”
A hall was added to the rear in 1884 to cater for the Brisbane Technical College which operated there until 1902 when the government took responsibility for technical education.
The Brisbane City Council took over the trusteeship in 1965-66 and continued to operate a public library at the site until 1981, after which it was let to various community groups.
Cr Cunningham said any future owner would be required to comply with heritage protections and planning requirements, ensuring the building’s historic character is preserved.
“We’ve seen heritage buildings successfully restored and brought back to life through private sector investment, including Customs House, the former Brisbane Dental Hospital and the former Treasury Building, which is set to become a university campus,” Cr Cunningham said.
“This is a win-win for Brisbane residents because it secures the long-term future of a heritage landmark while unlocking investment in the services and infrastructure residents rely on every day.”
