SITE PARTNER:  

Treasury Brisbane's History

Brisbane CBD

Updated: May 16, 2024

Although the original building was first erected in 1886, 2020 marked 25 years for the site to be housing one of Brisbane’s premier entertainment and accommodation destinations, Treasury Brisbane.

Designed in Italian Renaissance style by Queensland colonial architect JJ Clark, the iconic, heritage-listed building on the inner-city block bordered by William, Queen, George and Elizabeth Streets that we know and love today was actually built in three stages between 1886 and 1928. 

Brisbane Treasury, State Library of Queensland, 1904, heritage listed, art deco

The original building was occupied by the Premier, Colonial Secretary, Registrar-General, Treasury, Mines, Works, Police and Auditor-General.

Stage two, which involved the Elizabeth Street section, was finished in February 1893, and this wing was occupied by the Registrar of Titles, Justice, Works, Public Instruction and the State Savings Bank.

Brisbane Treasury, State Library of Queensland, 1929, heritage listed, art deco

The third stage took 6 years to build and officially opened in 1928.

In 1993 – after much heated and controversial public discussion – the green light was given for the building to undertake a new lease on life, funded by Jupiters Limited. The 2-year conservation project was one of the biggest our city had ever seen, involving over 4,000 dedicated and specialist tradespeople to bring her back to her former glory.

The century-old sandstone exteriors and many of the stunning art deco interior features were retained and the hard work has been recognised with a number of Queensland Heritage Council Gold Awards since.

Brisbane Treasury,  heritage listed, art deco

Diners can enjoy a number of Brisbane’s finest restaurants under the roof of the Treasury Brisbane including Fat Noodle and Black Hide by Gambaro to name just a couple.

Nice to know – there are over 11,000 LED lights on the building’s exterior and you will often see it lit up in celebration of seasonal events and special themes.

By Danella Perrins

Image credits - Image 1, 2 & 3: State Library of Queensland

Treasury Brisbane

130 William St

Brisbane

 

Map

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Archie Moore's kith and kin makes its Australian premiere at GOMA
A turbo-charged, Olivier and Tony Award-winning comedy smash
Stories and music create the unforgettable - as Camerata has captured
Brisbane Writers Festival has launched its 2025 program
One of Australia’s and Brisbane’s very own great lyric soprano, Leanne Kenneally
Bringing together the best of Australian rodeo, campdrafting & country hospitality
Milton House Spring Social is a four weekend pop-up bar
The Plantapalooza plant festival returns to the Saturday Fresh Market
Step inside the world of Waltzing the Wilarra, a powerful, entertaining and music-filled night
EDITOR'S PICK

Best Picnic Spots Around Brisbane

When it comes to picnic spots, Brisbane offers no shortage of stunning locations to lay out a rug and soak up the spring sunshine. Here's 8 of the best
Best Picnic Spots in Brisbane
MUST DO

Brisbane Writers Festival

Brisbane Writers Festival (BWF) unveils an exciting new chapter with a star-studded program of events, held for the first time at the Brisbane Powerhouse
Brisbane Writers Festival 2025
THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do Oct 3-6

From a 2 day CelticFest, The Veronicas at The Triffid. a stunning art exhibition and Oktoberfest at Eat Street to a mega country music festival, the top things to do this long weekend
This Weekend Oct 3-6
COMING UP

What's on in November in & around Brisbane

From Brisbane's top foodie night feast, Halloween at Eat Street, 2-day chilli festival, Melbourne Cup events and Supanova ComicCon to a free pop up riverside concert, what's on in November
What's On in November 2025
MUST SEE

Recovered Futures Art Exhibition

A huge exhibition showcasing 300 stunning works from more than 217 artists with lived mental health experience is taking over King George Square
Recovered Futures
HOT TICKET

The Long Sunset

After a massive sellout in 2024, The Long Sunset is back - and this year it’s setting up camp in Boonah for 3 unforgettable days
The Long Sunset
THE GUIDE

September School Holiday Guide

Spring into the September school holidays with these fantastic activities, shows and events in and around Brisbane
September School Holidays 2025
BEST OF BRISBANE

50+ Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Looking for the best restaurants in Brisbane? Then check out this guide for the must-do dining experiences from the city to the suburbs
Best Restaurants in Brisbane
A wild ride through love, lust & lunacy!
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
ADVERTISEMENT