Wickham Terrace carpark

First conceived in 1958 to tackle Brisbane’s growing parking congestion, Wickham Terrace car park was designed by the then City Architect, James Birrell. Birrell, who also designed Chermside, Annerley and Toowong Libraries and Toowong Pool complex, designed the car park to fit a parcel of land boardering Wickham Terrace and Edward Street. This site was chosen as it took advantage of the proximity to the CBD and Central railway station.

Opened in November 1961, by the Governor, Sir Henry Abel Smith, the car park accommodated 500 vehicles over 7 levels, including a pedestrian tunnel running from the basement of the car park to Central Station.

In 1975, due to demand, two additional levels were added extending the occupancy of the car park to 624 spaces. In 1980, exit and entry lanes were added to and from Turbot Street.

Added to the Queensland Heritage register in 1995 as a perfect example of mid century architecture and innovation in car park design. James Birrell was known for incorporating art as part of the building design, which can been seen throughout the building. These features include, unique one way traffic flow, spiral vehicle exit, stainless steel vertical suspension rods, the waffle slab construction, exposed aggregate pillars and the use of sculptures as part of practical design (Mural pattern of the lift wall).