Architecture and Buildings, Published 9 March 2026
If you’ve ever wandered through Woolloongabba (Queensland) and spotted a grand old brick beauty looking a little worse for wear, you’ve probably met the Broadway Hotel - a Queensland icon built way…
If you’ve ever wandered through Woolloongabba (Queensland) and spotted a grand old brick beauty looking a little worse for wear, you’ve probably met the Broadway Hotel - a Queensland icon built way back in 1890 and designed by the busy architectural firm John Hall & Son. This place was the definition of boom‑era confidence, all ornate brickwork, balconies, and a corner tower that practically shouted, “Look at me!”.
But like all dramatic legends, the Broadway has had its share of heartbreak. After closing in 2010, the hotel was hit by a major fire that same year, then another devastating blaze in 2018, and because history apparently loves a trilogy - a third fire in January 2026. Each one stripped away more of its roof, interior, and original features, leaving the once‑glamorous landmark roofless, charred, and fenced off like a wounded stage star waiting for its comeback.
Despite the damage, the Broadway refuses to bow out. Stabilisation works have kept the structure standing, and even in its fire‑scarred state, it remains a heritage‑listed landmark with serious aesthetic and historical significance.
The future? Well, let's hope the current owner will finally bring this grand old landmark back to life.
Colorised Image:
Original B&W Image, Queensland State Archives, Public Domain. Image has been colourised and digitally enhanced using AI. While care has been taken to preserve the original details, the result is an artistic interpretation and may not accurately represent the scene as it originally appeared.
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