The Future Of The Historic Treasury Building In The CBD Is Looking Bright

When you think of the Treasury Building in Brisbane CBD, blackjack tables and slots machines might spring to mind. And, for the better part of three decades, you’d be dead-on. But ever since Queen’s Wharf stepped onto the scene as the home of world-class dining and entertainment, the Treasury has a new lease on life—literally. 

History Of The Treasury Building

This heritage building was originally constructed (in three stages between 1886 and 1928) to house the Treasury Department on the banks of the Maiwar/Brisbane River. Queensland’s colonial architect, John James Clark, won the building design bid with his grandiose four-storey plan, influenced by 16th-century Italian classical architecture. The new Public Offices were soon occupied by government officials, even before the 42 years of development were complete. 

In the early 1990s, the time came for the Treasury to take up a new occupation, and in 1993 (after some controversial public discussions), the Treasury Casino was born. 

Image credit: Cox Architecture | Website

What’s Next For The Treasury? 

Now that the casino era is over, the Treasury is hitting the books. In September 2024, Griffith University announced that it was acquiring the Treasury Building for $67.5 million to create a new flagship campus—transforming the historic destination into a state-of-the-art hub for law, business and IT. 

Led by Cox Architecture (who are also behind the brand-new Brisbane Stadium), the refitted Treasury Building will have space for around 6000 students and 200 staff with learning, teaching and research facilities taking over the heritage-listed site. 

Despite the extensive internal renovations underway, history lovers will be pleased to know that the architect’s design preserves the building's original structure—even reversing some of the alterations made by the casino. The central courtyard will be restored with three bespoke 12m feature skylights, creating a communal space for study, socialisation or events decked out with natural light, and accessibility will be improved across the building’s entry points and student areas. 

There will also be a customised moot court featuring repurposed early 1900s furniture from Queensland’s old Supreme Court, a 24/7 library and multiple food outlets for students, staff and the public alike. 

Image credit: Cox Architecture | Website

In short, the Treasury Building is set to continue its legacy as an integral part of Brisbane’s social, cultural and economic ecosystems, with a respectful nod to its heritage and history. 

Griffith University’s Treasury Building campus is scheduled to open in 2027.