Department of Public Works (Queensland)
In the same year, construction begins on the Suncorp Stadium redevelopment in Brisbane. The redevelopment of Suncorp Stadium was the biggest and most ambitious project of its kind ever undertaken by the Department of Public Works. It involved a significant expansion of the stadium and the implementation of extensive built infrastructure and technologically advanced building systems.
The 52,500-seat world-class venue opened in June 2003 – on budget and on time – and became home to the Brisbane Broncos rugby league team. Today, it also hosts national and international rugby union and soccer games along with State of Origin matches and music concerts.
Department of Public Works (Queensland)
The state was originally part of the British-administered colony of New South Wales. On 10 December 1859 Queensland separated from New South Wales and the Colony of Queensland was established.
After separation, New South Wales administrators withdrew and the new colony was left to develop its own public service. This, together with an increasing number of immigrants moving to the state, brought about a program of building works which was to give Queensland some of its best examples of 19th century architecture.
One of the first buildings to be commissioned was the Old Ipswich Courthouse. Designed by Queensland Colonial Architect, Charles Tiffin, the building was completed on 19 July 1859.
The stone and brick neo-classical structure became the archetype for many of the courthouses built in the colony for the rest of the century. The building continued to serve as Ipswich’s courthouse until the early 1980s, when a new court complex was built. In turn, it was replaced by the Ipswich Courthouse which was built 2009-2010. The original courthouse is now heritage-listed and serves as an important reminder of the beginnings of Queensland. Charles Tiffin would go on to design and construct more than 300 public buildings for Queensland.