2020 marked a milestone year for Treasury as we celebrated 25 years as a premier entertainment destination. Let’s take a look back at the historical timeline of Treasury Hotel and Casino.
1883
The Queensland Government announces details of a competition for the design and construction of the ‘New Public Offices’ in Treasury Square.
1886
Stage one of construction of the Treasury Building commences after a lengthy judging process decides on a grand design by colonial architect John James Clark
1889
As the economic boom continues, stage two of Clark’s design commences – The ₤67,000 project takes 30 months to complete.
1890
The Government decides to construct a new Lands Building even though the Treasury Building remains incomplete. The site is chosen on Elizabeth Street, opposite the Treasury Building.
1893
In January, stage two of Clark’s design is completed and soon fully utilised by the Premier, Colonial Secretary, Registrar-General, Treasury, Mines Works, Police, and Auditor-General.
1893
Severe flooding devastates the town centre and river flats. Some Team Members are marooned in government offices, banding together to create makeshift campsites indoors and temporary fires in the courtyard to cook their food.
1897
Victoria Bridge is destroyed in the floods and has to be completely rebuilt. The reopening of the bridge is the first celebration held at the Treasury, positioning the building as a focus of future major events and public celebrations.
1901
Commonwealth Day, 1 January 1901; one of the most significant days in contemporary Australian history. The proclamation of the federation of the Australian Commonwealth is read by the Governor of Queensland, Baron Lamington, from a balcony on the William Street elevation.
1914
Queensland War Council operates from an office in the Treasury Building for the duration of the First World War – responsible for coordinating Queensland divisions and organising their movements to and from Europe and the Middle East.
1928
Queen and George Street frontages open.
1942
Treasury Building undergoes important changes during WWII. In case of air raids, the windows are taped up and metal shutters fitted to maintain blackout conditions when Team Members work at night.
1959
The Land Administration Building is illuminated in magnificent style for Queen Elizabeth II during the royal tour centenary year.
1989 – 1993
The Registrar-General is the sole occupant of the building, as other members of the Government move to newer, more modern quarters. The building’s first tenant is also the last, with the Registrar-General leaving the building after 100 years of continuous occupancy.
1992
After a period of rigorous and often controversial public debate, plans for the Treasury and Land Administration Building to become a casino and hotel become a reality. State Government selects a proposal by Jupiters Limited for the refurbishment process.
1993
The largest conservation project of its time commences. Researchers painstakingly gather and collate vast amounts of information in order to retain the important heritage features of the building. A dedicated team of specialist tradesmen are employed to ensure every detail of the refurbishment process remains authentic and respects the buildings’ heritage sensitivities – including handcrafting the missing pieces. More than 4,000 people are involved in the project.
1995
A new era for the building begins on 19 April 1995 as Treasury Casino & Hotel opens to the public, attracting more than 2 million guests in its inaugural year.
1998
Paperback Hero, starring Hugh Jackman and Claudia Karvan, films at Treasury Hotel.
1999
Treasury supports Queensland Paralympic athletes in their quest of glory at the 2000 Paralympic Games and the Path to Glory project in Queens Park commences.
2000
500 Team Members celebrate their five year anniversary with a ‘Star’ themed party and the Treasury Hotel is inducted into Brisbane Tourism’s Hall of Fame for luxury accommodation.
2004
Academy Award winner Geoffrey Rush stays at Treasury Hotel for the Brisbane International Film Festival launch, and Treasury Casino leads the way on No Smoking legislation changes.
2005
Destiny’s Child join the list of celebrity guests to stay at Treasury Hotel and 320 Team Members celebrate their 10th anniversary with a lavish party at South Bank Piazza.
2008
Treasury’s stonework conservation on the William Street façade, led by Queensland Heritage Masonry and local heritage architect Andrew Ladlay, is recognised by the National Trust of Australia with a Queensland Heritage Council Gold Award.
2008
Almost 11,000 LEDs lights are installed on the Treasury Building, allowing it to ignite the night sky with spectacular, vivid colour. The installation takes 8 months to complete and is revealed to the public with a mighty Christmas show.
2012
Celebrity Chef Luke Nguyen’s highly anticipated Fat Noodle restaurant opens in the Treasury Casino building, attracting a capacity crowd of local foodies and media.
2014
Treasury hosts international delegates at Treasury Hotel, including Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and British Prime Minister David Cameron, as an official partner of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. Treasury Casino & Hotel buildings also feature in Colour Me Brisbane for the city’s G20 Cultural Celebrations.
2015
A major heritage conservation project commences in February 2015 at Treasury Casino & Hotel. Led by Queensland Heritage Masonry and local heritage architect Andrew Ladlay, whose previous work together at Treasury has been recognised with two Queensland Heritage Council Gold Awards, the project saw significant stonework conservation on the facade of the Treasury Building across a 6-month period.
2015
Treasury Casino & Hotel acknowledged as a civic champion at the prestigious Queensland Hotels Association Awards for Excellence on 23 September 2015, taking out the coveted award for ‘Most Outstanding Community Service & Achievement – 100+ Employees.
2018
– Treasury partners with The Gambaro Group to open Black Hide on Friday 8 June 2018, introducing an unprecedented steak and seafood experience to the heart of Brisbane.
2020
Treasury unveils a brand-new poker room featuring double the capacity of the previous room, all new tables and chairs and an elevated cash game and tournament offering – late January 2020.
2020
Treasury reveals a new look Livewire 24/7 Sports Bar on Friday 24 January 2020 following a comprehensive refurbishment. The new look Livewire includes contemporary design elements paired with the bespoke character of the historic Treasury Casino building, the latest in viewing technology and an enviable collection of rare sporting memorabilia on display.
2020
The hugely popular Mei Wei Dumplings at The Star Gold Coast opens a second location at Treasury Brisbane on Thursday 12 March 2020 in a newly revamped and atmospheric underground location.
2020
Treasury celebrates 25 years in Brisbane on Sunday 19 April 2020.
