An old skate rink in Brisbane’s south-west finally has a new life ahead after sitting abandoned and covered in graffiti for years.
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On Monday, Brisbane City Council approved a multi-purpose precinct development application for the former Inala skate rink on Serviceton Road after an application was submitted in mid-2018.
Built in 1959, Inala’s skate rink was once the centre of youth activity in the region, but has lain vacant since 2007, taken over by squatters and becoming a hot spot of local crime.
The approved precinct, with multiple buildings across the 6058-square-metre site, will host 17 tenancies including a gym, a grocery store and healthcare services, with more than 250 car parking spaces.
The application submitted by Reel Planning Urban and Rural Strategies on behalf of its client Ann & Bros Pty Ltd proposed demolishing the dilapidated structures on the site and building two buildings.
Forest Lake ward councillor Charles Strunk said he was happy to see the application approved, with the fate of the “iconic” skate rink a priority for residents.
“Since I became councillor the main call into my office in regards to issues when it comes to development .... most of the calls are about that old skate rink,” Cr Strunk said.
“For over 20 years residents in Inala and surrounding suburbs have been calling on the revitalisation around the site.
“I was happy to support the application that has now been approved to transform this derelict site into a development that residents can once again use and be proud of.”
The application received more than 2000 submissions, with only two in opposition and their issues addressed by the developer, Reef Acting city planning chairman, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said the development proposal was community-focused.
“This particular land has so much sentimental history so it’s great to see the 6058 square-metre block being revitalised while continuing to pay homage to the iconic architectural design of the original structures,” Cr Murphy said.
“The site at 54 Serviceton Road dates back to 1959 when the Inala Sports Centre, which included the skate rink and a swimming pool, was built.”
Cr Strunk said there would be many long-term residents of Inala who would be delighted to see the architectural homage to the skate rink’s 1960s-era design and to see the site alive once again.
