Gregory Hall was built as the first Wesleyan church, designed by Brisbane Architect James Cowlishaw.
Welcome to 116 Brookes Street
Home to BSPN Architecture
Open Sunday 10am-5pm 20th July 2025
A Brief History
In the 1880s, Fortitude Valley emerged as a major retail and residential hub, driven by the subdivision of large estates from the 1860s and 1870s and the rapid growth of Brisbane’s northern suburbs. Alongside this development, the Valley Wesleyan congregation also experienced significant expansion. In response to this growth, a decision was made in 1886 to erect a larger church on the same land grant, but this time facing Brookes Street and adjoining the original 1871 hall.
The Brookes Street facing Church was built as the second Fortitude Valley Wesleyan Church. This larger church was designed by Brisbane Architect George Simkin.
The Brookes St Church opening service was held on 13 January 1889.
Following the establishment of the Uniting Church in 1977, the Brookes Street Church and Church Hall were closed, with the final service conducted on 27 February 1977, revoking their status as sacred buildings. The secular buildings were renamed the Epworth Centre; the former church was let to the TN! Theatre Company, and the Valley Child Care Centre operated in the hall.
In 1985 the buildings were sold to the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia Queensland Incorporated, and renamed Gregory Place and Gregory Hall, in honour of former Queensland explorer and surveyor-general, Sir Augustus Charles Gregory.
James Russell of James Russell Architects restored the Church and converted the hall into a residential house where he and his family lived.
In 2018 BSPN Architecture took over the lease with a brand new open plan fit out, giving new life and respect to this heritage-listed beauty.
Today, we’re excited to open our doors as part of Brisbane Open House and welcome you into the space where BSPN designs, collaborates, and brings client visions to life.
Our Principals, Kirsteen and Rebecca, are here on site and available to chat or answer any questions you may have. We hope you enjoy exploring this beautiful building and our beloved studio!
Did You Know?
- Most of the stained glass was imported from Munich.
Most of the stained glass was manufactured by the famous Bavarian Royal Factory at Munich.
The rose window over the organ and the two windows in the front flanking the principal window are the work of Messrs. Exton and Gough. These three windows are composed of the first stained glass manufactured in the colony, and were designed, painted, and burnt at the firm’s factory at Petrie’s Bight. By comparison with the imported work from the famous Bavarian factory this colonial work holds its own, and it required a keen critic to detect the difference between the two. Can you tell the difference?
- The entry vestibule contains a timber WWI Honour Roll.
The honour roll is flanked by timber stairs leading to a timber choir loft supported by two floriated colonnettes.
- Much of the buildings remain intact in form and detail.
The spatial quality of the interiors, however, has been substantially altered by the installation of the mezzanine, air conditioning ducts, new partitioning, new toilets, and a kitchen in the vestry area.
Brisbane Open House Photography Competition
Each year, visitors are invited to capture the city’s most remarkable architectural places and spaces by entering the Brisbane Open House Photography Competition.
Prizes are awarded across five categories, with an Overall Winner selected from entries across all categories.
Overall Winner
Selected from all entries.
Prize: $500
Building — Exterior
Prize: $100
Building — Interior
Prize: $100
Building — Detail
Prize: $100
People
Prize: $100
Viewing Roofing
Prize: $100
How to Enter
Submit your best photos from this years Brisbane Open House via the website – Photography Competition | Brisbane Open House | Unlock Your City
Entries open on this page from 9:00am, Saturday 19 July. Participants are welcome to enter an image into each category.
Entries close at 5pm on Friday, 25 July 2025.
Captured a great moment at 116 Brookes St? We’d love to see it!
Share your favourite shots with our Marketing Manager: breanne@bspn.com.au
