THE old Central Cleveland Station Master’s Cottage on Middle Street will be saved, with the RSL handing over the building to Redland City Council.
The cottage adjacent to the Cleveland RSL was built in 1889 and is a critically important part of Cleveland and Queensland Rail history.
Its location in part reflects that the railway line originally ran to near Paxton Street, roughly opposite the Courthouse Restaurant at Cleveland Point.
Historic photographs show the station bustling with trucks and drays as farmers load produce for the Brisbane markets.
Mayor Karen Williams said the RSL had offered to give the building to council on the condition it was relocated to make way for an extension.
"The old Station Masters Cottage needs to be moved so the RSL can expand their facilities," Cr Williams said.
"Although not in its original location, this 1880's building still represents a vibrant part of our history, so when the RSL offered it to council we jumped at the chance to relocate it for all Redlanders to experience.
"Originally standing in sight of the then Cleveland Central rail station, with its nearby shops and a bustling goods yard, the cottage was established in 1889.
"In 1897 the railway line was extended down near to Paxton Street, Cleveland Point, terminating at what was then Cleveland station.
"Travelling into Woolloongabba, the line played a vital role in the development of urban areas along its length."
Cr Peter Mitchell said a site had been earmarked for the building near the old Schoolhouse Gallery.
“The building’s use will go out for expressions of interest,’’ he said. “We hope through the process we’ll find some sort of complimentary use.’’
Cr Mitchell said the location would mean the building would be included in an historic precinct that extended from Cleveland Lighthouse past the historic courthouse and Grandview Hotel to several remaining properties of the time. This included cottages in Shore St, East and Passage Street.
"As well as serving as another reminder of the area's rich history, council is keen for this building to be available for the community and will look at ways to work with community groups to facilitate this,’’ he said.
Cr Williams said council voted in August to fund the relocation of the building, before seeking state government approval for it to be moved to state land.
"The state government recently granted approval and work will now be undertaken to progress the move ... to its new home in Linear Park."
The Queensland Heritage Council says that what is now the Courthouse Restaurant was thought to have been built in 1853 for Francis and Frederick Bigge who were developing a trading base, using Cleveland as the port for the Moreton Bay settlement.
