SITE PARTNER:  

Air Raid Shelters

Teneriffe

With war clouds gathering over Australia after the bombing of Pearl Harbour by the Japanese in December 1941, on Christmas Eve it was decreed that all public and private employers and households were to immediately start building shelters. Initially this meant slit trenches dug into the ground, browning out of buildings and taping of windows while for the BCC it meant the mammoth task of building shelters in public places in the city area. The idea was that the shelters could withstand the force of a 500 pound bomb exploding 50 feet away.

Altogether 235 were built, and 90% were completed by June 1942, four months after the Japanese bombing of Darwin. City streets such as Ann St were studded with shelters down their middle. Of the 235, 21 survive today under the ownership of BCC as bus and park shelters and a public amenities blocks, resulting in features that are unique to Brisbane’s townscape. Architect FG Costello was responsible for the 3 types of ‘pillbox design’ intended to revert to other shelters after the war, which like the air raid shelters could accommodate 70 people. The idea was that the perimeter walls were removable, leaving the concrete slab roof, pillars and slab floor.

Of those intended to be park shelters, 17 survive (one as a toilet block in Nundah Village) but only 3 of the intended bus shelters survive – one at Newmarket outside the State School, one at Teneriffe Ferry Terminal and another variation using stone pillars at the base of King Edward Park.

Built-in workers shelters remain at the rear of the Story Bridge (named the Shelter Bar) and Howard Smith Wharves and at Redcliffe part of the bottle shop of the Ambassador Hotel is a former shelter.

Air Raid Shelters

Commercial Rd

Teneriffe

Map

Commercial Rd, Newstead, Queensland

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Don't miss Shake & Stir's adaptation of James and the Giant Peach
Embark on an exciting journey through the past & present
The Smile Station is an interactive space for all ages to enjoy
Things are heating up at Terraces Restaurant in April
A cult classic returns to La Boite Theatre
Experience an unforgettable evening with Ella Hooper
The Queensland Choir accompanied by a live orchestra
Queensland Symphony Orchestra bring Olivia's iconic hits to life
A modern fairy tale about kindness, bravery, friendship & burgers!
EDITOR'S PICK

Brisbane's Biggest Easter Weekend

Pop on your bunny ears and head to Victoria Park for a FREE four-day Easter celebration
Brisbane's Biggest Easter Weekend
MUST DO

Easter School Holidays 2024

From Easter-themed mini golf and fun activities, to must-see shows and a dedicated kids festival, here are 20+ egg-citing things to do
Easter School Holiday Guide 2024
THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do Mar 29-Apr 1

From free outdoor Easter movies in the park, cutting edge theatre and Easter-themed mini golf to a Renaissance art immersive exhibition
This Weekend Mar 29-Apr 1
FAMILY HOLIDAY

Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

Have you booked in for the school holidays yet? This family holiday resort on the Gold Coast is a fun-filled adventure park where even furry family members are welcome
BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park
COMING UP

What's on in April in & around Brisbane

From a mega sunflower festival & five-week-long Brisbane Comedy Festival to an Olivia Newton-John tribute concert and canine comedians, some top things to do in April in and around Brisbane
What's On in April 2024 around Brisbane
FREE

Park Play

Kids can enjoy a world of wonder and excitement at this fantastic, free holiday program nestled in the heart of Victoria Park.
Park Play
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

Easter Movie Night

Enjoy an egg-cellent night out with family & friends at Victoria Park’s Easter Movie Night with 2 free movie screenings
Easter Movie Night
KIDS

Playtopia

Roma Street Parkland's newest kids event - where curiority meets fun, offering free activities for children these school holidays
Playtopia
La Boite's awe-inspiring 2024 season kicks off
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
ADVERTISEMENT