New Farm residents fear the suburb will lose more of its character if this heritage-listed block of flats is demolished. Photo: Bridie Jabour

A battle is brewing over the fate of a heritage-listed block of flats after a notice of demolition went up in front of the New Farm building.

About 50 people attended a public meeting yesterday to protest the proposed demolition of the building, at 42 Maxwell Street.

Brisbane City Council Central Ward Labor candidate Paul Crowther said he had been contacted by many of the area’s residents – including former ALP lord mayor Jim Soorley – who were worried about the development plans.

The notice of demolition outside the New Farm flats. Photo: Bridie Jabour

Originally built in 1933, the property was renovated in the 1960s to become a block of flats, and was added to the Heritage register in 2000.

‘‘Two other homes in the area have been bulldozed so people are concerned,’’ said Mr Crowther.

‘‘Another bit of character will be lost if the demolition goes ahead, and that’s exactly why we have heritage-listed buildings: so they don’t get demolished.’’

Mr Crowther said the owner of the building, Chris Elliott, had attended yesterday’s meeting and denied there were plans to demolish it, despite a sign out the front proposing ‘‘demolition of a local heritage place’’.

The Brisbane City Council website also showed the application was for a demolition application.

According to RP Data records, Mr Elliott bought the property in 1992 for $525,000. He could not be contacted yesterday for comment.

The proposed development company, Urbanista Town Planning Services, could also not be reached.

One of the residents of the building, who wished to remain anonymous, said yesterday she was shocked when she first heard of the plans.

“The sign literally went up in the past two weeks,” she said.

“We couldn’t believe it. It’s a beautiful area and a beautiful building.

“Usually apartment blocks can be so ugly and this is one of the few nice ones.

“I also don’t want to see my home knocked down.”

Residents have until tomorrow to have their say on the application, with Mr Crowther saying he had organised the weekend meeting to ensure everyone had time to act.

‘‘We are losing the character of New Farm,’’ he said.

‘‘There are so few heritage-listed houses they should be protected.’’

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