By Marissa Calligeros

Copyright theage

“The work requires a crane, and the only place that’s suitable for us to put a crane is in a shared easement with the [Queensland] Law Society building next door, and the Law Society is not playing ball,” he said.

The Law Society said it had not been contacted about the works since 2023.

“The last correspondence we received from their representatives was in December 2023, advising they no longer required the use of a crane in the easement,” a spokesman said.

Tourism Adventure Group’s lease doesn’t expire until 2046, with Cooney saying it would probably be extended to account for the time they have been forced to vacate the building.

“It’s definitely a frustration of ours that we don’t have this property, the beautiful asset that it is, and it’s really not contributing to our business, as well as the fabric of Brisbane,” Cooney said.

Yamaji retained control of the prized asset, despite the legal challenge from his former business consultant. The 2023 lawsuit ended with a judge ordering Ikehiro pay the surgeon and landlord a $400,000 surety for legal costs.

The Environment Department, which is responsible for heritage-listed buildings, said it had given Yamaji and a “range of expert consultants” the relevant heritage approvals to undertake extensive repairs.

“Key works to date have included roof repairs, waterproofing, addressing water and termite damage, and significant floor stabilisation inside the building,” a department spokeswoman said.

“Restoration of the building’s original external features, such as its awnings, is also under way, with several heritage features being restored offsite and then safely reinstalled through a staged process.

“These kinds of large-scale restoration projects can take time to get right, however the People’s Palace’s owner is working through the extensive required repairs to preserve this iconic landmark.”

But sources with knowledge of the building said they were concerned about its future, claiming work done in 2023 would have fallen short of making it watertight.

“I’m very concerned. It’s a real problem for the city,” said one source, who was unauthorised to speak on the record.

Yamaji is described as a “very successful and wealthy businessman in Japan” whose main business is in medical centres.

His business interests in Queensland include Twin Waters Golf Club – which turns a profit of about $1.5 million a year, according to court documents – as well as land on the central and north Queensland coast.

In response to questions about the People’s Palace, Yamaji acknowledged the “strong community interest in the future of this important heritage property”.

“As the owner, our priority is the long-term preservation and sustainable use of the building,” he wrote from Japan.

“Once plans are formally confirmed, we will make a public announcement to the community.”

Brisbane-based architecture firm Kirk Studio was engaged to draw up plans for a refurbishment.

“The goal is to reinvigorate this landmark with a harmonious new design that will capture the cultural history and legacy of the city,” its website reads.

“The revived People’s Palace will become a cultural destination, exciting and inspiring guests and exceeding their expectations.”

Without commenting on the status of the project, architect Richard Kirk said the People’s Palace was a “magnificent building and an important one in the city”.

Queensland Heritage Council chair Stuart Lummis said the People’s Palace, which was heritage-listed in 1992, was one of the most significant remaining landmarks in a city scarred by the controversial demolitions of the Belle Vue Hotel in 1979 and the Cloudland Ballroom in 1982.

“As a general principle, the heritage council is supportive of adaptive reuse of buildings, and the last thing we want to see … is demolition by neglect,” Lummis said.

Stephen Sheaffe, AM, former president of the National Trust and the Royal Historical Society of Queensland, recalls staying at the People’s Palace with his wife in 1978.

“This building is iconic, absolutely iconic. It adds so much to the streetscape. Some buildings are non-negotiable, and this is one of them,” he said.

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.