MacArthur Central facts for kids
Quick facts for kids MacArthur Central Shopping Centre |
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MacArthur Central Shopping Centre
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Elizabeth Street and Edward Street facades
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| General information | |
| Type | Retail CBD Centre, Apartments & Museum |
| Address | 255 Queen Street, Brisbane 4000 Queensland |
| Coordinates | 27°28′6.7980″S 153°1′38.9100″E / 27.468555000°S 153.027475000°E |
| Current tenants | Anchor Tenants: Apple Inc, Woolworths, Big W, JB Hifi, TAG Heuer |
| Owner | Precision Group |
| Technical details | |
| Floor area | 15,071 m2 |
MacArthur Central is a popular shopping centre in Brisbane, Australia. It has four levels and includes a special building called MacArthur Chambers. This building is very old and has a unique English Renaissance style. It's also listed as a heritage-listed site, meaning it's an important historical place.
You can find MacArthur Central at the corners of Queen Street, Edward Street, and Elizabeth Street. This building played a big role during World War II. From July 1942 to November 1944, General Douglas MacArthur used it as the main office for the Allied forces in the South West Pacific Area.
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Cool Features of MacArthur Chambers
The MacArthur Chambers building has a cool feature on its Queen Street side. Above the main entrance, there's a three-figure statue made of Sicilian marble. A sculptor named Fred Gowan created it. These figures represent "Strength, Plenty, Production and Growth."
Right below the statue, you'll see a Latin saying:
- "AMICUS CERTUS IN RE INCERTA"
This means:
- "A SURE FRIEND IN UNCERTAIN TIMES"
It was the motto of the AMP Society, who used to own the building.
A Look Back: History of the Building
The MacArthur Chambers building was built between 1930 and 1934. For many years, it was the main office in Queensland for the AMP Society, an insurance company. They stayed there until 1977.
During World War II, the building became very important. General Douglas MacArthur's office was on the eighth floor. The military needed the building, so tenants on floors two to nine had to move out.
Before the current 10-storey building, there was a smaller 3-storey building on the same spot. It was also owned by the AMP Society and had a similar three-figure statue. After the AMP Society moved out, the building became known as MacArthur Chambers. It was then used for offices, a hotel, and small shops.
Modern Makeover: Redevelopment
In the late 1990s, the MacArthur Chambers building and the areas around it were completely redeveloped. Today, this updated shopping area is called the MacArthur Central Shopping Centre. It's now a big complex with apartments and shops.
Inside, you'll find a Woolworths Supermarket and a Big W discount store. There are also about 40 other specialty stores and a food court where you can grab a bite to eat.
In 2006, the shopping centre was part of a huge property deal. A company called Precision Group bought it. Later, around 2009-2010, the centre got a $20 million upgrade. This brought the first full-size Woolworths supermarket to Brisbane's city centre!
MacArthur Museum: Step Back in Time
The MacArthur Museum opened in 2004. It was created to remember General MacArthur's time in Brisbane. Visitors can actually see General Douglas MacArthur's old office!
The museum also shows old movie clips from World War II. You can even see the front pages of "The Courier-Mail" newspaper from September 1939 to August 1945. The entrance to both the museum and the MacArthur Chambers Hotel is on Edward Street.
Historical Protection: Heritage Listing
MacArthur Chambers is so important that it's listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means it's officially recognized as a place of historical value and is protected.
Images for kids
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MacArthur Central Woolworths Store
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MacArthur Central Food Court & JB Hi-Fi
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MacArthur Central Food Court
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MacArthur Chambers Apple Store – Queen Street View
