Historic penthouse owned by former Queensland treasurer Keith De Lacy up for sale

A penthouse owned by a former state treasurer in one of Brisbane’s historic apartment blocks has gone up for sale, offering buyers a slice of Queensland’s history.

Keith De Lacy bought 903/229 Queen Street nine years ago for $1.75 million and has used it as his Brisbane base of operation ever since. Since retiring from politics in 1998, Mr De Lacy has maintained a busy lifestyle in the business world.

“The apartment in Brisbane is perfect for an executive,” Mr De Lacy said. “I hold a lot meetings there as I’m still involved in companies, particularly agricultural start-ups.”

The MacArthur building is considered a big part of Brisbane’s architectural history. Photo: Supplied

Mr De Lacy said the apartment offered a convenient lifestyle. “I love the CBD, I have two carparks in MacArthur Chambers but I walk everywhere and don’t even have a car in Brisbane,” he said.

“It’s such a lovely old heritage building in a prime location with Woolies and Apple in the same building.”

The MacArthur Building was built in the early ’30s as the Queensland headquarters for the Australian Mutual Provident Society, set up to ensure no women or children were left in poverty by the death of their family’s breadwinner.

Mr De Lacy said he commonly holds business meetings in the penthouse apartment. Photo: Supplied

In World War II, the building also served as headquarters for the Allied forces in South-West Pacific.

Ray White Ascot agent Ian Cuneo said it was a pleasure to sell such a historic home.

“The iconic MacArthur Chambers building has retained the elegance and charm of a bygone era with its sandstone exterior,” he said.

The view from Mr De Lacy’s apartment. Photo: Supplied

Mr Cuneo does not expect the apartment to last long on the market.

“We have been given clear instructions to sell, so be quick for this magnificent residence,” he said. “This is truly in the heart of the heart of Brisbane CBD.”