Brisbane has witnessed several street name changes over the decades, reflecting its growth and development. In Bardon, three notable instances highlight how urban expansion, local institutions, and city planning have shaped the neighbourhood’s streetscape from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century.
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Lugg Street
Originally known as School Street, this thoroughfare was renamed Lugg Street between 1917 and 1931.
The street’s history dates back to around 1886 when it was created to provide access to the Ithaca school, now known as Ithaca Creek State School. This change reflects the evolving landscape of the Upper Paddington area in the early 20th century.
Couldrey Street
Formerly Third (3rd) Avenue, this street underwent a name change in 1938. The new name, Couldrey Street, was confirmed by comparing street directories from 1938 and 1948. This renaming likely occurred as part of broader urban planning initiatives in the area during the late 1930s.
Carmel Street
Perhaps the most interesting of the three, this street was originally named Victoria Street. It first appeared on the Jubilee Estate map of 1897 and was still present on a 1920 map.
However, by 1931, it had been renamed Carmel Street. The new name may have been influenced by the establishment of the Carmel Presbyterian Church in nearby Kennedy Terrace in 1904, showcasing how local institutions can impact street nomenclature.
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These street name changes offer a glimpse into Brisbane’s urban development history, reflecting the city’s growth and the influence of local landmarks on its evolving streetscape.
From the emphasis on education seen in School Street’s creation to the influence of religious institutions evident in Carmel Street’s naming, each change tells a story of community development.
Moreover, these transformations highlight the importance of local history in understanding urban landscapes, reminding us that even seemingly mundane aspects of city life, like street names, can hold rich narratives about a neighborhood’s past and its journey towards the present.
Published 21-October-2024