|
By Kent Larsen
Brisbane Temple Construction Begins
BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA -- Construction on the Brisbane
Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is finally
underway. Ground was broken for the building last May after delays
brought on by opposition from the building's neighbors were resolved
in February. Now the projected cost for the Temple has doubled since
the Temple's announcement, to $17.25 million (Australian), and local
officials are now saying that they are glad the building is underway.
Opposition to the bulding by neighbors resulted in a legal challenge
that was dropped last February when the Church, the Brisbane City
Council, and nearby residents agreed to a compromise. As part of the
compromise, the Church reduced the height of the Temple's 11 meter
(36 foot) steeple and the height of a platform that the Temple will
be built on. In exchange, the city lifted several restrictions placed
on the building, and the neighbors dropped the lawsuit they had filed.
Tim Quinn, Brisbane City Council Deputy Mayor and Urban Planning
Committee Chairman, said that he was glad that the building is
finally underway, "It's a significant building for River Terrace," he
said. "Council gave an approval over the site which we felt met the
needs of the church community, but also took into account some local
concerns which had been raised about the matter."
Local church leader Grant Pitman adds that local residents should
take advantage of the coming open house, to be held after the
Temple's expected completion in mid-2003, ""This is usually a
once-in-a-lifetime experience, as after dedication only members of
the church will be allowed to enter the temple. It represents the
pinnacle of our Christian worship. The temple will be a landmark for
the city of Brisbane and a blessing for the people of Queensland."
Source:
Work starts on $ 17m temple
Brisbane Australia Courier Mail 23Nov01 D1
See also:
Ground Broken for Brisbane Temple
Mormon News 28May01 D1
Brisbane Temple Court Case Settled; Groundbreaking in March
Mormon News 23Feb01 D1
Brisbane Temple Restrictions at Stake in Zoning Fight
Mormon News 27Jan01 D1
|
