It has endured riots, hangings and prisoner escapes — but the biggest threat to one of Queensland's oldest jails is another looming commercial development, heritage campaigners say.

Key points: Parts of the jail are destined for demolition, heritage campaigners say

Parts of the jail are destined for demolition, heritage campaigners say The 136-year-old jail permanently closed in the early 1990s

The 136-year-old jail permanently closed in the early 1990s The redevelopment plans will keep the jail "relevant", the developer says

Developers recently lodged plans to build a two-storey, mixed-use retail and office complex at the heritage-listed Boggo Road Gaol precinct in Brisbane's Dutton Park.

The proposal includes knocking down the remaining detention cells and a guard tower that formed part of the modern section of the jail built between 1970 and 1988, known as no. 1 division.

Peter Lawler from the Friends of the Heritage Movement said it was not the first time history buffs had fought to protect the site from development.

The Boggo Road jail was closed in the early 1990s. ( ABC Brisbane: Saskia Edwards )

A previous application in 2015 was withdrawn after attracting extensive opposition from advocates, including Mr Lawler.

"Just like a book — this is the last chapter to the history of the jail … and they're tearing out that last chapter," he said.

"I can't believe I am here three years later doing this again."

The remaining guard tower from the newer section of the jail are proposed to be demolished. ( ABC News: Talissa Siganto )

Mr Lawler said the parts destined for demolition were integral to telling the story of the jail "properly".

"It was the people standing on the roof, it was the riots, it was the governmental reports that showed the corruption — the inhumanity of what was happening inside the old jail," Mr Lawler said.

The proposal includes knocking down the remaining detention cells and a guard tower. ( ABC News )

"This new section was a promise by the Government at that time that this would represent a new beginning for prison systems in Queensland, so to remove it is removing that part of the history."

The 136-year-old jail permanently closed in the early 1990s and most of the newer section was demolished.

The entrance to Boggo Road Gaol in Brisbane, ca. 1936, will remain. ( Supplied: State Library of Queensland )

'Help cement the past and the future'

Prison tour company director Jack Sim said what remained of no 1 division had not been maintained and posed serious structural and safety risks.

"It just sits there empty and it's not in a very good state … it's very difficult to restore or repair it," Mr Sim said.

Mr Sim said ideally he would like to see the buildings repaired. ( ABC News: Jack Sim )

Mr Sim said ideally he would like to see the buildings repaired but was "largely supportive" of the current plan to remove them.

"That's always going to be a challenge with heritage sites — what do you keep?" Mr Sim said.

One section of the now-closed jail that contains cells with showers is still standing. ( ABC News: Talissa Siganto )

"But we're desperate to see the development get underway — the whole area needs rejuvenation.

"The area is undergoing rapid and great change and we really want to be part of that — it will help cement the past and the future."

Cells at the jail had the most basic amenities. ( ABC News: Talissa Siganto )

'Leaving all the old jail alone'

Developer Mark Stockwell said the plans would keep the jail "relevant" without taking away too much of its history.

"It's a great community and tourist asset that's very important for Brisbane — I want to maintain that so, we're not impeding on any of that — we're leaving all the old jail alone," he said.

Mr Stockwell said delivering amenities to the area would not only draw more people to the historical site but would provide a gateway for nearby schools, hospitals and public transport.

"We're right at the epicentre," he said.

Gabba ward Councillor Jonathan Sri did not oppose development in the area but criticised the planned project for taking away greenspace and replacing it with "supermarkets and carparks".

"We want to see this site used for community facilities for theatre and music venues … there's so much that could happen with this land," Cr Sri said.

The majority of the new section of the jail was demolished in 1996 after the jail closed permanently. ( Supplied )

Cr Sri said the significance of the jail's local heritage also needed to be considered.

"This building is listed on both the state heritage register and the local heritage register, so it's important that the development is fully assessed against both," he said.

The application is being assessed through the Brisbane City Council and the public is being encouraged to have their say.