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Community Staple Press and Brew Closes Down, Makes Way For Planned Community Health Care Centre

After operating in the area for more than four years, Press and Brew has closed for good, marking the end of this popular cafe across the road from Greenslopes Private Hospital.

Read: Greenslopes Private Hospital Orthopaedic Surgeon Trains Future Shoulder Surgeons From Around the World

The closure of Press and Brew leaves a void on Hunter Street that many will feel, missing the cafe’s friendly service and signature coffee and breakfast burgers.

This comes as a developer submitted plans for 68-72 Hunter St, the site where the cafe and three more residential dwellings are located. The existing buildings on the subject site will be demolished if the development application is given the green light.

Plans

The development application was submitted to Brisbane City Council in March 2023 by Ron Build Pty Ltd, who aims to construct a three-storey commercial building with parking for around 123 vehicles.

Designed by architecture firm Gray Puksand, the building will feature tenancy, including amenities and services on Levels 1-2; lobby, tenancy, store, amenities, refuse, loading bay for services on the ground floor; and car parking, person with disabilities parking, and bicycle parking on the basement.

“The proposal maintains a health focused precinct along Headfort Street which will serve the local community and is complementary to the Greenslopes Private Hospital. The proposed Community care centre and Health care service uses are consistent with the expectations of the zoning and the surrounding locality,” planners at Town Planning Alliance noted.

Locals’ Reactions

Subject site (Photo credit: Google Street View)

Whilst some locals welcome new healthcare options in the neighbourhood, others have raised concerns about the building’s size and its potential impacts on traffic and access to the nearby Greenslopes Private Hospital emergency department.

In response to these concerns, the applicant provided a traffic study showing the centre would only add 1-2 trips per minute during peak times – a “negligible impact” on surrounding roads. They stated this will not hinder emergency vehicle access to the hospital.

Read: 3-Hour Street Parking Limit, Resident Parking Permits Could be Adopted in Greenslopes

Additionally, the applicant noted the new building was designed to connect to the Greenslopes Medical Centre and blend with the scale of existing structures along Newdegate Street.

Published 17-July-2023

Plans Unveiled for Social and Affordable Housing in Woolloongabba

Plans have been unveiled for new social and affordable housing in Woolloongabba, which would provide secure accommodation for individuals and families who need it the most.

Read: Plans For Social And Affordable Housing In Stones Corner Approved

The proposed development, located at 7-9 Carl Street, will comprise a total of 81 housing units, with 41 units designated for social housing and 40 units earmarked as affordable homes.

The complex, designed by Cox Architecture, will feature one studio unit, 66 one-bedroom, and 14 two-bedroom apartments, carefully designed to meet the diverse needs of its future residents.

affordable housing in Woolloongabba — Photo credit: Cox Architecture

Whilst further due diligence is still pending, the plan includes the demolition of existing dwelling houses on the site to pave the way for the 15-storey building with an additional rooftop level. Future residents of the affordable housing in Woolloongabba will also have access to a communal rooftop garden and recreational space, ensuring a welcoming community atmosphere.

One of the key factors expediting the project’s progress is its application for a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID). This strategic move enables the streamlining of development approvals, allowing the development team to fast-track construction and swiftly turn the visionary concept into a reality.

This initiative has been made possible through the Queensland Government’s Housing Investment Fund (HIF). The Brisbane Housing Company (BHC) will join forces with the Queensland Investment Corporation to construct the housing complex, illustrating a collaborative effort to tackle the housing crisis.

The HIF, with a record-breaking $5 billion investment, stands as Queensland’s largest-ever funding allocation for social and affordable housing, aiming to deliver up to 13,500 homes.

Read: Luxury Developer Commits $60M to Transform Prime Woolloongabba Sites

Rebecca Oelkers, Chief Executive Officer of BHC, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, emphasising their mission to create vibrant developments that provide secure, long-term rental housing for Queenslanders facing housing challenges. The forthcoming complex in Woolloongabba aligns with this vision, as it seeks to offer a safe haven for individuals and families.

Published 10-July-2023

Stones Corner Village: Two-Tower Mixed-Use Development Proposed

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Stockwell has recently filed a development application for an exciting new project called “Stones Corner Village.”

The proposed development, situated at 405 Logan Road, Stones Corner, consists of two residential towers perched above a shared podium. With MK Architecture leading the design, this ambitious venture aims to redefine urban living in the area.

The project will be executed in three stages, sequentially encompassing the podium and each residential tower. The podium will feature vibrant retail and dining tenancies along Logan Road, with plans to reinstate the popular Aldi supermarket. The facade of the podium will showcase distinct brick arches and enchanting hanging gardens along both the Cleveland Street and Logan Road frontages.

Stones Corner Village: Two-Tower Mixed-Use Development Proposed — *Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council /* developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The Logan Road tower is projected to stand at an impressive 16 storeys, whilst its counterpart on Cleveland Street will reach a height of 14 storeys. Both towers will boast rooftop recreation decks, allowing residents to enjoy breathtaking views and engage in various leisure activities. The towers will encompass a total of 209 modern residential dwellings, each equipped with private open spaces.

Residents of Stones Corner Village will have access to extensive communal open spaces situated atop the podium, seamlessly connecting the two towers. Additionally, both towers will offer rooftop communal areas, further enhancing the project’s appeal and promoting a sense of community among residents.

Vehicle access, service areas, and additional retail tenancies will primarily be located along Cleveland Street. Basement parking facilities will be provided, along with retail and commercial tenancies sleeved around them. The facade treatments, including lush greenery, will add a touch of elegance and privacy to the development.

Stones Corner Village enjoys excellent connectivity to various transportation options and amenities. Situated less than 250 meters from the Eastern Busway station at Old Cleveland Road and 650 meters from Buranda railway station, residents will have convenient access to public transport. Additionally, the project fronts the main retail and dining strip of Stones Corner, creating a lively and vibrant environment for its future occupants.

“…the design incorporates clear distinction between podium and towers, with towers incorporating substantially compliant side setbacks, clear building breaks up the full height of the towers, green planter zones up the facades, and variation and articulation including steps/recesses in the building line and through the finer detail elements.” – RPS Planning Report

Published 7-July-2023

Toll Increase Hits Brisbane’s Clem Jones Tunnel Despite Transurban’s Impressive Revenue Growth

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: YouTube

Toll fees at the Clem Jones Tunnel (CLEM7) have increased starting this month, despite Transurban reporting record revenue last December, sparking criticism about the increase amidst the rising cost of living.

The CLEM7, a privately financed inner-city toll road in Greenslopes and Coorparoo, spans 4.8 kilometres beneath the Brisbane River, linking Woolloongabba and Bowen Hills. As one of Queensland’s largest infrastructure projects, it plays a vital role in the state’s transportation network.

Recent discussions about the toll increase for the use of the CLEM7 have raised questions about the affordability and accessibility of this significant thoroughfare.

Effective 1 July 2023, motorists driving a car through the CLEM7 have been paying 42 cents more, as the toll rose from $5.70 to $6.12. Heavy commercial vehicles in Class 4 faced a higher increase, with peak hour rates up by $17.09 to $18.36 and off-peak rates up by $15.09 to $16.21.

Transurban, the sole toll operator in South East Queensland, has justified the fee adjustment by citing the Brisbane Consumer Price Index (CPI). Although the increase may appear modest, it could have a cumulative impact on commuters who frequently use the CLEM7 to navigate Brisbane’s congested roads.

The toll hike comes on the heels of Transurban’s impressive 16 per cent revenue growth, as reported in their half-yearly financial report for December 2022, a detail that has critics up in arms.

Outgoing CEO Scott Charlton expressed confidence in the strength of Transurban’s business model, citing built-in inflation protection due to approximately 68 per cent of toll revenue being linked to CPI escalations. However, critics argue that such increases may disproportionately burden commuters, especially amid rising living costs.

Transurban has assured motorists experiencing financial hardship that they can seek support from their Linkt Assist team, which offers payment plans, toll credits, and more flexible payment options.

Nevertheless, with the rising toll fees, drivers using the CLEM7 will need to carefully evaluate the impact on their budgets and explore alternative commuting options to mitigate the potential strain.

Published 5-July-2023

Developer Submits Plans for Dual Towers at Cleveland Street in Stones Corner

A developer has recently submitted plans for a new residential development at Cleveland Street in Stones Corner, which features two towering buildings connected by a unique “skybridge.”

Read: Proposed Towers Next To Stones Corner Roundabout Met With Opposition From Locals

The towers, which are being proposed for 75-85 Cleveland Street, are set to accommodate a total of 226 modern apartments, ranging from one to four bedrooms. Each tower will stretch 12 storeys into the sky, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Designed by NMDS Architecture, this project stands out with the inclusion of rooftop recreation areas, bringing a touch of luxury and leisure to the residents’ doorstep..

Artist’s impression of rooftop communal space (Photo credit: NMDS Architecture)

The two rooftop spaces will be connected by a “skybridge,” which not only serves as a physical link between the buildings but also enhances convenience for residents by allowing them to seamlessly access the entire recreation area.

cleveland street — Photo credit: NMDS Architecture

To create a harmonious and visually appealing design, the skybridge and the buildings themselves will incorporate soft landscaping elements, providing a refreshing touch of greenery amidst the urban setting.

The communal open space areas on the rooftop will feature an array of facilities to enhance residents’ recreational opportunities.

The proposed amenities include a manager’s office, mail room, community garden, dog walk area, yoga lawn, dining and function area, theatre, alfresco dining spaces, a pool and communal deck, as well as changing rooms and bathrooms. Additionally, a fully equipped gymnasium will be available to cater to the residents’ fitness needs.

Parking provisions have also been taken into consideration, with a total of 273 car spaces allocated for residents, including 10 dedicated share car spaces, and an additional 57 spaces for visitors. The development will offer 226 bike parking spaces for residents and an additional 57 for visitors.

Planners at B Planned and Surveyed said the proposed height is consistent with community expectation and the proposal itself is consistent with the strategic intent of the High density residential zone and Eastern corridor neighbourhood plan.

“There is a strategic benefit to locating higher intensity residential development within a well serviced part of Brisbane, which is reflected within the outcomes sought for the zone and within the Strategic Framework,” B Planned and Surveyed noted.

Read: Plans For Social And Affordable Housing In Stones Corner Approved

For further information about the development application, visit Brisbane City Council’s PD Online and use the reference A006270233.

Published 17-June-2023

Queensland Health Unveils $8 Billion Hospital Expansion Plan, Including Princess Alexandra Hospital

Photo Credit: Shiftchange, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Princess Alexandra Hospital is among the key healthcare facilities selected for major expansion as part of Queensland Health’s $8 billion worth of new hospitals and upgrades under the Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan.

A total of 12 construction companies have been shortlisted as potential tenderers for three new hospitals and nine major hospital expansions, representing a staggering total value of over $8 billion in capital works. With the objective of providing an additional 1,980 beds across Queensland within the next six years, these ambitious projects align with the State Government’s plan to deliver a total of 3,378 additional beds during the same period.

The scope of these projects extends to both regional and South East Queensland, with new hospitals constructed in Bundaberg and Toowoomba, alongside major expansions of Townsville, Cairns, and Mackay hospitals.

In the South East, new hospitals are planned in Coomera and six major expansions for Redcliffe, Ipswich, Logan, QEII, Princess Alexandra, and Prince Charles hospitals.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Yvette D’Ath, expressed her enthusiasm for the progress of these new hospitals and expansion projects, stating that they are moving full steam ahead. The shortlisted contractors have been carefully selected based on a rigorous expression of interest process and extensive engagement between Queensland Health and the construction industry.

“This engagement has meant the tender process to-date has been efficient, transparent and ultimately, competitive and fair,” the Minister said.

To ensure high-quality outcomes, Queensland Health has set stringent standards for the contractors, emphasising design principles that prioritise people, place, value-add, and technology. Successful tenderers will need to meet these standards as they work closely with the newly established Health Capital Division in the Department of Health, as well as the local Hospital and Health Services.

“A level of standardisation across all hospital projects will not only ensure we have contemporary health facilities, but also aim to make the design, construction and operational stages more efficient.

“I look forward to working together to deliver better health services for all Queenslanders.

“The construction of these three new hospitals and nine major hospital expansions will also provide a significant economic boost and support local businesses, creating around 19,947 construction jobs.”

In addition to the hospitals and expansions, the Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan also encompasses the construction of the state-of-the-art Queensland Cancer Centre, expansions of the Hervey Bay and Robina hospitals, the Accelerated Infrastructure Delivery Program focusing on additional beds in 2023 and 2024, and the Building Rural and Remote Health Program.

Queensland Health has called for tender submissions from the shortlisted construction companies for the contracts on these projects:

Project name	Additional beds	Investment	Completion	Construction jobs
New Toowoomba Hospital	118	$1.3 billion	Second half of 2027	3,127
New Coomera Hospital	404	$1.3 billion	Second half of 2027	3,158
New Bundaberg Hospital	121	$1.2 billion	Second half of 2027	2,887
Redcliffe Hospital Expansion	204	$1.06 billion	Second half of 2028	2,573
Ipswich Hospital Expansion Stage 2	200	$710 million	Second half of 2027	1,713
Logan Hospital Expansion Stage 2	112	$530 million	Second half of 2026	1,290
Townsville University Hospital Expansion	143	$530 million	Second half of 2026	1,276
QEII Hospital Expansion	112	$465 million	Second half of 2027	1,120
PA Hospital Expansion	249	$350 million	Second half of 2026	854
Prince Charles Hospital Expansion	93	$300 million	Second half of 2027	728
Cairns Hospital Expansion	96	$250 million	First half of 2026	611
Mackay Hospital Expansion	128	$250 million	Second half of 2026	610

More information about the Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan can be found here.

Published 27-May-2023

Residents Object to Planned 24-Hour Greenslopes McDonald’s

Photo Credit: DA A006025123

Plans to build a 24-hour Greenslopes McDonald’s outlet have been met with strong objections from locals who believe that a fast food outlet will have an adverse impact on their neighbourhood.

DA A006025123, lodged in May 2022, proposes the construction of a fast food outlet along the corner of Logan Road and Plimsoll Street. The site is near the Greenslopes Mall and also close to other convenient fast food chains like KFC, Subway, Dominos and Pizza Hut.

According to Cr Krista Adams, the location of Greenslopes McDonald’s is within the District Centre (Corridor) Zone, essentially allowing a food and drink outlet, retail, supermarket or service stations. The site has been part of CityPlan 2000’s higher-level multipurpose zone. Based on this, the DA is Code Assessable and does not require a community consultation for residents to raise their concerns, objections or appeals.

Cr Adams also said that the Council’s planners have raised issues with the developer during the assessment period. The developer made changes to the designs after previous meetings with Council in 2021.

Despite this, locals have lodged more than 50 submissions to the development. Dr Dragan Talic, the owner of Greenslopes Family Practice (GFP) on Plimsoll Street, said that the McDonald’s plan is a major concern as it surrounds their property on three sides.

“If the application is approved, not only will this have a significant impact of my business, and the ability of our practice to provide medical care to the community, it will also restrict my ability to develop the site in the future.”

Dr Talic added that their clinic will become “an island among McDonald’s” and will also affect their elderly and disabled patients.

The “Don’t Let McDonald’s Trash our Neighbourhood Coalition” has also been campaigning against Greenslopes McDonald’s. Mr Bob Carnegie, the group’s spokesperson, said that proposal is not compliant with the code and their objections were initially dismissed by Council.

“It’s interesting that the removal of pre-1911 house on Logan Road would only benefit McDonald’s and there has been no regard for the ‘greater good’. It appears that character or heritage listings only matter when they don’t get in the way of developers and international big business,” Mr Carnegie said.

“There are MANY McDonald’s within a short drive of this development site,” said Kathryn Heyworth of the Greenslopes Neighbours Coalition. “McDonalds Australia has a plan to have EVERY house in a city within 3 minutes of Mcdonald’s! Looks like it is already a reality for 7 minute.”

Most of the objections also cite traffic concerns given its location near the shopping centre. However, Greenslopes McDonald’s proposal includes 26 carparks and a space for 10 cars queued in the drive-through. The DA has an attached traffic study indicating that the road network will not have any disruptions coming from the fast food chain, even during peak hours.

Published 14 March 2023

What Lies Ahead for Vacant Greenslopes Bowls Club Site?

Local residents are eagerly looking forward to the fate of the recently vacated Greenslopes Bowls Club site, as speculation arises over the potential sale of the venue.

Read: Luxury Developer Commits $60M to Transform Prime Woolloongabba Sites

Also known as Club Greenslopes, the bowls club continued to host social bowling events, live music performances, and functions until late 2022. Despite the conclusion of competitive bowling at the venue in late 2021, the club managed to sustain its operations.

However, Club Greenslopes, operating on a month-to-month lease, recently notified the Brisbane City Council of their intention to vacate the premises, leaving the site unoccupied.

Greenslopes Bowls Club — Photo credit: Club Greenslopes/Google Maps

Situated at 131 Ridge Street, Greenslopes, this expansive 98,456 sqm site boasts an array of impressive amenities. Among its standout features is a dedicated function room capable of accommodating up to 200 guests, making it an ideal choice for special events and gatherings.

In addition, the site offers an inviting outdoor beer garden, a charming courtyard, and a balcony conveniently positioned adjacent to the green, providing a delightful space for relaxation and enjoyment.

A spokesperson for the club expressed the financial challenges faced by small sporting clubs, particularly in maintaining operations for niche sports like lawn bowls. The closure of numerous similar bowls clubs in recent months has further highlighted the difficulties faced by these establishments.

Meanwhile, concerns have been mounting among neighbouring residents regarding the current state of the site. The council-owned building last underwent minor refurbishment in 2013, focusing primarily on revitalising its exteriors and improving accessibility. The interiors of the building also received special attention and were equipped with a cutting-edge sound and stage system.

Additionally, there are concerns that the Council might opt to sell the old building, potentially paving the way for redevelopment.

Read: Remediation Works Start At The Former Red Cross Hall In Greenslopes

In response to these concerns, the Council has strongly denied any intention to sell the site. Instead, they have announced plans to initiate a tender process in the near future to seek a new community lessee for the Greenslopes Bowls Club site.

Published 16-May-2023

Luxury Developer Commits $60M to Transform Prime Woolloongabba Sites

A prominent luxury apartment developer has recently allocated a whopping $60 million towards the acquisition of prime sites in Woolloongabba, with a vision of constructing residential buildings that will accommodate thousands of residents.

Read: This Woolloongabba Redevelopment Will Add a New Hyatt Place With Striking Rooftop ‘Nest’

Sarazin, currently based at Chifley Square in Sydney, currently controls a parcel of land spanning nearly 1.4 hectares along a stretch of Wellington Rd. Situated between Overend and Hampton streets, it’s considered as one of Woolloongabba’s prime sites.

The developer has submitted a development application for two 20-storey residential towers at 6-18 Wellington Rd, which will offer a total of 368 apartments. Designed by Hayes Anderson Lynch Architects, the ground floors of each building will provide space for seven retail tenancies.

Woolloongabba's prime sites — Photo credit: Hayes Anderson Lynch Architects

The properties, which are included in the Woolloongabba Centre neighbourhood plan, enjoy the advantage of having dual street frontage along Wellington Rd and Nile St, providing convenient access to important road networks.

Then, as part of a $7 billion funding agreement between the Queensland and Federal governments, Sarazin is also undertaking a three-stage apartment project situated across from the Gabba. The existing structure will be completely demolished and rebuilt.

In 2022, the first stage of the project, called “Silk,” was successfully completed on a 6,381 sqm site located on Stanley Street.

A real estate agent noted that the resurgence of large-scale apartment projects is a direct response to the current supply and demand dynamics, highlighting that there is a pressing rental crisis in the city and people require suitable housing options.

The Gabba, in particular, is highly desirable due to the upcoming Olympics and related infrastructure developments.

Read: 3-Hour Street Parking Limit, Resident Parking Permits Could be Adopted in Greenslopes

A significant redevelopment project is underway at the Gabba Stadium, which will undergo a complete demolition and subsequent reconstruction in preparation for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Published 11-May-2023

Greenslopes Mall Evacuated Following a Car Fire in the Parking Area

A car caught fire in the underground parking area of Brisbane’s Greenslopes Mall, forcing the evacuation of shoppers. Approximately 40 minutes after the incident started, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) personnel arrived on the scene.

On 20th April 2020, two QFES crews were sent to the retail centre, they managed to put out the fire by 9:50 a.m. The Fire Investigation Unit was also notified of the incident.

Peter Shaer, who was at the mall at the time of the fire, recalled that people were running to get their cars away from the “horrible” smoke and odours from the fire.

The shopper criticised the mall’s response to the situation as Mr Shaer claimed that “the shopping center reacted very slowly.” He didn’t not notice the sprinklers working and the lift was still operating “even in the den’s smog.”

Crews from the Queensland Police Service (QPS) were also on the scene. A short while later, it was said that the mall was once again accessible to shoppers.

Greenslopes Mall’s Center Management was unavailable for comment.

Published 20-April-2023