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Apartment Complex May Replace Old Freemasons Club Building In Stones Corner

Artist’s impression of the proposed apartment complex (Photo credit: NMDS Architecture/developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

The old Freemasons Club along Stones Corner could be up for demolition if plans to construct a 13-storey apartment complex with retail tenancies push through.

Read: Stones Corner Due For a Daring Comeback This 2021

Brisbane City Council is currently in the process of assessing the plans (A005844851) submitted by Oakridge Property Group in September 2021.

Aerial view of subject site (Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au/)

The 2,104-sqm site, located at 17 Cleveland Street, houses the old Freemasons Centre which is currently vacant. Aside from the demolition of all structures on-site, the applicant is also seeking to clear all on-site vegetation and close all existing crossovers and upgrades to both the Cleveland and Lincoln Street verges.

Proposal Details

The proposed development features an apartment complex that will consist of 33 one-bedroom, 11 two-bedroom and fifty-five 55 three-bedroom residential dwellings.

Photo credit: NMDS Architecture/developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

There will be four levels of basement parking, which will accommodate a total of 211 vehicles. Around 178 car parks will be provided for residents whilst 25 for visitors and the remaining eight for retail parking. Also included in the proposal are two new vehicle crossovers to Cleveland St and another one in Lincoln St.

The dedicated pedestrian entry to the building proposed to Cleveland Street will have direct connectivity to the retail tenancies and dedicated access, via a lobby, to the residential lifts.

If approved, the 13-storey building would add to the high-rise residential developments proposed in the area.

The adjoining site to the north, located at 11 Cleveland Street, has been approved for an eight-storey building incorporating ground floor commercial/non-residential uses and apartments above ground level. The adjoining sites to the south are improved by a two-storey multiple dwelling and pre-1911 detached dwelling.

“The site is included in the HDR1 zone adjacent to a District Centre and District Park. The proposed development density is in response to the Sites proximity to a centre, parkland and key transport corridors and stations (bus and rail). The additional development density sought is unlikely to impact upon the amenity of surrounding sites and uses,” Urbicus stated in an assessment report.

For more details about this proposed development, see DA-A005844851.

Greenslopes Property Market Flexes Its High-Price Growth Potential

Greenslopes is flexing its potential for growth following its strong performance within the 12-month period ending June 2021, as soaring buyer demand in Brisbane’s red-hot property market continues despite the pandemic.

House Price Growth

Figures from Property Market Updates reveal that between July 2020 to June 2021, the median house price in Greenslopes has risen to $900,000 from $790,000 in the previous year, reflecting a 13.92 per cent growth which has kept this suburb on the list of Brisbane’s top performers.

The Greenslopes property market has been flexing its high growth potential in recent years as the median house price continues to rise annually, to its present level in 2021 where the house prices have risen more than the average wage per year.

On average, house prices from 2018 to 2021 have risen by approximately $90,000 annually. The median income of Greenslopes residents is between $60,000 to $70,000 per annum.

Buyers who want access to high-demand suburbs pick Greenslopes for a better return of investment and value for money, considering it a still more affordable alternative to neighbours like Camp Hill and Coorparoo.

113 houses sold in this time period after an average of 62 days on the market. Buyers compete for two and three-bedroom houses but the highest-selling house stands on an elevated allotment on Henzell Terrace, one of Greenslopes’ most exclusive family-friendly enclaves, for $3,300,000.

The renovated 1922 home with six bedrooms offers beautiful suburban views and a modern aesthetic. It is within the catchment of the Greenslopes State School and Cavendish Road State High School.

Unit Price Growth

A majority of Greenslopes residents are renters who work at the hospitals in the area, or in nearby inner-city suburbs like South Brisbane, West End, or Woolloongabba. With strong rental demand, buyers are keen to purchase units with high prices for investment purposes. Thus, it’s no surprise that Greenslopes’ unit property growth grew by 11.26 per cent in the period ending June 2021, with 196 units sold.

The current median unit price is now at $405,000, up from $364,000 last year. Units are quick sells on the market for an average of 45 days.

About Greenslopes

Being close to the motorway brings convenience to Greenslopes locals, which makes this place one of the easiest choices for home buyers and investors. Filled with a mix of old homes, modern houses and apartment blocks, this leafy locale close to the city — but still quiet and peaceful — attracts young families, professionals, or downsizers and retirees.

A former farming town, Greenslopes has risen to be one of the more popular and sought-after suburbs in Brisbane by investors, especially with the revitalisation of Stones Corner. Families love this suburb for its great choices of quality schools, a number of sporting clubs and community hubs, and generous green spaces like Hanlon Park and Ekibin Park. The shopping precinct has a variety of retailers with convenient parking and easy transport access.

Greenslopes is also home to some of Brisbane’s major hospitals with excellent medical care, such as The Princess Alexandra Hospital and Greenslopes Private Hospital. The hospitals are two of the suburb’s biggest drawcards, driving up the median prices.

“Excellent accessibility to public transport, bikeways and motorway. Lots of green space and playgrounds for kids. Great local community full of diversity thanks to the many different property types – older units, new units and lots of young families. Local park run and walking groups and awesome cafes and access to shopping such as Aldi, IGA and Coles. We’ve been here 13 years and love it!”
ChristineBM

“Public transport is close by, as is access to the SE Freeway. Greenslopes Mall has Coles and take away shops. People are friendly. Lots of families and professionals. I like it.”
Ryant12

“My partner and I purchased our first home in Greenslopes in Dec 2018. We were drawn to the area for the value for money, proximity to the city and motorways and potential for stones corner to become a cool bar, dining and shopping hub. Shops are super close and handy and everyone has been so friendly so far.”
Julesgreenslopes

Greenslopes Private Hospital Unveils New $3-Million Hybrid Theatre

Photo credit: https://www.greenslopesprivate.com.au/

Queensland’s largest private hospital, Greenslopes Private Hospital celebrated a new milestone with the launch of its $3-million hybrid theatre, a combined cardiac cath lab and operating theatre specifically designed for vascular surgeons and cardiology.

Read: Australian Red Cross Centre in Greenslopes Up for Demolition

The cardiac team tested the new facility in its 250th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), under the supervision of Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Christopher Smith and Interventional Cardiologist Dr Karl Poon.

The TAVI procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery for patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis. The narrowed aortic valve is replaced using an artificial valve delivered via a catheter placed through the femoral artery in the groin.

Dr Smith, who helped establish the TAVI program at Greenslopes Private Hospital, said TAVI is not for everyone but is an important part of the treatment modalities that they have available for severe aortic stenosis.

“Initially it was used for patients who weren’t suitable for surgery and were otherwise destined for palliative care. But the indications have now progressed and in the coming years, I am sure we will be offering TAVI to more and more patients,” he said.

Emma Neylan, Greenslopes Private Hospital’s Nurse Unit Manager of cardiac suites said the custom-built hybrid theatre is larger than a usual cath lab and allows for more specialised equipment.

“For example, we can abort a strict cath lab procedure and progress to a bypass operation without needing to switch theatres or have the patient return for surgery on another day,” Ms Neylan said.

Dr Smith shared he was so excited to be involved with the TAVI program at Greenslopes because it represents a new era in cardiac services utilising a specific ‘heart team’ approach. It’s a collaboration of the two specialities – interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery.

Stage 2 Completed for Hanlon Park Revitalisation in Stones Corner

The second stage of the Hanlon Park development in Stones Corner is done and locals may now enjoy the public park. Work on Stage 3 has also commenced with a target opening sometime in early 2022.

Cr Fiona Cunningham led the opening of Hanlon Park Stage 2 on 4 Oct 2021 along with members of the N4C Norman Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee, the families and kids of Stones Corner Kindergarten, and some residents.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner graced the opening as well and said that this green space is “quickly becoming Brisbane’s best kept secret.”

Photo Credit: Cr Fiona Cunningham/Facebook

The Hanlon Park revitalisation between Cornwall Street and O’Keefe Street in Stones Corner was included in the Norman Creek 2012-2031 Master Plan. The project, which started in mid-2020, was designed to transform a 100-year-old concrete drain into “a thriving community greenspace with a natural waterway, adventure playground, shared pathways and public art.”

“Our revitalisation of this community greenspace is quickly taking shape, with a new nature themed playground and, for the first time in about 100 years, Norman Creek is flowing through the park once again,” Mr Schrinner said.

Meanwhile, Stage 3 of Hanlon Park will run along O’Keefe Street, which will include more vegetation, shaded areas, pathways, and additional facilities. It will set the groundwork for the Brisbane Metro’s construction beginning 2022, which will include an underpass over Gladys Street.

Australian Red Cross Centre in Greenslopes Up for Demolition

Despite an initial plan to rehabilitate the former Australian Red Cross Centre in Greenslopes, changes are now underway to demolish the old building and put a public park in its place.

The intention to buy the land on Headfort Street from the Department of Veterans Affairs was laid out in a Council letter to residents. The decision was deemed the more cost-effective solution to the historical site, which has been highly contaminated and closed off to the public since 2013 due to the presence of asbestos.

The cost of retaining and renovating the building would set back the government between $5.4 to $7.5 million. On the other hand, full demolition and removal of all hazardous material would cost $1.8 million.

The creation of the parkland will preserve most of the heritage-listed elements of the property. A portion of the area will also be allocated for the headquarters of Legacy Queensland, a non-profit that supports the families of the veterans if they decide to erect a building.

On 16 September, EPB Notice 2021/8997 was issued approving the demolition of all hazardous materials and removal of contaminated soil from the site. Following the earthworks, the land will be turned over to Brisbane City for community use.

Councillor Fiona Cunningham said that the residents of Greenslopes have asked for the park since there is no such public space for families within the precinct. They will work with DVA to plan out a “heritage strategy” in designing the new public space.

“Council has also had discussions with Legacy, an organisation with deep connection to this site, about a portion of the land being used for their services for the families of our veterans,” the councillor said.

“While it is sad to see the buildings go, I believe it is important to provide certainty to residents about the future of the site. I am also pleased that we will be able to provide new parkland for local families and community use that will honour the site’s history.”

New Restaurant Brings The Unique Flavours Of India To Greenslopes and Stones Corner

Photo credit: Soo Delhi/Facebook

Soo Delhi is a newly opened restaurant in the heart of Stones Corner, celebrating Indian home cooking with a combination of classic and unique Indian fare.

Read: Greenslopes Clinic Finalist At 2021 HESTA Excellence Awards

In a move away from the predominance of curry dishes typically found in Indian restaurants across Brisbane, Soo Delhi offers only a handful of curries. These are their Malai chicken tikka, butter chicken, a lamb shank option, palak paneer, a grilled salmon curry, and dal makhni.

The stars at Soo Delhi are the “Sooji Kesar Halva,” a semolina halva cooked in ghee and the “Shahi Tukda,” an Indian-style bread and butter pudding. Those who are looking for something new to try should go for kebab-like rolls loaded with lamb and goat.

The restaurant is co-owned by Manita Arnold, a well-known cafe owner who used to run the Pearl Cafe in Woolloongabba. The cafe was considered a Brisbane dining institution, having run for over 14 years before it ceased trading in 2020 after the new owners failed to access government help during the pandemic.

The Indian restaurant’s business model takes inspiration from Delhi’s restaurants, where only around five to six curry dishes are on offer instead of having dozens of curries on the menu. All the items on Soo Delhi’s menu are family recipes passed on from generations, which adds a home-cooked feel to their food.

“All the food is extremely tasty, flavoursome and keeps you wanting to come back for more! I’ve never come across an Indian restaurant in Brissy that offers such unique dishes, rather than your regular butter chicken,” said local guide Vivian Nguyen.

Arnold, also a winemaking professional, ensures the restaurant will have a good wine list once they are available. Right now, they are still waiting for their liquor license. For the meantime, they allow BYO for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday.

Soo Delhi accepts dine-in, takeaway, and no-contact delivery orders. Follow them on Facebook or on Instagram for updates and more information, including trading hours and the menu.

Greenslopes Clinic Finalist At 2021 HESTA Excellence Awards

Photo credit: @restorefunctionphysio/Instagram

Restore Function Physiotherapy, located in Greenslopes, has been selected to be one of the finalists for the Outstanding Organisations category at the 2021 HESTA Excellence Awards, which recognises Australia’s top organisations and teams working across allied health, aged care, community and disability services.

Read: Greenslopes Grandfather With Spinal Cord Injury Plans Travel Fundraiser

Restore Function Physiotherapy is founded by Miranda O’Hara, who was instrumental in developing the AFLW’s Prep to Play injury risk reduction program during her time as head of the Brisbane Lions’ AFLW Medical Department. Because of Ms O’Hara’s hard work, the strategies resulted in only two Brisbane Lions AFLW players being unavailable for selection due to injury.

Photo credit: @restorefunctionphysio/Instagram

She completed her Masters of Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy at Griffith University in 2014. During this time, Miranda joined the Physiotherapy teaching team at Australian Catholic University and also provided clinical education to the Masters of Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy students at Griffith University.

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A post shared by RestoreFunctionPhysio (@restorefunctionphysio)

Ms O’Hara started Restore Function Physiotherapy in 2012 as a specialised sports physiotherapy & rehab clinic. Now, the clinic offers an array of services, specialising in musculoskeletal conditions, sporting injuries, women’s health and spinal pain and neurological rehabilitation.

She’s joined by a team of physiotherapists who have years of experience in treating all kinds of muscle and joint pains – from everyday sore necks and backs to torn ACL’s on the sporting field. To know more about their services, see Restore Function Physiotherapy’s website or call at 07 3148 4417.

HESTA Winners Announced

HESTA Excellence Awards announced the national winners this year in a virtual ceremony on 25 August 2021. Earbus Foundation of WA (EFWA) wins the Outstanding Organisation for their work to reduce middle ear disease in young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. For the list of all winners, visit www.hesta.com.au.

Greenslopes Grandfather With Spinal Cord Injury Plans Travel Fundraiser

Bevan, a Greenslopes grandfather, will attempt something he has never done before. As a person with spinal cord injury who has been getting around with a wheelchair, he’ll be travelling from Brisbane to Townsville, through QLD’s western corridor, and then back home to Greenslopes, in his makeshift wheelchair-accessible camper van.

The retiree said that he had the idea to go around the region in the hopes of raising funds for spinal research. Bevan also wants his upcoming trip, set for late August or September, to raise awareness for inclusive tourism and his not-for-profit Miller Chase Foundation and Accessible Australia Ride, a free and helpful tool encouraging people with disabilities to safely explore the country.

Bevan said that since getting his Freedom Trax, a powered off-road wheelchair from the NDIS, he’s enjoying more independence and outdoor recreational activities, such as camping and fishing, with his grandchildren. Having a wheelchair has allowed him some fun with the great outdoors but a trip around Queensland remains his goal for some time.

“I was retired and looking for something to do and a challenge to raise funds for a reasonable cause. I had the wheelchair scooter and always wanted to go around Australia and thought I’d combine the whole thing together.”

“I ripped the seats out of my Toyota HiAce Commuter and converted it into a wheelchair-accessible camper van so I have somewhere to sleep, and my mate will drive the van behind me as a support vehicle.

“I am hoping late August or early September and will start from Brisbane and go up the Queensland coast, then go across to Mt Isa from Townsville, then down the western corridor through Winton to Charleville across the bottom of the state, back to Brisbane.”

Bevan suffered a spinal cord injury in a motorbike accident almost 30 years ago and was in the spinal unit for six months during his rehabilitation. Three decades on and Bevan said that there isn’t a decent facility for spinal cord injury patients and their families during the rehabilitation. So, he’s also hoping that this trip will also enable him to secure funds to build a rehabilitation centre.

“It would be nice to have a place where you can move out of the spinal unit and instead of living in the hospital ward, you can be in a rehab centre with gym, hydro pools and units designed with wheelchair facilities, so the families and patients can be rehabilitated together; even the families need that rehab.”

Aside from NDIS, the Greenslopes grandfather also has the support of Spinal Life Australia. After Queensland, he’s hoping to continue his travels in the rest of the country in 2022.

To avail of the support Bevan has received from the NDIS, enquire from Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, or cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au.

Queensland Puts Forward Plans to Manufacture COVID-19 Vaccines Locally

Translational Research Institute at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Woolloongabba has received a $20-million grant to develop mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 amidst the rising number of cases of Delta variant transmissions but the initiative will still need approval from the Commonwealth.

Under the Industry Partnership Program, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that the grant will ramp up the country’s “capacity to develop our biomedical industry and manufacture vaccines,” as well as open 500 jobs within 10 years.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said that the fund will enable Queensland to produce vaccines for Australia.

“I want Queensland to lead the country in vaccine research, development, and manufacturing, and I’ve been talking to leading biomedical experts about how to do this,” Deputy Premier Steven Miles said. “TMI@TRI was one of their strong recommendations.”

Highlights

Translational Research Institute at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Wollonggaba received a $20 million grant from the State.
The funding will allow Queensland to produce mRNA COVID-19 vaccines locally.
The production will still need approval from the Federal Government.

The State Government has been in preliminary discussions with various Queensland-based biopharmaceutical facilities, as well as leading international manufacturers, to produce the vaccines locally once the Federal Government agrees to the proposal.

The pitch was laid out with Federal Industry, Science and Technology Minister Christian Porter. Mr Miles said that Queensland has the technology and the skills to become a “major player in the manufacture of vaccines internationally.”

Photo Credit: Translational Research Institute/Google Maps

The Federal Government is looking into bids for locally manufacturing CSL, BioChina, Luina Bio, LDT and 10 more brands. One of its requirements is for the facility to be ready within a year. TRI CEO Professor Scott Bell believes that, given the funding, the manufacturing facility could be ready in 18 months.

Australia is already producing AstraZeneca mRNA COVID-19 vaccines as there are facilities on-shore that have the capacity to make this particular viral-vector-based vaccine. AstraZeneca is also willing to outsource vaccine production.

However, the country needs more Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for the under 50s as AstraZeneca is only administered to older patients. Only three countries have the rights to manufacture Pfizer vaccine: U.S., Germany, and Belgium.

Moderna, another mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, is another possibility if issues with local licence are ironed out and secured.

Meanwhile, Princess Alexandra Hospital conducts regular vaccinations for the under 60 years old every Friday and Saturday between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Check the Queensland Health website for other vaccination locations.

Greenslopes Unit Block Sells for $1.755 Million from $1.41 Million in 3 Months

An old apartment block in Greenslopes, located within walking distance of Greenslopes’ hospital and shopping precincts, has sold for $1.76 million, after a previous local investor bought the property for $1.41 million, three months before.

Located within walking distance of Greenslopes’ hospital and shopping precincts, the apartment block on 16 Denman Street has four units that averagely fetch a weekly rent of $1,200. The units’ rent could potentially increase with some improvements or developments to the ageing building.

Spanning 809 square metres, the residential site has a common area on the ground floor with some storerooms, laundries, and separate garages fitted for two cars. The property’s four units have different floor plans with the biggest house offering three bedrooms and an exclusive ground floor area. All of the units are currently leased.

The property agents said that investors have been “looking for this type of asset” because of its prime location and income potential. Seven registered bidders took interest in the property during the weekend auction in early July 2021.

According to realestate.com.au, the site could be redeveloped with new multiple homes subject to Council approval.

At least 56 percent of Greenslopes locals are renters. The suburb has a consistently strong demand for units from young professionals working in the CBD, which is just six kilometres away.

The suburb’s biggest drawcard is Greenslopes Private Hospital, which has also brought more jobs to the area. The hospital is also a major factor for the older community and retirees.

Greenslopes has approximately 9,000 residents whose working population earns a weekly income of $1,671 or above the country’s average. As of June 2021, the median rent in this suburb is $380 a week for a two-bedroom unit.