Greenslopes Archives - Page 6 of 8

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.

Petrol Prices Up! Here’s Where Greenslopes Locals Can Get Them Lower

Petrol prices are still high in Brisbane with an average price of 164.9 cents per litre (cpl) as of 7 July 2021. That’s down a bit from previous days, a trend which hopefully continues, but still higher than those in other capital cities in the country. Those looking for cheaper petrol can check out Caltex Woolloongabba at 118 Logan Rd where the price has held steady at the 136.5 cpl mark so far.

Shell Galloways Hill on Hawthorne Rd is at 157.9 cpl as of 6 July, while Bizzells Garage on Latrobe Terrace is at 159.9 cpl as of 5 July.

However, 80 percent of service stations around Brisbane and the Gold Coast are selling unleaded petrol for more than 170 cpl, exceeding the all-time record high in December 2019. Below are the cheapest rates in Brisbane’s southeast as of 27 June to 7 July:

CHECK FOR FAIR FUEL PRIcEs

RACQ spokesperson Renee Smith explains the reason for the high price, attributing the situation to a “triple whammy.”

“We’re at the high point in the fuel cycle in SEQ, oil prices are at a two year high and retailers have retained unreasonably high retail margins,” Ms Smith said.

“During the pandemic servos had high indicative retail margins because so many people weren’t driving so fuel sales volumes were low – but now sales are back to normal the fact they’re still charging these exorbitant prices is frankly unfair,” she added.

In June, RACQ released a report citing that retail petrol prices will continue to tick upward in the coming months, with Brisbane residents paying more compared to locals at other capital cities in Australia.

Meanwhile, Smith recommends downloading RACQ Fair Fuel Finder app (Android or iOS) so the motorists can do a price comparison. A difference of a few cents will encourage retailers to keep their prices competitive.

“If you’re unable to find a better deal in your area then top for now to get you through until prices the next cheap phase, which could take up to three weeks,” Ms Smith added.

The Cost of Driving Your Car

Apart from the petrol price increase, the cost of driving a car in Brisbane is up by 1.7 percent on 1 July due to the increase in licence and registration fees.

“The cost of a five-year licence climbed to $187.10, while those driving a four-cylinder car will have to pay $399.55 per year to register their vehicle,” RACQ spokesperson Lauren Ritchie said.

Motorists will also have to pay higher for use of toll roads and parking in Brisbane CBD. Per the Brisbane Consumer Price Index (BCPI), parking rates in Brisbane CBD have gone up six percent at $5.50 per hour. Ms Ritchie also warned that motorists who violate road rules are bound to pay higher penalties, which has increased across Queensland by 3.3 percent.

With these rising costs, Brisbane car owners are finding ways to save money where they can, such as patronising service stations with lower petrol rates.

Charlie’s Raw Squeeze Greenslopes Accepts Contactless Qoin Payments

Great news for consumers who love the convenience of contactless payments and digital currency! Charlie’s Raw Squeeze has rolled out Qoin (pronounced as “coin”) as its newest payment option in Greenslopes and five other stores.

The popular plant-based juice bar and healthy cafe, located in Old Cleveland Road, is one of six Charlie’s Raw Squeeze stores now accepting Qoin payments, along with the outlets in Ashgrove, Clayfield, Clontarf, Morningside and North Lakes.

Owners Johnny and Michael Tabet are eager to adopt the system in its other locations, including outlets of their juice bar’s sister company, MooFree Burger.

“We get at least one new customer per day coming in because we accept Qoin. They get excited when they can pay in 100% Qoin,” Michael said. “We really liked Qoin because we saw it as a community supporting small businesses.”

“When I heard that Charlie’s Raw Squeeze was in the Qoin directory, I was very excited as I had heard of that brand before,” a regular at the Greenslopes store said. “When I went in there for breakfast, paying in Qoin was quick and simple. The staff are well trained in Qoin. It was such an easy experience. I absolutely love dining out on Qoin!”

With Qoin, the Tabet brothers’ businesses could become competitive against big chains and larger enterprises that have all the resources at their disposal. Thus, the digital currency will be a significant part of the growth of their operations as the pair carries out plans to expand across Australia.

According to Qoin Chief Marketing Officer Andrew Barke, over 34,000 small businesses nationwide have signed up for their services in the last 12 months. Compared to other digital currencies, Qoin’s infrastructure and the system fit well for small businesses.

“Australian small businesses are looking for innovative ways to sustain cash flow and make the most of their downtime. Qoin enables them to do both while offering a payment method to their customers that is fast, secure and virtually contactless,” Mr Barke said. “The value of Qoin increases as the merchant ecosystem grows.”

Meanwhile, follow Charlie’s Raw Squeeze Greenslopes on Facebook to get updates on their latest deals or scrumptiously healthy food and drinks. The store opens daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

‘Plus-size Only’: Greenslopes Wedding Boutique A First In The City

Photo credit: curvebridalboutique.com

For the longest time, plus-size women have struggled to find a wedding dress to fit their needs, literally and figuratively. This was enough motivation for Erin McKenna and her team to launch Curve Bridal Boutique, the first plus-size only boutique in Brisbane located at Greenslopes.

At Curve Bridal Boutique, there are no dresses available for women size 6-12. Instead, their dresses come in sizes 16 to 30, in over 100 different styles and colours.

Erin was inspired to open Curve Bridal Boutique when she saw first hand how tough it was for her mum to find a wedding gown. The dilemma, based on what Erin experienced, is that women eventually need to pay a plus-size fee if they want a plus-size gown.

“Our whole purpose is to provide a home for the modern curvaceous bride. We started from humble beginnings but with big dreams for the plus-size and Curvy woman,” Erin shared on her website.

Erin and her team’s effort eventually paid off, with previous clients recommending their wedding boutique online.

“From the moment I walked in they made me feel so comfortable. They knew what would suit my body and skin tone, they knew which curves to hide and which ones to accentuate. They made me feel absolutely beautiful in every dress I tried on,” says Jess, one of Curve Bridal’s previous customers.

Lesley, another bride, complemented Erin and her team for being so professional and welcoming. She said past experiences shopping for a wedding dress has been stressful, but not until she checked out Curve Bridal.

Unlike other boutiques where brides stand side by side on a podium whilst trying their gown for the first time, Curve Bridal has private fitting rooms so brides wouldn’t have to compare themselves against each other. The boutique also designs handmade wedding gowns, for brides who want their custom dream gown as well as formal wear for events.

Curve Bridal is located at 2/371 Logan Rd Greenslopes and is open by appointment only from Thursday to Saturday. You can check out their website to get in touch or follow them on Instagram @curvebridalboutique for updates.

Stephens Mountain Reserve Project Receives New Walking Track

Works on the Stephens Mountain Reserve project have continued, with a recent implementation of a new walking track with improved entry and exit points.

The reserve was created with the purpose of protecting and conserving the natural environment whilst simultaneously providing the Greenslopes community with a family-friendly place with recreation activities.

Composed of 5.8 hectares of rezoned land from Stephens Mountain, the reserve has been classified as a conservation zone by the Brisbane City Council.

Work on the reserve first began in February 2021, after the Brisbane City Council invested $200,000 into the project. Once the draft plan was ready, the project team partook in public consultation, engaging with the community via information kiosks and online surveys in order to learn what people wished to see in the reserve.

Have you had a chance to visit the new lookout at Stephens Mountain Reserve? 🐸🐝🌳🦋🌿🌾 More improvements to this wonderful…
Posted by Councillor Fiona Cunningham on Sunday, February 7, 2021

Feedback revealed that the public had expressed interest in walking tracks, a lookout, weed management, and informal shared paths. The community expressed their interest in the protection of native vegetation and wildlife.

The construction of areas such as the lookout, walking tracks, fencing, and weed management were completed as part of the project’s first stage of works. With the current pace of works being done on the Stephens Mountain Reserve, the construction of the conservation zone’s lookout and walking trails are expected to finish by June 2021.

Stones Corner Due For a Daring Comeback This 2021

After much neglect and a series of closures pre-pandemic, Stones Corner is set to make a daring comeback in 2021. With six projects set to revitalise the precinct, it’s only a matter of time until this high street is restored to its former glory.

Sprucing Up Penney’s Building, 357 Logan Rd

The first of these projects is the restoration of Penney’s Building, one of the precinct’s chief landmarks. Having been around since 1938, the building at 357 Logan Rd has been left in a state of disrepair despite its iconic and easily-recognisable art deco exterior. Plans are being drawn by the DeMartini Fletcher group to refurbish it with wooden trusses, exposed brick, higher ceilings, and indoor foliage; all of which will give the interior a fresher look.

Bringing in the Latest Tenants to Bower Lane

Bower Lane, 433 Logan Rd is also due for some upgrades, with seven new tenancies that range from the chic coffee shop Buenos Dias Con Café, all the way to the yet-to-be-opened Greenslopes branch of Brooklyn Depot — a renowned burger bar hailing from South Bank. With new establishments packed with personality, Bower Lane aspires to catch the eyes of many would-be regulars.

New Clinics, Dentists, and Doctors at 416 Logan Rd

One of the more extensive projects is the overhaul of 416 Logan Rd, which is scheduled to be fully renovated in March. Tenants from the health industry such as dentists and doctors are planning to set up clinics within the building, supplying Greenslope locals with some easily-accessible medical expertise.

Beautician’s Hub at Freedom Suites

The fourth Stones Corner project is Freedom Suites, 392 Logan Rd. A powerhouse in the hair and beauty industry, this building now serves as a hub for freelance hairdressers and beauty specialists to set up shop, and given how many customers Freedom Suites attracts, businesses close by also prosper as a result of the influx of visitors.

Cello Apartments

Plans have also been drawn for the Cello Apartments situated in the corner between Cleveland and Flora streets. With an enticing residential area in a prime location surrounded by shops, restaurants and bars, hundreds of people can move in and be proud to call Stone Corners their home.

New Mixed-Use Residential Area at 66 Cleveland

The final project lined up for the revitalization of Stones Corner is Montague Developments’ plan to create a mixed-use residential tower in 66 Cleveland, complete with residential floors, an outdoor kitchen, coffee shops and restaurants, as well as an infinity pool. Given its proximity to various outlets and facilities as well as the Brisbane CBD, Stones Corner has the potential to become one of the busiest precincts in the Queensland area.

Hanlon Park Rejuvenation Project Ready for Stage 2

Work on the Hanlon Park Rejuvenation Project in Greenslopes is moving along swiftly and will progress to the second stage soon with the completion of the nature-themed play area.

The playground off Lincoln Street is near the Stones Corner Community Kindergarten and is equipped with new sliding and climbing all abilities equipment, sand play and swings, and seating areas for groups and families.

On 11 Dec. 2020, Councillor Fiona Cunningham confirmed that the playground has re-opened with the following features:

Multi-level adventure play tower with slide and swing set
Sandpit with diggers
Water hand pump to activate water flow along the creek bed
Nature-based climbing structures
Shade sails
Paths
Natural rock creek beds

Photo Credit: Councillor Fiona Cunningham/Facebook

The open green space, however, is not yet completely ready for use for safety reasons as construction work is still taking place.

Part of the work includes ripping off a section of the concreted waterway to build a natural ecosystem.

Some 462 trees and 43,000 shrubs will also be planted all around the park to boost the greenery, which will make the Norman Creek water cleaner. Sometime in the year, the community will be asked to get involved with the planting activities.

The Hanlon Park Rejuvenation Project, which is estimated for completion by late 2021, aims to:

revitalise Norman Creek, which runs through the park
enhance the environment with more trees and natural spaces
increase recreational and social opportunities for residents and visitors
enhance connectivity and accessibility within the park and local area
boost local economic vibrancy with a new place to relax and enjoy

For concerns and questions about this project, phone the team at 1800 669 416 (business hours) or 07 3403 8888 (off business hours), or send an email through cityprojects@brisbane.qld.gov.au.

New Community Park Planned at Former Red Cross Site in Greenslopes

The former Red Cross site on Headfort Street in Greenslopes could soon become a new community park following almost seven years of abandonment.

Councillor Fiona Cunningham confirmed in a Facebook post that Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and the Council agreed to buy the land from the Federal Government.

Discussions are ongoing about redeveloping the precinct for community use, given that there are no nearby playgrounds or family recreational facilities in the area.

“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,” Ms Cunningham said. “Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) will also provide Council with a heritage strategy for the park so this can be considered in the design.”

For years, Greenslopes residents have been asking the government to act on the idle space. The former Red Cross hall has been riddled with disintegrating asbestos and is in the advanced stages of disrepair.

The property, owned by the DVA until its lease expiration in 2013, has been tagged as a health risk and a waste of property. The site stands across the Greenslopes Hospital.

Built in early 1945, the Red Cross hall consisted of two heritage-listed timber buildings. The site was used as a recreational facility for military personnel receiving medical services across the street.

Events like film screenings, concerts and dances were often hosted in the community hall, which also had a library and a room filled with billiard tables. The other building served as a hostel for visiting relatives and friends of the patients.

MP Richard Marles confirmed that the Federal Government will hand over the Red Cross property to the Brisbane City Council.

“The hope is that now works can commence to make the site safe again and that it could be restored to its former glory for use again by local Brisbanites,” Mr Marles said in a post.

The Jam Pantry Reopens for Father’s Day, Entire Staff Negative for COVID-19

The popular Greenslopes cafe, The Jam Pantry, is resuming business in time for Father’s Day this September weekend after an unfortunate COVID-19 threat.

The new owner of the establishment, Victor Chan, immediately took action and made sure that the staff and customers are safe and healthy following reports that a woman positive for COVID-19 apparently dined at the eatery.

On 19 Aug 2020, The Jam Pantry owner confirmed shutting down the cafe temporarily for a full disinfectant clean and COVID-19 testing for the workers. Mr Chan also promised to work closely with the health department. Fortunately for all concerned, the entire team had negative results after testing two times.

With this good news, The Jam Pantry is ready to trade again by Friday, 4 Sept 2020.

“We are opening our doors on the 4th of September and we couldn’t be more excited,” Mr Chan wrote on Facebook. “We have just completed a deep clean of the cafe and are ready to get back in the kitchen. We know that you’ve all be eager for an update on how things are going so you’ll be pleased to hear that all of our wonderful staff have all taken a second test after being in quarantine for the last two weeks and the results are NEGATIVE. NO COVID!!!”

Regulars expressed their support for the cafe, especially after Mr Chan properly communicated the plan to temporarily close and get tested.

“Big thanks to Victor and his team for going above and beyond what is required. Their actions are keeping the community safe and although I haven’t been to the cafe for a while, I’ll definitely make a point of dropping in for a meal soon,” a customer wrote in support of the cafe.

Mr Chan took over the ownership of The Jam Pantry in the middle of the pandemic crisis. Previous owner Naomi “Nims” Zavackas sold the restaurant to concentrate on training at the South Bank culinary hub, Wandering Cooks.

Despite the wrong timing, Mr Chan is optimistic about the restaurant’s future. He brings that same positive spirit to the comforting cafe every day.

The Jam Pantry has retained most of Ms Zavackas menu. Before the chef left, she spent time training the kitchen crew to prepare the types of food the regulars love to order.

Popular Greenslopes Cafe To Close After 5 Years

The Jam Pantry, one of Greenslopes’ busiest cafe, is closing shop after five years of serving the locals. Owner and chef Naomi Zavackas confirmed the news in a video post on social media.

Naomi said that The Jam Pantry will be serving its last meals on Sunday, the 29th of March 2020. The decision to close has been bittersweet but she also revealed the exciting reason why she had to do it.

“I’ve accepted a position as Chef in Residence Wandering Cooks,” Naomi said. It’s an opportunity that I just couldn’t pass up and so we decided to go for it.”

Naomi will be mentoring foodie entrepreneurs at Angela Hirst’s multi-kitchen space, some six kilometres away from her old restaurant. She and Hirst also have big plans to turn the venue into a large restaurant with a single curated menu from the different chefs.

Still, Naomi revealed there is sadness over the coming changes despite the excitement.

“We have the incredible support of our Family and our exceptional team in this and together, are determined to create the BEST exit, for all of us and you, together. We’ll be trading 7 days a week from Wednesday the 26th right through to our last service on the 29th of March.”

The chef and her husband Gideon are actually selling The Jam Pantry so that someone else may take over. The cafe will remain close if there are no buyers once she starts work in South Brisbane.

Meanwhile, to celebrate The Jam’s Pantry’s final days, Naomi will be whipping up old favourites from the last five years. The cafe is also operating seven days a week until it’s closing date.