Tag: Stone Corner

Stones Corner Set to Undergo Suburban Renewal Project

A new Suburban Renewal project is set to commence in Stones Corner, aiming to rejuvenate the area and enhance its appeal.

Read: Stones Corner Readies for Sky-High Transformation with New Apartment Approval

The suburban renewal initiative targets smaller, underutilised, or strategically located suburban areas, with detailed planning designed to deliver rapid and effective results. 

Suburban Renewal Project
Photo credit: Google Street View

Cr Fiona Cunningham, who announced the project on Instagram, emphasised the vision for the area: “We want to unlock the potential of Stones Corner and build on the already great lifestyle and village atmosphere that’s here, taking advantage of the public transport, employment, and business opportunities.” 

Objectives of the Suburban Renewal Project

The suburban renewal precincts program is designed to:

  • Unlock Opportunities for Underutilised Land: The initiative seeks to transform underutilised parcels of land into vibrant areas offering new homes and jobs, enhancing the community’s economic and social fabric.
  • Ensure Quick and Responsive Planning Outcomes: By streamlining the planning process, the program aims to deliver outcomes more rapidly and efficiently.
  • Deliver Locally Relevant Outcomes: Each precinct plan will be tailored to address the specific needs and characteristics of the local area, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
  • Engage the Community and Stakeholders: Effective and targeted engagement with the community and stakeholders is a cornerstone of the program, ensuring that the voices of residents and local businesses are heard.
  • Coordinate Council Programs and Priorities: The program will align with broader Council initiatives, ensuring a cohesive approach to suburban renewal.

Selection Criteria for Precincts

Suburban Renewal Project
Photo credit: Google Street View

Precincts were chosen based on factors indicating their potential for community benefit, including site characteristics such as context, size, and potential for mixed-use development. 

Strategic significance within the urban framework and the presence of underutilised land, particularly land not currently used to its full potential, were also considered. Proximity to existing and planned public transport infrastructure was a key factor, along with alignment with current and proposed major infrastructure investments.

Photo credit: Google Street View

Additionally, the ability to manage constraints effectively and compatibility with the existing planning framework were important criteria. The timing of infrastructure projects and the potential for partnership opportunities to enhance outcomes were also taken into account. Finally, ensuring alignment and synergy with other Council projects was crucial in the selection process.

Read: 82 New Affordable Homes in Stones Corner Begin Construction

Precinct plans are expected to take 12 to 18 months to prepare, marking the beginning of a new era for Stones Corner.

Published 12-June-2024 

Lady Marmalade in Stones Corner Now Under New Management

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Stone Corner’s beloved café and bar, Lady Marmalade, has been sold, just days after it was put on the market.

Read: Check Out These Greenslopes Cafés Serving up Healthy Eats

Two years into the pandemic, many businesses struggle to survive amidst COVID-related challenges – periods of lockdowns, border closures and changes in customer spending habits; and Lady Marmalade is no exception. 

So, when Owners Sonja and Howard Searle decided to put the cafe and bar on the market almost seven years after they took over, they did not expect that they would receive an offer so fast.

They are nevertheless happy that the new owner, Racy79 Pty Ltd, will be taking over the business and Lady Marmalade’s existing employees get to keep their jobs. Once the changeover of management is complete, Sonja and Howard plan to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the hospitality business. 

Regulars need not worry, however. Lady Marmalade’s capable staff will be there to ensure that it will still be business as usual.

“After nearly 7 years, the time has come for Howard and I to hand over the reins of Lady Marmalade to new owners,” Sonja said. 

Photo Credit: Lady Marmalade Cafe and Bar / Facebook

“The amazing Lady Marmalade Team will remain the same, the new owners are Industry Veterans who manage many high profile restaurants, cafes and a brewery in Queensland and across Australia. Some of their venues include Nonna’s Restaurant, Bluewater Grill Hope Island, House of Brews Surfer’s Paradise. Their wisdom and infrastructure will help to expand Lady Marmalade and they will be able to offer the team development opportunities.”

Photo Credit: Lady Marmalade Cafe and Bar / ladymcafe.com

Established in 2010, Lady Marmalade Café has become a go-to venue for great-tasting food made in-house, coffee and craft beers and wines. It started out as a small cafe occupying a vintage, corner building space that has been home of The National Bank before it became a canaryhouse and bird hospital then a record store. 

Read: Greenslopes Discount Drug Store Marks Two Decades In Business In A Special Way

The cafe and licensed-bar underwent a major transformation and expanded over to the nextdoor shop when the Searle’s took ownership in 2015. The renovated shop now seats more than 60 customers at a time from the original eight-seating capacity with a fit-out that pays homage to its historic past including the original brick walls which have now been exposed as well as the vintage bird hospital signage.