The penthouse at Sorano House in Kangaroo Point has secured a record-breaking $14 million off-the-plan sale, underscoring the soaring demand in Brisbane’s luxury residential market.
This sale price translates to an unprecedented $45,000 per square metre, surpassing the previous record of $35,000 per square metre set by Spyre Group’s Moray House project last year.
The luxurious two-storey penthouse at 12 Hamilton Street boasts 180-degree views of the Brisbane River and city skyline. It includes four bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and exclusive amenities such as a private rooftop with a pool, spa, sauna, outdoor dining area, and firepit.
Photo Credit: Ferroarch.com
Sam Sgroi, Managing Director of Trezetto Developments, described the sale as indicative of a “new age” for Brisbane’s luxury residential market, highlighting the Sorano House penthouse’s unique appeal and irreplaceable location.
Photo Credit: Ferroarch.com
Phillip Rand, Project Sales Director at YPM Group, noted that the buyer, a Brisbane local, had been searching for a distinctive riverfront property for over two years. The sale sets a new internal sales rate record for Brisbane and aligns the city’s property values with those in Sydney’s most prestigious waterfront suburbs.
Sorano House was launched to the market in October 2023. Four of the six single-storey apartments have already sold for an average price of $8.6 million. Construction is currently underway and is anticipated to be completed in early 2025.
After more than a decade of planning, the developers behind the Gaia apartments project in Kangaroo Point can finally realise their vision, having secured approval from Brisbane’s local officials.
It was not an easy path to approval for the Gaia development, as the development application received hundreds of submissions from residents who opposed the project due to several reasons, including potential traffic, access and parking impacts.
The developers eventually amended their plans, with two rather than three, 15-storey towers (aligning with surrounding approvals and the maximum height intent of the Neighbourhood Plan), and significant improvements to the ground plane.
Artist’s impression of Gaia (Photo credit: DKO Architecture)
The development by Pikos Group will see two 15-storey residential towers constructed at 108 Lambert Street, comprising 215 luxury apartments oriented to capture sweeping views of the Brisbane city skyline and river.
Gaia, meaning “connected to earth,” aims to provide a holistic wellness precinct grounded in nature, according to Pikos Group CEO Michelle Wooldridge. The riverfront site will feature the city’s largest private parklands along the Brisbane River.
Photo credit: DKO Architecture
The DKO Architecture-designed towers will offer luxury interiors with natural stone, timber flooring and premium appliances. Exclusive resident amenities will include a riverside pool and terrace with plunge pools, an indoor/outdoor gym, BBQ and dining areas, rooftop gardens, yoga lawn, outdoor cinema, private dining room and work lounge.
Communal open space (Photo credit: DKO Architecture)
The developers are also currently in discussions with the Brisbane City Council about extending the riverwalk at the Gaia development site, with the goal of providing a pedestrian promenade along the river that would connect to the city and the Docklands City Cat Ferry Terminal.
Pikos Group founder and Executive Director Pedro Pikos said the vision for the 5,284 sqm riverfront site has been over 10 years in the making, gradually amalgamating eight separate lots.
Mr Pikos stated that Gaia would transform the rare waterfront location into an inner-city sanctuary that embraces its incredible connectivity to the river and city. He also said it would deliver Brisbane’s premier residential address and set a new standard for riverfront living.
The newly inaugurated $17-million ferry terminal at Kangaroo Point has been rendered partially unusable due to a decaying boardwalk leading to the dock. Although the terminal itself is ready for travel, the adjoining boardwalk has been closed since May 2023 for safety reasons, making the terminal less accessible.
The Dockside Ferry Terminal reopens on Tuesday, 2 April 2024, and its regular CityHopper services set to resume on the same day. However, the rotting timber boardwalk between Cairns Street Drydock and Rotherham Street has prompted immediate calls for action and intervention.
The Council has publicly voiced its concerns, highlighting the State Government’s ownership of the boardwalk and the critical need for repairs. A Council spokesperson stated that they have raised the need for urgent repairs to ensure the boardwalk’s accessibility and safety.
In response to the immediate danger posed to commuters, semi-permanent barriers have been erected at the new terminal’s entrance to prevent access to the unsafe sections of the boardwalk.
Photo Credit: CrTrinaMassey/Facebook
The issue has ignited frustration among Kangaroo Point residents, who pride themselves on their scenic riverside locality and the riverwalk, significantly enhancing its appeal. A collective letter from the community accused government agencies of neglect and failure to maintain this vital asset, citing years of ignored warnings about the boardwalk’s deteriorating condition.
The Department of Resources (DOR), after years of resident complaints and increasing injuries due to the boardwalk’s state, has only recently initiated action by issuing a safety notice to the lessee, Ken Allsop of Dockside Marina.
The Minister for the Department of Resources, Scott Stewart, acknowledged the public’s frustration, emphasising the expectation that the lessee adheres to safety obligations and that the department enforces these if compliance still needs to be met. The department has outlined a repair timeline expected to conclude late this year, although specifics remain undisclosed.
Brisbane River Pty Ltd, Allsop’s company, confirmed ongoing consultations with stakeholders, suggesting an ongoing effort to resolve the boardwalk’s safety concerns.
Emergency services launched a rescue operation in Kangaroo Point after receiving reports of a man trapped in a stormwater drain. The operation was successful, but it has led to an investigation into allegations of dangerous driving in the same area. The incident was peculiar and unexpected.
At around 11:00 a.m. on Monday, 24 March 2024, at Castlebar Street in Kangaroo Point, emergency services responded to distress calls about a man stuck beneath a securely bolted drain cover.
The Queensland Ambulance Service relayed that the individual in peril, in an attempt to retrieve a fallen phone, found himself entangled within the drain’s grip, estimating his confinement to be around 36 hours.
Firefighters from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services rescued the man by prying open a drain cover. He was then transported to Mater Hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition with minor injuries.
Connection to Dangerous Driving Incidents
The rescued man, a 38-year-old, is currently aiding police with investigations linked to two dangerous driving occurrences reported on Sunday morning. Reports alleged that he was a passenger in the vehicle involved in the crashes.
Queensland Police Services detailed an incident involving a suspicious Ford Falcon that resulted in a collision with a police vehicle and another car, a Mitsubishi ASX, on Shafston Avenue. The aftermath saw the Ford’s occupants fleeing on foot, leaving behind a trail of damage and minor injuries to the Mitsubishi’s driver.
The police are keen on gathering eyewitness accounts and examining CCTV footage to piece together the events.
Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook
Public Appeal for Information
In the wake of the rescue, a body corporate communication to residents of the nearby Castlebar Cove apartment complex highlighted plans to scrutinise CCTV footage for insights into how the individual accessed the drain. James Lingwood, a resident and witness to the event, recounted his interactions with the man before the rescue, reflecting a mix of concern and bewilderment at the unfolding drama.
As the investigation into the dangerous driving incidents progresses, police call upon the public to contribute any relevant information or footage that may assist in their enquiries. This appeal is part of a concerted effort to address and mitigate risks associated with reckless driving behaviours, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Kangaroo Point community.
Construction of Eighteen Park above Mowbray Park near the Brisbane River, with a backdrop of the iconic Kangaroo Point, is underway, bringing the developer’s vision to life.
The collaboration between Arden Group and Groupline Constructions signifies a commitment to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, ensuring that Eighteen Park is a testament to superior construction standards.
Eighteen Park is a unique residential project in East Brisbane. Priced at $1.78 million, it offers 27 three-bedroom apartments adjacent to the protected Mowbray Park at 18 Park Avenue.
Designed by Altis, a renowned architecture firm, Eighteen Park boasts a striking 12-storey residential tower with a curvilinear façade that mirrors the gentle bend of the river. Vertical green spaces ascend towards the sky, adding a touch of natural elegance to the building’s design.
Upon entering Eighteen Park, residents are welcomed by a dramatic lobby featuring soaring four-metre-high ceilings and materials inspired by the adjacent park, creating a warm and inviting ambience. The apartments feature open living and dining areas leading to balconies with stunning views of Mowbray Park and the Brisbane River.
Residents of Eighteen Park will enjoy access to a range of amenities designed for luxurious living. The rooftop oasis features an open-air infinity-edge pool, a covered entertainment area with BBQ facilities, seating pods, a wellness centre with a sauna and yoga deck, and a state-of-the-art gym.
Located steps from the Mowbray Park CityCat, Eighteen Park offers convenient access to Brisbane’s best dining and shopping destinations via the river. Its location ensures residents can enjoy the beauty of nature while remaining connected to vibrant city life.
Photo Credit: Development Directive
With construction progressing steadily, Eighteen Park is on track for completion by 2025.
As one of only two projects currently on the market in East Brisbane, Eighteen Park presents a rare opportunity for those seeking luxury riverside living.
Greens state Member for South Brisbane, Amy MacMahon, 37, has been seriously injured but remains stable at the hospital following a traffic crash in Kangaroo Point.
The collision occurred on Monday, 12 February 2024, at the intersection of Main and Baines Streets in Kangaroo Point, around 6:30 p.m. The crash involved Ms MacMahon’s Toyota Prius and a Hyundai i30, with Ms MacMahon sustaining a serious head injury.
According to police reports, the i30 was turning left from Baines Street at a set of lights when it collided with Ms MacMahon’s Prius, which was travelling south on Main Street. The impact of the collision sent the Prius onto the wrong side of the road, while the i30 skidded 50m up Main Street. Both Ms MacMahon and the occupants of the i30 were treated by paramedics and transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital.
Ms MacMahon remains in a serious condition, whilst the occupants of the i30 are in stable condition. The police Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the incident.
Eyewitnesses described the collision as a loud bang, with patrons and staff at the Pineapple Hotel rushing to assist before emergency services arrived. The driver who struck Ms MacMahon allegedly ran a red light at high speed, as per witness statements.
In a statement from her team, it was noted that Ms MacMahon is in a stable but serious condition and is receiving excellent care in hospital.
Premier Steven Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli have expressed their well-wishes for Ms MacMahon’s recovery. The community has expressed overwhelming support, and further updates on her recovery will be provided in due course.
Hundreds of dead fish and crustaceans have mysteriously appeared along the banks of the Brisbane River, prompting concerns among residents and fish experts. This unsettling phenomenon was observed at various locations, including Kangaroo Pont, Milton, West End and Indooroopilly, casting a cloud of uncertainty over the river’s health.
Whilst government officials initially suggested alternative causes, renowned fish expert and University of Queensland associate professor Ian Tibbetts has raised concerns of a toxic spill as the more probable culprit.
Despite recent heavy rainfall and subsequent freshwater spillovers, the deceased species, which include mullet, bream, catfish, and even some mud crabs, are known for their resilience to freshwater conditions.
Professor Tibbetts emphasised, however, that this incident is “not directly related to the recent flooding.” This revelation has intensified worries about localised contamination or a toxic event in the area.
Passers-by and residents were the first to encounter this perplexing spectacle on Thursday 1 Feb 2024, as dead fish and crustaceans were found stranded amidst rocks and in the river waters. The incident has been reported to the authorities. The Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation is actively investigating these reports.
They suspect low dissolved oxygen levels due to recent heavy rain, possibly washing organic matter into the Brisbane River, as a potential cause for the deaths. However, the investigation is ongoing, leaving the mystery of the mass deaths unresolved for now.
In light of these events, authorities advise residents and fishers to exercise caution and avoid touching or consuming any of the deceased animals found along the riverbanks.
The wellness campus project was first lodged under DA A005844698 in 2021 for the four-lot site at 363, 365, 373 and 411 Main Street, Kangaroo Point.
The six-stage, 20-year development will offer a residential precinct and a health, aged-care and education masterplan.
St Vincent’s has had a presence at Kangaroo Point for 70 years and said there was a “changing landscape of aged care” and an increased consumer interest in remote and virtual health services.
Photo Credit: DA A005844698
It operates the St Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane on the site, with a range of hospital, palliative care and residential aged-care buildings at the southern end of the site.
Photo Credit: DA A005844698
The healthcare specialist said the 18.8sq m site was a rare, under-developed plot on the Kangaroo Point peninsula.
The five buildings planned for the precinct will be from 15 to 19 storeys.
According to the initial plans, construction will begin at the northern part of the site, which is currently an open-air car park.
Photo Credit: DA A005844698
Photo Credit: DA A005844698
The first stage of the Kangaroo Point Wellness Campus will offer three levels of parking whilst Stage Two comprises the healthcare and residential aged-care accommodation. Once completed and occupied, the buildings on the western side of the site will be demolished.
The construction of the new Kangaroo Point Green Bridge has reached a significant milestone with the successful installation of a 95-metre-high tower mast.
The operation was carried out by Marr’s heavy-duty tower crane, a 330-tonne Favelle Favco M2480D, which was installed on a platform in the middle of the Brisbane River.
The crane, equipped with a 64-metre jib, can lift its maximum capacity at a 15-metre radius, or take 100 tonnes to a 45-metre radius with a hook height of around 130 metres. This impressive lifting capacity enabled it to hoist the 25-metre-high, 180-tonne prefabricated steel masthead to a height of 95 metres.
The mast is the heaviest lift to be undertaken on the project, where the crane has already completed more than 10 major lifts during the first 12 months of the job.
The contract to build the bridge was awarded in 2021 to Connect Brisbane, a Besix Watpac led consortium. The consortium involved Marr at an early stage in the design phase, to develop a lifting strategy that supported their preferred construction methods for the project.
Project director, Rowan Riggall, praised the in-house engineering team for identifying the M2480D as the most suitable crane in the Australian market capable of lifting the fully assembled masthead.
Managing director, Simon Marr, highlighted the benefits of modularised construction with fewer, heavier lifts, stating it not only helps to deliver a safer, more productive site, but also allows the client to share the economic benefit delivered by the project.
The new bridge, an initiative of Brisbane City Council, will be an iconic landmark destination connecting Brisbane’s Central Business District with the eastern suburbs. At a length of 460 metres, the bridge will be among the longest span cable stay pedestrian and cycle bridges in the world. Construction is due to be completed in 2024.
More than 240 metres of the Bridge’s spans have been installed, passing the halfway mark across the Brisbane River. The cost of the project was initially estimated at $190 million but has been revised a few times and is now $299 million.
This project represents a significant achievement in engineering and construction, and is a testament to the innovation and dedication of all parties involved.
The Christian Jacques Artisan Boulanger in Kangaroo Point has earned a reputation for its dedication to traditional French techniques, creating pastries and bread that transport the taste buds to the charming streets of France.
With a rich legacy and unwavering commitment to traditional techniques, this boulanger has become synonymous with artisanal excellence.
The bakery’s signature croissants undergo a meticulous two-day fermentation process, featuring the finest French butter. This dedication sets them apart, infusing each croissant with a unique blend of flavours, textures, and delicate layers.
Within this artisanal haven, an array of delectable treasures awaits. The store prides itself on elevating baking to a noble science, crafting baked goods that transcend the ordinary.
Photo Credit: Christian Jacques Bakery/Facebook
Diving deeper into their menu unveils a myriad of delights, from classic almond croissants to innovative croissant flavours like Nutella, coconut, chocolate, and goat cheese.
Whilst the bakery doesn’t serve coffee and offers limited seating, patrons find these inconveniences insignificant when compared to the quality of their pastries. The limited seating hardly dampens the enthusiasm of those seeking to enjoy their treats on the go.
Customers have showered this bakery with accolades, hailing their croissants as the “best in Brisbane” and even rivalling those from France.
Beyond croissants, their repertoire includes an array of bread, fruit Danishes, eclairs, raspberry tarts, mille-feuille, and mini quiche lorraines.
Owner and baker Christian Jacques, hailing from Nîmes, France, draws inspiration from family heirloom recipes. His approach blends tradition with modern insights.
Operating from Wednesday to Sunday, with doors opening at 6:00 a.m. and closing at 1:00 p.m., this bakery caters to early risers. To secure your coveted croissant, arriving early, especially on weekends when they can sell out by 9:00 a.m. is advisable. For those seeking assurance, pre-ordering is a wise choice.
Photo Credit: Christian Jacques Bakery/Facebook
“We loved Christian Jacques Bakery. With such positive reviews, we knew we had to stop in for a visit. We took the Goat Cheese & Bacon croissant, the Ham & Cheese croissant, and the Apricot danish home with us to try. They were all well folded, buttery, and delicious. The prices were expected with such gourmet pastries. They are truly a bread and pastry shop. We will be back for more!”
Makenzie Robinson
I was on a sunday morning walk at Kangguru point, didn’t know this bakery before but everyone at kangguru point and nearby was like carrying CJ 😅 almost everyone at the park was sitting and enjoyin their croissant etc so it made me fomo and try haha.The croissant tasted so good, so professional. I cant even describe it…
I think this is the best croissant that i have tried so far!
The price is starting from $9 aud-ish but its worth it! Must stop by and try!
Windy Rizki
Hands down best croissants and baguettes Brisbane can offer. My only remark is for the sweet pastries – they are too sweet. Let’s help Australia in its fight with diabetes and cut the amount of sugar you put in them. Other than that – magnifique.
