Brisbane’s ambitious Kangaroo Point bridge has crossed a major construction milestone but is now saddled with a towering budget far exceeding original estimates.
Over 240 metres of the pedestrian and cyclist bridge’s 460-metre span stretching across the Brisbane River has been installed.
However, costs for the bridge have shot up over $100 million from the initial $190 million price tag to a staggering $299 million according to revised council figures.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Flickr
Brisbane City Council transport chair Ryan Murphy attributed the ballooning budget to a ‘perfect storm’ of supply chain struggles, labour shortages and runaway materials costs buffeting major infrastructure projects worldwide.
Despite the escalating price, Cr Murphy reaffirmed the council’s commitment to pushing through and completing the project he called the city’s most important active transit initiative.
The setbacks follow the fanfare last year when the first spans were lifted into place. Once open, expected by 2024, the bridge will provide a direct crossing for cyclists and walkers between Kangaroo Point and Brisbane’s CBD.
Cr Murphy highlighted that the green bridge will become a vital connection for residents and visitors as the city hosts more major events like the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Flickr
Cr Murphy stated that the pedestrian and cyclist bridge will be a go-to destination for tourists whilst also linking Kangaroo Point to the Brisbane CBD and Gabba stadium. With Brisbane being Australia’s fastest growing capital, Cr Murphy emphasised the need to deliver transportation infrastructure that keeps pace with population growth and expands mobility options.
The bridge landings will also include two new dining destinations, Bombora and Mulga Bill’s from the Tassis Group.
Estimates for the Kangaroo Point bridge project indicate that by 2036 over 6,000 pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter and e-bike riders will cross the bridge each day.
Plans have been submitted for a 30-storey residential tower to be built adjacent to the historic Evans Deakins Dry Dock site in Kangaroo Point. If approved, its size would be twice the area’s limit and some locals are not happy about it.
The application filed by Delta Australia Holdings seeks to establish a 30-storey tower that will contain 232 apartments across 24 levels, organised into eight three-storey “sky villages”. The proposed building is set to be constructed on a 4,964 sqm site at 26 Cairns Street, Kangaroo Point. A building with 18 serviced apartments currently stands at the proposed site.
These sky villages are centred around open, naturally lit communal lounges. Supported by a series of V-columns, the elevated tower is designed to free up the entire ground plane for public use. The ground level will feature retail spaces, regenerative landscaping, boardwalks, and water gardens.
Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au
“The tower is elevated off the ground to improve views through the site from Deakin Street to the dry dock and through to the river. The elevated tower enables the ground plane to be made available as publicly accessible open space, activated by retail uses, regenerative landscaping and water gardens. The residential units are clustered into vertical villages, which are centred around an open, green, daylit, cross ventilated communal lounge and connected via an internal open staircase,” the assessment report stated.
Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au
The size of each one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom units will vary from approximately 88 sqm to 260 sqm. There will also be a rooftop communal level that will feature a pool, sauna, yoga lawn, outdoor event terrace, barbecue facilities, and hangout spaces.
Moreover, a “party penthouse” with a kitchen and dining area, a children’s pool and an indoor kids club, as well as a gym and business centre with meeting rooms and workspaces are also proposed. To accommodate residents’ parking needs, the proposed residential tower includes a total of 48 car parking spaces across five basement levels.
Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au
“Having personally lived in Kangaroo Point I have benefited from an appreciation of, and the responsibility associated with, the inherent quality and uniqueness of the Kangaroo Point peninsular, inclusive of this site location adjacent to an historical dry dock,” Scott Collins from Delta Australia said.
“Not only does Kangaroo Point possess a special place in Brisbane’s history, it also assumes a pivotal role in shaping the future of Brisbane’s dynamic inner city communities and their landscapes; both built and natural forms.
“Within this dynamic, we take very seriously the responsibility and leadership that is incumbent upon us to procure a progressive and leading development, balancing the interests of stakeholders and advancing the design aspirations of others in collaboration with the City.”
Some locals, however, have already expressed concerns about the proposed residential tower primarily due to its size and it being an “eyesore”.
“If this DA is approved, the impact on the local community is going to be huge. We already have issues with traffic delays on Deakin and Main Street due to the construction of additional cycle paths to join up with the KP Green Bridge. Constructing such a huge new development will only exasperate traffic chaos in the KP area.” – Grant & Debra Besle
“Traffic congestion within the kangaroo point pennisula is horrendous now and will now worsen with the new Woolworths being constructed. This is only going to be implified with to ability to improve the traffic congestion in and out of kangaroo point.” Anonymous
“This development breaks every one of the BCC’s own neighbourhood plan recommendations. It is an eyesore which will dominate Kangaroo Point in a very negative way.” Jane Layton
To know more about the proposal, visit the Council website here and search for Development Application # A006351878.
New details are set to be released on plans for a coveted development site on Lambert Street in Kangaroo Point, where approval already exists for 200 luxury apartments across three towers.
Developer Pikos Group had faced opposition from community groups when plans were originally submitted, but won an appeal in the Planning & Environment Court in May 2021 allowing the project to proceed.
Construction on the triple tower project, located at 108 Lambert Street in Kangaroo Point, was originally expected to begin this year.
Photo credit: Conrad Gargett
Designed by architecture firm Conrad Gargett, the development dubbed ‘La Storia’ will feature a mix of two and three bedroom residences ranging in size from 135 sqm to 151 sqm. Each apartment will have custom stone island benches and integrated premium appliances and fixtures.
Photo credit: Conrad Gargett
The site was previously home to a row of worker cottages, which have since been relocated and restored in nearby Kelvin Grove as part of the development plans.
A spokesperson for Pikos Group said they will remain committed to developing the iconic site and that they will be working closely with their consultants and builder partners to deliver this landmark project for Kangaroo Point.
Kangaroo Point has seen several major development projects in recent years, sparking fears of overdevelopment in some circles. But the City of Brisbane has defended the need for increased housing density in appropriate locations.
Photo credit: Conrad Gargett
The La Storia site is considered a prime spot given its proximity to the CBD and public transport, one of the reasons why developers continue to flock to the area despite some lingering community opposition.
Pikos Group has not indicated when construction will commence following previous delays. But their recommitment to the project will be welcome news to those eager to see the vacant lot turned into a new landmark development for Kangaroo Point. Units are priced between $1.1 million and $1.6 million.
The Body Shop has unveiled the Changemakers Workshop, a new concept store on Queen Street. More than just a place to shop for your favourite beauty products, the new shop is the brand’s latest activism store that aims to raise awareness about environmental concerns and encourage people to be agents for change.
Changemakers Workshop offers a fully interactive beauty experience where visitors are encouraged to get inspired, get involved and be part of the change. The new shop features eco-conscious store fixtures including upcycled materials and countertops made entirely from recycled plastics.
Photo Credit: Eventfinda / eventfinda.com.au
And at the heart of the store’s design is a bespoke mural ‘You Are Here’, created by local First Nations artist, Rachael Sarra.
“‘You Are Here’ is ‘an acknowledgement of Place’ but also a reminder to anyone who walks in that they are here and grounded. The piece also holds the meaning of change being daunting, but also empowering and being here in the moment is a testament to everything that we have been through and how we can see beauty on a new day.”
To encourage its patrons to reuse their empty aluminium bottles and help eliminate plastic waste, a refill station is available for replenishing a 300ml container with The Body Shop’s shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, and hand washes of their choice.
Photo Credit: The Body Shop / thebodyshop.com
The store also has a dedicated activism section. This space is where visitors can learn about The Body Shop’s activist roots and how it has been advocating for social change across various issues including youth political engagement, indigenous rights, and LGBTIQA+ rights.
Whilst the ‘Changemaking’ Corner provides customers with the opportunity to educate themselves about other issues and actively participate in the store’s initiatives like the Be Seen Be Heard Campaign and its collaborations with organisations like the Foundation For Young Australians & Make It 16 Australia – aimed at supporting the campaign to lower the voting age to 16.
This year’s Brisbane Festival boasts 15 firing locations and a staggering 11 tonnes of fireworks for an unprecedented spectacle. Synchronised to a remarkable soundtrack by Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall, it promises to be the most spectacular opening ever. Don’t miss our tips for the best place to dine and view the Riverfire festival.
On 2 September 2023, Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust returns, marking the opening weekend of this year’s Brisbane Festival with about half a million spectators expected to converge along the city’s waterfront to witness the extravaganza.
Photo Credit: Brisbane Festival / brisbanefestival.com.au
But before the fireworks spectacle which will start at 7.05 pm, Royal Australian Air Force EA-18G Growler and a C-17A Globemaster III will treat festival goers with flypasts and flying displays beginning at 5 pm.
Army Aviation Helicopters Display, Riverfire 2022 | Photo Credit: Brisbane Festival / Instagram F/A-18F Super Hornet Display, Riverfire 2022 | Photo Credit: Brisbane Festival / Instagram
Then at 7.45 pm and again at 9.15 pm, experience a spectacular display of 400 drones as they dazzle the Brisbane skyline and animate the dreamtime Yuggera and Toorabul story of Nieergoo: Spirit of the Whale.
Photo Credit: Brisbane Festival / brisbanefestival.com.au
Directed by Traditional Owner and storyteller, Shannon Ruska and Tribal Experiences, the show is a journey through Meanjin Brisbane’s 65,000-year-old past with an original score by Guy Webster.
Eagles Nest offers one of the best vantage points to witness the Riverfire display whilst enjoying a four-hour all-inclusive food and drink party package beginning at 5 p.m. You can secure your tickets online for the Ultimate Riverfire Party 2023, starting at $249.
The Terrace, South Bank Emporium Hotel South Bank | 267 Grey Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Photo Credit: Emporium Hotel South Bank / emporiumhotels.com.au
Elevate your experience at The Terrace, perched atop Emporium Hotel South Bank in South Brisbane. For just $299 per person, indulge in a four-hour extravaganza of premium canapés, late-night delights, and an exquisite house-made dessert showcase.
Photo Credit: Emporium Hotel South Bank / emporiumhotels.com.au
Sip on Mumm champagne, savour Olmeca Altos Tequila creations at the pop-up margarita bar, explore Queensland spirits and fine wines and choose from select tap beers and non-alcoholic beverages. From 5 – 9 p.m., revel in this unmatched culinary and entertainment spectacle with live performances. Secure your spot here to witness Brisbane City’s Riverfire like never before.
Felons Brewing Co. 5 Boundary Street,Brisbane City QLD 4000
Felons Brewing Co., promises an explosive Riverfire experience in 2023. Ensure your prime spot and indulge in a delectable set menu featuring Kilroy sirloin and an artisanal cheese board, priced at $85 per person plus live music will keep the festive vibes alive. Reserve your spot online for peace of mind, or embrace spontaneity by walking in and choosing your ideal vantage point upon arrival.
Photo Credit: Felons Brewing Co. / Instagram
Greca, Brisbane City Howards Smith Wharves 3/5 Boundary Street, Brisbane 4000
Photo Credit: Greca / greca.com.au
Experience this event in style at Greca in the heart of Brisbane City. Immerse yourself in the pyrotechnic spectacle while savouring a sumptuous Greek feast. For $170 per person, enjoy a mouthwatering share-style menu and a two-hour beverage package.
Photo Credit: Greca / greca.com.au
Delight in signature dishes like oven-baked lamb shoulder with Greek yoghurt, garlic and parsley roast potatoes, and grilled octopus with pickled chilli. Elevate your evening with the $280 package, which includes additional libations for an extra special night. Secure your spot online and prepare for a memorable night of delectable cuisine and dazzling fireworks at Greca. Reserve your seats here.
Valley Hops Brewing Rooftop Brewery, 641 Ann Street Fortitude Valley
Photo Credit: Valley Hops Brewing / valleyhopsbrewing.com.au
Valley Hops Brewing in Fortitude Valley invites you to savour icy-cold brews whilst taking in spectacular views from their rooftop. Local DJs set the vibe as you enjoy a fresh perspective and a stunning display of the Story Bridge, The Valley, and the city skyline.
Photo Credit: Valley Hops Brewing / Instagram
Delight in an array of freshly brewed craft beers on tap, including the exclusive limited-release Riverfire Saison, crafted especially for this occasion whilst you relish grilled delights and wood-fired pizza. This event is on a walk-in basis only, so there is no need to book a reservation but you may have to arrive early to secure your spot for this one-of-a-kind experience.
On Wednesday, September 6, Kangaroo Point and the rest of Brisbane will see the Story Bridge light up purple to mark Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month.
The special lighting display on the Story Bridge aims to raise awareness about gynaecological cancers, which affect over 6,700 Australian women and girls each year.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers can save lives. That’s why Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and funding research, is urging all women to learn about the most common red flags.
Photo credit: Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation/Facebook
“We need to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers so that women can get screened and diagnosed early,” says Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation Founder, Professor Andreas Obermair. “If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please see your doctor.”
abnormal or persistent vaginal bleeding – for example, bleeding after menopause, bleeding that is not part of menstrual periods, or bleeding after sex
unusual vaginal discharge
pain, pressure or discomfort in the abdomen
weight loss
swelling of the abdomen
change in bowel or bladder habits
pain during sex
itching, burning or soreness in the pelvic region
lumps, sores or wart-like growths
Since its founding in 2012, Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation has raised over $2 million to support critical research into gynaecological cancers.
This September, which marks Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, the nonprofit will hold its annual Cherish Challenge fundraiser. A team of dedicated individuals will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa to raise money and awareness around these cancers that impact thousands of Australian women each year.
“We are proud to support the research community in their efforts to find new and improved treatments for gynaecological cancers,” said Professor Obermair. “We believe that by working together, we can make a real difference in the lives of women affected by these cancers.”
Skye Residences, a development on 8 River Terrace by the Pikos Group, is now one step closer to transforming the skyline with its impressive, $300 million clifftop apartment project in Kangaroo Point.
Local South East Queensland builder Tomkins Commercial has successfully completed major excavation works and completed the basement car park that will accommodate up to 165 vehicles.
This milestone required the efforts of three excavators, including a formidable 40-tonne rock breaker, to extract an impressive 24,000 cubic meters of earth and rock and achieving a depth of 12.3 meters.
Pedro Pikos, the Managing Director of Pikos Group, emphasised the significance of this milestone, stating, “It has been a major undertaking and a sure sign that this landmark development is moving forward to redefine residential living in Brisbane.”
Pikos, who founded the company in Darwin in 1989 before relocating operations to Brisbane, highlighted the robust demand for premium residential apartments in the Queensland capital.
“In a climate where many other residential builds have been put on hold, the ones that are progressing are the ones in the best positions with premium offerings and world-class appeal,” Pikos stated confidently, reflecting the success of the Skye Residences project.
Photo Credit: Skye Residences
Skye Residences, spanning an expansive 2,300 sqm site above Kangaroo Point’s cliffs, will comprise three striking towers meticulously designed by Conrad Gargett.
These towers will house a total of 68 luxury apartments, with future residents gaining exclusive access to a sprawling 1,000 sqm sky deck boasting an infinity pool and a rooftop leisure and restaurant precinct.
Photo Credit: Skye Residences
Offering uninterrupted panoramic views encompassing the Brisbane City skyline, South Bank, the Botanic Gardens, and the Brisbane River, Skye Residences aims to redefine opulent urban living.
Against the backdrop of a significant decline in new apartment projects in a city where there were only 1,300 apartments finished in 2022 compared to a peak of 11,000 in 2016, Skye Residences stands out.
The bar’s crowning location features a landscaped cacti garden installation on one and an open-air terrace where patrons can enjoy the panoramic vista with their drink of choice from the carefully curated selections on offer.
Inside, the aesthetic embraces breezy Mediterranean vibes with olive trees, terracotta pots overflowing with foliage, sandy tones, and natural wood accents.
One end of the bar gives patrons a unique view right into the Gabba, perfect for sports fans. A skyline view dominates the other end, from Queen’s Wharf all the way to Fortitude Valley and perfectly positioned to catch Brisbane’s stunning sunsets.
Photo Credit: Sunsets Rooftop Instagram
Photo Credit: Sunsets Rooftop Instagram
Besides the decor, guests can also expect Mediterranean influences on the menu. Some of the snack selections include crispy baby calamari seasoned with fennel salt, roasted garlic mayo and lime; fresh stracciatella with caramelised balsamic and babt figs on sourdough; marinated chicken taco with grilled corn salsa, and fried pork belly in orange glaze.
Photo credit: Sunsets Rooftop/Google Maps
The menu also includes a selection of plant-based dishes. Lamb, chicken, prawns and octopus round out the Mediterranean flavours on the menu. The Potuguese custard tarts are a must-try for dessert.
The space, which will be able to accommodate up to 100 guests, will be separated into three sections to host parties of various sizes. From intimate gatherings to large soirees, the flexible setup allows for a variety of experiences.
Photo credit: Sunsets Rooftop/Google Maps
Sunsets Rooftop is the newest venture from the same group behind the popular Merci Event Space in nearby Hawthorne.
Builder GCB Constructions has gone under administration, bringing to a halt six significant development projects, including a Kangaroo Point luxury apartment and hospitals in Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast.
The company’s decision has left multiple projects in limbo and developers scrambling to find solutions.
The Gold Coast builder with a decades-long legacy was contracted for various ventures across the east coast. Notably, the company was involved in the ambitious Canopy House project by Aria Property Group in a sought-after area in Kangaroo Point.
In June 2023, Aria submitted a new development application (DA A006305026) for Canopy House’s expansion. The proposal is still under assessment with Council.
GCB Constructions’ financial woes escalated and on 27 July 2023, it went into administration after the suspension of its Queensland builder license due to outstanding debts. The company’s financial struggles had already caused work to slow down or halt altogether on several sites since early May.
Trent Clark, the sole director of GCB Constructions, had initially expressed determination and confidence in overcoming these challenges. However, the company’s financial woes proved insurmountable, leading to the appointment of administrators from SV Partners.
David Stimpson, the appointed administrator, revealed that Mr Clark is planning to propose a deed of company arrangement (DOCA) to avoid liquidation. The DOCA aims to transfer ongoing projects to a new builder, secure third-party funds, liquidate company assets, and collect outstanding payments owed to GCB.
A second meeting with creditors is scheduled for 30 Aug 2023.
Also affected are the Si apartment tower in Bilinga, Rayjon’s Vantage View at Benowa and Vantage Burleigh near Varsity Lakes. The fallout also extends to the medical sector, with contracts for the expansion of Ramsay Health’s Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital and Caboolture Private Hospital being terminated, leaving these vital projects without a builder.
To owners Steve and Jane Wilson, as the restoration of Lamb House in Kangaroo Point nears completion, the project has been a worthwhile one, with its share of pleasant surprises, such as the discovery of fairly intact, 100-year-old tiles under the bathroom floor; and challenging ones, such as managing ballooning costs that have gone past initial estimates.
The Wilsons acquired the heritage-listed property for $12.75 million in 2021 and have since invested significant time and money into faithfully restoring the century-old home.
The restoration is “progressing rapidly,” according to the couple, with just months to go before completion and their projected November 2023 move-in.
Photo credit: JDA Co/Facebook
A key focus of the renovation has been the preservation and replacement of the home’s original red cedar woodwork, an important architectural feature noted in the building’s heritage documentation.
Photo credit: JDA Co/Facebook
Although the Wilsons have not revealed the total cost of the project, Mr Wilson acknowledged it has exceeded their initial budget, as construction costs have risen substantially in recent years.
Among other surprises, when old bathroom tiles were removed, the couple discovered 100-year-old originals underneath, now replaced with new matching tiles.
In one update to the home, the Wilsons added an attic space by opening up the existing roof. They plan to install a leadlight window in the attic, covered by a hardened glass skywalk.
The driving philosophy behind the renovations has been to be pure to the soul of the house and the intent of the house. The couple enlisted the help of Chapman Builders and designers from James Davidson Architects (JDA Co) and Conrad Gargett to carry out the restoration.
After two years of waiting, the Wilson family is eager to finally move into the renewed Lamb House later this year.
History of Lamb House
Lamb House, circa 1904 (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Lamb House, a heritage-listed villa located at 9 Leopard Street in Kangaroo Point, has fallen into disrepair after sitting vacant for several years.
The grand home was originally designed by noted architect Alexander Brown Wilson and constructed in 1902 for John Lamb, co-owner of the successful Queen Street drapery business Edwards & Lamb.
After John Lamb’s death in 1920, he left the business to his sons John and Frank, whilst the Lamb House property was passed on to his widow Sarah. Sarah continued living in the grand home with the Lamb children who never married.
Despite its rich history, Lamb House had become rundown from lack of use and maintenance and was unfortunately subjected to squatting at times.
Photo credit: Lamb House/Facebook
In December 2020, the Brisbane City Council announced plans to sell the property in order to recover unpaid rates that had accumulated over multiple years, going against the wishes of the original owners. By May 2021, Lamb House was officially listed for sale.
When Steve Wilson and his wife Jane purchased Lamb House in June 2021, they pledged to restore the historic home to its original grand condition as a way of honouring its heritage.
