The owners of the Story Bridge Hotel have submitted plans for a hotel and residential development in Kangaroo Point, proposing two towers opposite the historic venue with an illuminated façade feature.
The proposal (DA/A006924144) has been lodged by Grant Park Holdings for land at 215–229 Main Street, on the corner of Bright Street, Kangaroo Point. The site spans about 2,600 square metres and is formed from five amalgamated lots.
The location sits opposite the heritage-listed Story Bridge Hotel, which has operated since 1886. A three-storey apartment block currently occupies the site and would be demolished if the project proceeds.
Photo Credit: DA/A006924144
Development Details and Design
Plans outline two towers constructed above a shared two-level podium. The southern tower would rise to 18 storeys, exceeding the height limit by three storeys, while the northern tower would reach eight storeys.
The podium would contain 41 hotel suites, with 29 apartments located in the towers. The residential mix includes 12 three-bedroom and 17 four-bedroom units, with several apartments occupying full floors. A ground-level café and short-term accommodation uses are also proposed.
The development includes 113 car parking spaces, with 81 allocated to residents, and has been designed by WallaceBrice Architecture.
Photo Credit: DA/A006924144
Illuminated Artwork Feature
A central element of the proposal is an illuminated artwork projected onto one tower façade. Developed with Illuminart, the installation would respond to real-time environmental conditions, including temperature, wind, humidity, river movement and sky characteristics.
Independent assessment by Colliers International found the lighting feature is not expected to cause unacceptable distraction for motorists travelling southbound on the Story Bridge. The installation has been described as the first live data-responsive architectural feature of its kind in Brisbane.
Photo Credit: DA/A006924144
Planning Pathway and Access
Planning material prepared for the application recommends approval despite the height exceedance, citing the building’s layout and unused space between the towers.
The proposal is classified as impact assessable, meaning it is open to public submissions. Improved pedestrian access is also proposed, including a raised wombat crossing across Main Street linking the development with the Story Bridge Hotel.
The Kangaroo Point proposal remains subject to assessment and public feedback. If approved, the project would introduce hotel accommodation and large residential dwellings close to major inner-city transport connections, including the Kangaroo Point Bridge.
Residents of Kangaroo Point are walking past a permanent outdoor gallery where traffic signal boxes capture everything from the recent history of the pandemic to playful nods to the suburb’s name.
The artwork on the streets of Kangaroo Point often serves as a time capsule for the community. Astra Ellis’s piece, “COVID Gabba Lights,” documents a specific moment in local history, referencing the nearby stadium and the unique atmosphere of the past few years. Nearby, Nadir Runkovski explores narrative themes with “Freedom – a tale of two cities.”
These works turn standard utility boxes into storytelling devices, allowing locals to reflect on shared experiences and the changing face of the inner city as they wait for the lights to change.
One specific location, box B0479, highlights the collaborative nature of the Artforce Brisbane program. This single utility box features contributions from three different artists: Anna Sutherland with “Pattern Box,” Michael Romans with “Landscape no. 2,” and Oona Romans with “A gathering place.”
The clustering of these distinct styles—ranging from abstract patterns to scenic views—demonstrates how the initiative brings people together, quite literally sharing the canvas to create a multi-layered piece of public art.
Other artists have drawn inspiration from the suburb’s name and residential spirit. Lucia Laus adds a touch of humour to the streetscape with “Climbing Kangaroo,” a literal interpretation that plays on the area’s identity. On a more poetic note, Rachael Dale’s “Two Houses, One Thousand Goodnights” evokes a sense of home and domestic life.
These designs soften the hard edges of the busy roads, reminding commuters that despite the high-rises and traffic, Kangaroo Point remains a neighbourhood where people live, sleep, and dream.
These colourful additions are part of the Brisbane City Council’s long-running Artforce Brisbane initiative. Established in 1999 to combat graffiti on metal infrastructure, the program has grown into a city-wide project involving over 5,000 volunteers.
By providing residents with the supplies to paint over 1,200 boxes, the council has empowered locals to take ownership of their streets. The result is a suburb that feels less like a concrete jungle and more like a community gallery, showcasing the creativity of the people who call it home.
Kangaroo Point is marking one year since the opening of the Kangaroo Point Bridge, with the river crossing recording strong daily use and becoming a key link between the suburb and the central city.
The Kangaroo Point Bridge opened on 15 December 2024, delivering the first direct pedestrian and cycling connection between Kangaroo Point and the CBD. The link had been identified as a missing part of Brisbane’s river crossings as early as the 1860s, but remained unrealised for more than a century.
Early concepts for a central river crossing were prepared by the late 1800s and revisited several times during the 20th century. The project was revived in the 2010s as part of a renewed focus on active transport and public access across the river.
Photo Credit: BCC/Facebook
Design and Construction
Construction commenced in late 2021 and was temporarily paused during the 2022 floods. More than 1,800 workers contributed around 760,000 hours to complete the structure.
The 460-metre bridge features a four-legged mast rising 95 metres, making it the tallest bridge mast in Queensland. The deck sits 12.7 metres above the Brisbane River and is supported by 32 cables extending a combined length of 3.5 kilometres.
Key features include dedicated walking and cycling lanes, lifts, viewing platforms and seating areas positioned to take in river and city views.
Photo Credit: BCC/Facebook
Usage Exceeds Early Forecasts
In its first year of operation, the Kangaroo Point Bridge recorded approximately 3.4 million crossings, averaging close to 10,000 trips per day. This exceeded early projections, which had anticipated significantly lower daily use by 2036.
The bridge experienced its highest single-day use during Riverfire 2025, when more than 27,000 trips were recorded. In the first month alone, more than 315,000 people crossed the bridge.
A Destination as Well as a Link
Beyond its transport role, the bridge has developed into a destination in its own right. Riverside dining venues located on the structure have attracted steady patronage, while the elevated platforms have become popular stopping points for walkers and cyclists.
Public comments shared online describe the bridge as visually appealing and practical, with many users noting its contribution to safer and more direct off-road travel.
One year on, the Kangaroo Point Bridge is now an established part of daily commuting and leisure activity. With continued high usage, it is expected to remain a central feature of movement and recreation in Kangaroo Point for years to come.
Proposed short-stay accommodation rules could affect operators and residents in Kangaroo Point, with a permit system and complaint-response requirements outlined in a draft local law.
Brisbane’s rental market has faced low vacancy rates and rising prices, with short-stay rentals frequently raised in discussions about housing availability. A taskforce examining short-stay accommodation began work in 2023, and a local law approach was later identified as a key recommendation in 2024.
The proposal is framed as a way to improve oversight of short-stay rentals and reduce issues such as noise and disruption in neighbourhoods.
The Proposed Short Stay Accommodation Local Law 2025 would introduce a permit system for homes and apartments used for short stays, defined as stays of less than 90 days at a time.
Hotels, serviced apartments with on-site managers, and home-hosted stays where a resident remains on-site are listed among the exemptions set out in the proposal.
Operating Rules And Complaint Timeframes
Under the draft rules, permit holders would need to provide house rules to guests and display a permit number in advertisements. Public liability insurance would be required for the duration of each booking.
A nominated 24/7 contact person would be required to respond to complaints within 60 minutes and report actions taken within 24 hours. Serious incidents would continue to be handled by police.
Some properties may also require development approval under Brisbane City Plan 2014, depending on zoning and any overlays such as flooding. The proposal notes that other approvals, where relevant, would need to be in place before a permit application can proceed.
Penalties And Enforcement
The draft framework sets out a stepped compliance approach, ranging from education and warnings through to fines and, in serious cases, prosecution. Proposed penalties include on-the-spot fines and court-imposed penalties, with the maximum proposed total reaching $141,865.
The proposal also allows for permit revocation following three breaches, and operating without a permit may trigger immediate enforcement action.
Public consultation is open from 12 December 2025 to 16 February 2026. The proposal states the local law would commence on 1 July 2026, with permits required from that date.
Two pubs in Kangaroo Point have been listed among suburban venues identified as potential contributors to Brisbane’s hotel room supply as the city prepares for increased accommodation demand ahead of the 2032 Games.
Brisbane’s hotel supply has struggled to keep pace with demand, following a sharp decline in new developments over recent years. Industry research shows the number of hotel rooms delivered between 2019 and 2024 fell by around 90 per cent compared with the preceding five-year period.
Construction challenges, rising costs and reduced investment activity have all contributed to the slowdown. Over the same period, the cost of building a hotel room increased by almost 40 per cent, making many traditional projects harder to deliver.
Suburban Pubs Enter The Accommodation Conversation
To help address the shortfall, a suburban pub strategy has identified around 70 pubs across Brisbane located on sites of 2,000 square metres or more. Of these venues, only 15 currently provide accommodation.
Analysis suggests redeveloping just 20 suburban pubs could add more than 1,600 hotel rooms to the city’s supply, offering an alternative to large-scale inner-city hotel developments.
Within Kangaroo Point, the Story Bridge Hotel and the Shafston Hotel have been listed among suburban pubs without existing accommodation. Both venues are located on large sites and have been identified as part of the broader assessment of potential locations capable of supporting additional hotel rooms.
No redevelopment plans have been confirmed for either site, with the listings forming part of a wider city-wide review rather than site-specific proposals.
Smaller Projects, Faster Delivery
Smaller-scale suburban pub redevelopments have been highlighted as potentially quicker to deliver than major hotel towers. One recent suburban pub redevelopment elsewhere in Brisbane was completed in just over a year, demonstrating how modest projects can add capacity within shorter timeframes.
These developments are also considered more accessible for smaller construction firms, which face fewer capacity constraints than those delivering large infrastructure projects.
More than nine million people visited Brisbane in 2024, contributing $13.7 billion to the south-east Queensland economy. Hotels recorded higher occupancy and stronger returns per room compared with pre-pandemic levels, further tightening availability.
Public consultation on the suburban pub strategy remains open until 28 February 2026. Feedback will inform future planning approaches aimed at increasing accommodation supply while maintaining long-term residential availability in surrounding suburbs.
Major landmarks in Kangaroo Point will take part in a nationwide light-up to mark the start of new child safety social media laws, recognising the reform’s rollout across Australia.
Landmarks across the country will illuminate on 10 December as new rules limiting access to social media for people under 16 take effect.
This follows a campaign launched on 19 May 2024, which raised concerns about heightened psychological distress among young people. The campaign highlighted rising cases of self-harm, eating disorders and other behavioural challenges, noting their alignment with the rapid expansion of major social platforms.
Timeline data accompanying the campaign illustrated the introduction of key digital features and milestones, such as the widespread adoption of the like button, the rise of large-scale user bases and the international rollout of fast-growing video-based platforms. These developments were presented as the backdrop to increasing levels of distress recorded across multiple youth age groups.
Kangaroo Point will participate in the coordinated lighting event, with the Kangaroo Point bridge set to feature green and gold illumination. Nearby, the Story Bridge and Reddacliff Place will also light up as part of the wider Brisbane contribution.
The coordinated illumination will begin at sunset in each location, marking the first evening the new laws come into effect. The inclusion of Kangaroo Point places it among several significant sites around the country participating in the national display.
Around one million social media accounts belonging to users under 16 are expected to shut down as the rules are enforced. In the days leading up to the rollout, young users received notifications advising them that their accounts would close until they reach the age threshold.
Major platforms confirmed they will implement age-verification systems to comply with the new requirements, following earlier concerns raised by industry groups about feasibility and enforcement.
The reform has drawn significant attention internationally. Regions across Europe, Asia and the United States are monitoring the implementation closely as they consider age-based access restrictions of their own.
Many families have expressed strong support for the new rules. Parents described growing concern about harmful online content, prolonged screen exposure and the challenges of managing access once children become active on major platforms.
The national lighting display, including the event at Kangaroo Point, reflects this widespread support and marks a shared moment acknowledging youth online safety.
The illumination of Kangaroo Point reinforces the introduction of the reforms and signals the beginning of a broader change in how young people engage with the online environment. As platforms disable under-16 accounts and verification systems expand, the rollout represents the first stage of a coordinated response to concerns around youth wellbeing in the digital era.
A QUT research team is backing predictive structural monitoring for the Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point to help extend its service life and maintain safety for daily users.
The Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point is 85 years old and remains a vital transport link for Brisbane. QUT researcher Professor Tommy Chan reports that the bridge carries more than 100,000 vehicles and about 4,000 pedestrians each day. Built with a 100-year design life, it now requires major restoration to ensure it continues operating safely, particularly with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games approaching.
On Wednesday, 26 November, Professor Chan and his team submitted a proposal to the Australian Research Council seeking $5 million in funding to develop an advanced monitoring system. The submission is supported by $6 million in industry contributions.
The QUT team is working on a data-led structural health monitoring system designed to detect, locate and assess damage across the Story Bridge. Strategically placed sensors would identify deterioration, monitor performance and estimate the structure’s remaining life. This approach aims to shift from fixed inspection cycles to predictive management of the bridge at Kangaroo Point.
The proposal highlights that elements of the bridge can be replaced as needed, allowing the structure to remain functional beyond its original design life.
How The Technology Operates
The system focuses on real-time data collection through sensors positioned at critical points on the bridge. These sensors are intended to provide engineers with detailed information on how the structure behaves, supporting decisions on when and where maintenance is required. The monitoring approach is expected to reduce costs, improve safety and extend asset life by enabling earlier intervention.
Professor Chan has seen similar technology used in Hong Kong. He notes that while Australia’s research capability in this area is advanced, the application of these systems to existing infrastructure has not kept pace with some other countries.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Comparison With Traditional Inspections
Traditional bridge inspections occur on fixed intervals, such as every three months. According to Professor Chan, this method can miss deterioration that develops between inspection dates. Predictive maintenance using continuous or frequent monitoring allows engineers to assess the condition of the whole structure rather than reacting only when visible problems appear.
Expert Context from QUT
Professor Chan specialises in structural dynamics, bridge analysis, system identification, non-destructive damage detection and structural health monitoring, including the use of optical fibre sensors and fatigue analysis. According to his QUT profile, he has received more than $10 million in research funding for projects involving bridge monitoring, intelligent infrastructure systems and related technologies.
The proposal is aimed at ensuring the Story Bridge can continue serving Kangaroo Point and the wider Brisbane community well beyond its original design life. If the project proceeds, the monitoring system is expected to modernise how the bridge is managed and support its role during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The next steps will depend on the outcome of the Australian Research Council funding process.
We’ve combed East Brisbane and Kangaroo Point for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Bernice C ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We celebrated my mum’s 70th birthday at the Medley Restaurant yesterday and we were so happy we chose to go to Medley. The restaurant is situated in a lovely area at Kangaroo Point with beautiful water views and a relaxing atmosphere. The food was great and the service we received was exceptional! The Manager went out of his way to make the day even more special. Thank you Medley, I will be back.
; Umbellate ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely loved my experience at Medley! The food was delicious and beautifully presented, the service was outstanding, and the atmosphere was perfect calm and welcoming with a beautiful view. The manager and staff showed such warm hospitality and made me feel truly welcome. I had a wonderful time and would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a special dining experience. Thank you to the whole team for making it so memorable!
Mick C ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hidden gem. One of the best views in Brisbane. Great food and service. We live most of the year in London and I can’t think of anywhere else I would rather go for breakfast. If I could click my fingers and appear here for my breakfast every single day of the year, I would do it.
Mayumi S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It’s our second time visiting this Modern Australian restaurant. This time for anniversary celebration. Went last month and dreaming of the food💭 Ordered the 3 course $94 Christmas special meal and the value was so great 👍🏻 Including coffee with some Christmas cookies👍🏻We also received complimentary entree and dessert. My entree quail and pork belly was really delicious. Choosing both meat options perhaps not that clever because I was so full after the desert! Some of the dish has some Asian influence like my pork belly with Adobo sauce, and my partner’s chicken had black fungus mushroom with Chinese influence sauce which made the dish unique.
Michael W ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had an amazing dining experience. The food was absolutely delicious, with every dish perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal. The staff was friendly and attentive, adding to the overall wonderful experience. I’ll definitely be coming back and would highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for a great dining experience!
Komang P ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had dinner during our stay here at the point. The food was delicious and the service are fantastic. Breakfast are good too lot of choice hot or cold you choose.
We made a reservation online when we went on a Wednesday afternoon and we are so glad we did! Even on a Wednesday it was packed! The first sign it was a good pick! We ordered the bread and cheese for a starter which was AMAZING. It melted in our mouths. Then we got the pork and lamb for the mains which was just as good. The pork wine sauce was amazing and the lamb was so flavorful and good. The servers were amazing and attentive always filling our water and making things were good! And the veiws were out of this world. Great view of Brisbane. Just a heads up if you cross the bridge on good you will have to walk up stairs or a hill to get to the restaurant. It’s on the top of the cliffs. Highly highly recommend.
Elise T ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We came to celebrate a friend’s birthday last February and we were truly satisfied with the experience from start to finish. The staff was very welcoming and helpful. Throughout the meal, we were well taken care of and didn’t miss a thing. The food was incredible, and so were the drinks. To top it off, the beautiful view of Brisbane at night really made the evening perfect. Joey’s is definitely a safe bet! Go for it — you won’t be disappointed.
Frances T ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had an amazing experience at Joeys. Amazing views at sunset. Dined for a friends birthday, all the staff were incredibly polite – great service. Atmosphere was great with good music that makes you feel like you’re at a beach club in Europe! We had the barramundi and lamb dishes, both were incredible and perfect sized portions. Margaritas were delish. Will definitely be coming back. They even came out with a complimentary brownie with a sparkler and sung happy birthday – really made his night.
Rick S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A great little Vietnamese cafe/restaurant on Main St. Food was delicious, service good, plenty of menu items without being overwhelming and the prices are some of the best in town.
Abby B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ordered through Uber and it was delicious, my new favourite. Chicken was juicy and the broth and noodles were great. Crispy Skin Pho.
Clarissa C ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Was seeking for a new local Vietnamese restaurant place. Food super good and service was lovely! Loved the flavour and I think I found it!
Lyka D ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Restaurant has a great ambience, Management should be proud of what they have created, an absolute pleasure to dine there. Food was superb!!! obviously made with love. Service was warm and wonderful🫶🏻
Fun1 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had a lovely lunch with my daughter. Nice surroundings, superb food and quick service. Highly recommended!
Nicole J ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We are very new to living at Kangaroo Point so to find such an excellent restaurant is fantastic! Great atmosphere, extremely good staff and the food was both visually appealing and absolutely delicious!!! Can’t wait to return.
George Wegener, a pioneer of Australian drag racing who spent his early childhood in the Brisbane suburb of Kangaroo Point, passed away in December 2024 at the age of 89. Over five decades of racing, Wegener earned more than 200 championship titles and cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s most celebrated figures.
Born on 26 October 1935, Mr Wegener spent the first 10 years of his life in Kangaroo Point before his family moved to Landsborough. While his time in the Brisbane suburb was brief, it marked the start of a remarkable journey that would take him from quiet streets to racetracks across Australia and beyond.
From Landsborough Garage to National Champion
Mr Wegener’s mechanical genius took root in Landsborough, where his father’s garage became a workshop for his early experiments. Leaving school at 14, he apprenticed under his father, learning the skills that would define his career as a mechanic and racer.
By the late 1950s, Mr Wegener was making a name for himself in go-kart racing, quickly rising to prominence as Queensland’s Champion of Champions. His success continued with a transition to TQ (Three Quarter) racing in the 1960s, culminating in a Queensland championship win in 1968.
The Shift to Drag Racing and Unparalleled Success
Mr Wegener entered the world of drag racing in 1969, trading circuit racing for the adrenaline-fuelled thrill of the quarter-mile track. His first drag car, a 350 GTS Bathurst Monaro, set the stage for a series of iconic builds, including ‘Mighty Mouse,’ ‘Lil’ Hot Stuff,’ and ‘Little Sprinter.’
Over his illustrious career, Mr Wegener set 15 Australian records across four racing classes and became the first racer to hold six national records simultaneously. His achievements earned him induction into the Australian National Fuel Association’s Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 2014, recognising his innovative contributions to the sport.
Throughout his career, Mr Wegener achieved numerous milestones, including multiple national championships and record-breaking runs that solidified his status as a legend. He was also instrumental in promoting the sport across Australia, organising events and mentoring young racers.
Dedication to Family and Community
Despite his fame, Mr Wegener remained deeply committed to his family and the racing community. After meeting his long-term partner Gaylene in 1974, he enjoyed decades of happiness with her and their blended family, which included step-children Arun and Joanne. Mr Wegener was equally passionate about mentoring young drivers and improving safety standards, helping to elevate drag racing to a professional level in Australia.
Even in his late 80s, Mr Wegener was still active on the track, securing a runner-up position at Willowbank Raceway in August 2024. As Australia’s oldest active drag racer, he exemplified a lifelong dedication to the sport.
Mr Wegener’s passing has been met with tributes from across the motorsport community, highlighting his technical brilliance, sportsmanship, and influence on generations of racers.
Though his time in Kangaroo Point was brief, it remains a proud part of his legacy, serving as the starting point for a life that would inspire countless Australians.
Amidst the lively atmosphere of Raymond Park lie two unassuming structures that whisper tales of a bygone era. Unbeknownst to many, these seemingly ordinary shelters hold a secret history, serving as vital lifelines during the tumultuous days of World War II.
Constructed as part of Brisbane City Council’s extensive air raid shelter network, these Kangaroo Point shelters are a testament to the city’s resilience and preparedness during WWII. Strategically placed throughout the city, these shelters provided safe havens for residents during times of crisis.
The Kangaroo Point shelters, one nestled near Baines Street behind the iconic Pineapple Hotel and the other situated towards Wellington Road, are among the few remaining examples of this wartime architecture. They are a poignant reminder of the challenges and sacrifices the community faces during global conflict.
Interestingly, the Brisbane City Council adopted an innovative design for its public air raid shelters, ensuring their continued usefulness even after the war. The brick walls surrounding the shelters could be easily removed, leaving behind a sturdy cantilevered roof structure that could be repurposed as bus shelters or general shade providers.
While many of Brisbane’s air raid shelters have been lost to time, those in Raymond Park have endured, their original purpose often overlooked by passersby. However, for those who know their history, these structures serve as a tangible link to the past, a silent tribute to the courage and resilience of those who lived through WWII.
Today, as residents and visitors enjoy the park’s amenities, these unassuming shelters stand as a quiet reminder of a time when the world was at war. They are a testament to the enduring spirit of Kangaroo Point and a tribute to the generations who came before.
