The first-ever trial of the Bicycle Awareness Monitors has launched in Brisbane to improve safety and accessibility for cyclists, e-scooters, and e-skateboards using the Kangaroo Point Bikeway.
Two new signs were installed along the Kangaroo Point Cliff stairs and the Riverlife Adventure Centre. The signs work just like the smiling Speed Awareness Monitors, alerting riders if they have exceeded the speed limit of 15km/h.
With more than 3,000 people using this pathway daily, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said that the BAMs will allow shared paths for pedestrians, cyclists, or scooter and skateboard riders to remain safe for traveling.
“It’s important everyone uses our shared paths considerately and safely,” he said. “Travelling at the correct speed is an important part of this.”
“If you trigger a slowdown message, please do so as it’s important for your own safety and those travelling around you.”
Photo Credit: Bicycle Awareness Monitors/BCC
The Bicycle Awareness Monitors are solar-powered so it’s cost-effective and better for the environment.
“If these signs prove to deliver a positive change in behaviour during this trial, we will explore options to install them on other pathways across Brisbane,” Mr Schinner added.
Whilst Brisbane West Bicycle User Group welcomes the trial, an issue along the Kangaroo Point Bikeway remains unaddressed, where some of the paths are often blocked by cars going to the businesses in the area. The group’s co-convenor, Chris Cox, however, acknowledges the challenges of the said bikeway thus it is ideal for the trial. Mr Cox hopes that BAMs will not prevent better solutions to improve shared paths across Brisbane.
Anna Campbell of Queensland Walks also agrees that BAMs are not enough but it’s also an indicator of a “pinch point” in the shared paths. Ms Campbell wishes Council to be open about sharing data from the BAMs with the transport community to find other solutions.
Plans to build an 8-storey, 81-unit residential tower on Lytton Road in East Brisbane have been approved, amidst some opposition from locals, and on-site construction works could commence in late 2022.
The residential development will soon rise at 89 Lytton Road in East Brisbane. To make way for the development, all existing structures and crossovers on the site will be removed. Plans were approved in July 2022.
Artist impression, Colonnade West view | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Designed by DKO Architecture, the eight-storey residential tower will house 81 dwelling units comprising 55 two-bedroom, and 26 three-bedroom units across seven liveable levels. The ground floor will have two retail tenancies, a 171sqm shop and a 62sqm food and drink outlet as well as a residential gym and wellness centre and community space.
A 394-sqm rooftop communal space will also be provided along with a pool, BBQ, outdoor dining space and shade seating area.
Artist impression, Heidelberg Street facade | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / https://developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au
A total of 195 car parking spaces will be provided spread across two basement levels and a partial ground level including 162 residential, 21 residential visitors and 12 centre activity visitors. Moreover, bicycle parking spaces are also included in the plan comprising 81 spaces for residents and 21 for visitors.
Community Submissions
Some locals, however, are not happy with the proposed development which attracted 57 submissions. Issues concerning car parking, the height of the development, traffic congestion, loss of community access and safety of residents were raised.
“If it goes ahead in its current form it will be a nightmare for the residents living in the surrounding streets, and traffic and parking congestion will be made even worse than what it currently is.” – Anonymous
“…my main concern is the proposed 200 cars which will transit in this street. This is would be a real and significant impact for my neighbours and I. Northcote St already has many cars parked on both sides of the street at most times of the day. Currently the property has access via both Northcote and Heidelberg Sts. This must be addressed.” – Anonymous
“The proposed removal of the Heidelberg street access is a mistake as it will push unacceptable levels of traffic into the backstreet of East Brisbane due to the nature of only a left in/out of Northcote street to Lytton road.” – Anonymous
“The building adds no improvement or new amenities to the area. Previously the site had retail, including specialty, bakery, newsagent, post office, café and supermarket.” – Anonymous
“Having 2 large 8 storey buildings with entry and exit across the road from each other on a narrow street with chicanes is unacceptable and will significantly impact the safety of people who reside on Northcote Street.” – Anonymous
Developer’s Statements
In their submitted documents, the developer said that “pedestrians are able to move freely along the site’s frontage to Lytton Road and connect through to Heidelberg and Northcote Streets via either stairs or ramps.”
As for the traffic it will generate, they said that “the road network analysis confirms that it is reasonable to assume that the additional traffic generated by the proposed development will have negligible impact on the surrounding road network.”
“The site benefits from a high frequency public transport options including buses along Lytton Road and Heidelberg Street and the Mowbray Park Ferry Terminal. The site is also well serviced by existing active transport options including pedestrian footpaths and paved off-road cycle routes.”
“The proposed development has been carefully designed to ensure it achieves a maximum building height of 8 storeys, in compliance with AO1.2 and Table 7.2.11.2.3.B of the Kangaroo Point South Neighbourhood Plan Code,” the assessment report said.
Mosaic Property acquired the 2,653-sqm property for $11.25 million and plans to commence construction by the end of 2022. The approval of the proposal comes as Mosaic sells another East Brisbane project on Wellington Road. Seven new development projects across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast are also in the pipeline for 2022.
Medley, one of the most beloved cafes in Kangaroo Point is looking to reopen in September 2022, a few months after closing due to staffing issues. Among the exciting, new changes would be some new chefs, led by Head Chef Joshua Mak.
The cafe, boasting one of Brisbane’s most gorgeous riverside settings, was forced to close temporarily in May 2022 after failing to fill up to 15 positions.
Despite offering up to $90,000 for the head chef position, the cafe wasn’t able to find one, leaving them with the option to close in the meantime.
However, it wasn’t long enough before Medley Cafe found the right person for the job, with Chef Joshua Mak now taking over the kitchen.
Chef Joshua Mak (Photo credit: Medley Kangaroo Point/Facebook)
Chef Mak previously trained at Gerard’s Bistro and other popular Brisbane dining destinations, such as Urbane, sAme sAme, The Euro, and Longtime Dining.
He inherited his culinary experience from his grandfather, who had over 30 years of experience as a chef, running two family restaurants.
Aside from a head chef, the cafe also hired a new sous chef and apprentice chef and three wait staff.
Photo credit: Medley Kangaroo Point/Facebook
Although the cafe already reopened, the owners said staffing remains a challenge, because they could only open from Wednesdays to Sundays for breakfast and lunch, instead of the usual Tuesday to Sunday operations.
Owners Nick and Serena Pavlakis are also preparing to welcome their new bundle of joy whilst they take the time off.
“We will be CLOSED until at least early September as we take leave to enjoy some family time. We are expecting a new family member and wish to take time to enjoy this special moment in life, particularly at a time when labour shortages are ongoing,” the couple announced on social media.
Photo credit: Medley Kangaroo Point/Facebook
With the cafe’s staff slowly being filled, Nick and Serena are looking forward to offering dinner service once again this September. They are planning to take a few bookings for events such as birthdays and weddings in the near future. They will also reintroduce live music on Sunday afternoons.
To stay updated about Medley’s reopening, don’t forget to follow them on Facebook.
Whether you love a capella music, a budding jazz singer, or simply enjoy listening to powerful vocals, the Brisbane Vocal Jazz Festival in Kangaroo Point is not one to miss. Here’s what to look forward to in this upcoming four-day festival!
The festival will kick off with the 21st Anniversary of the JAZZ SINGERS JAM NIGHT, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with performances from Tom pegler, Jessica Spina, Stu Fisher, Liam Keates-Ryley, Robyn Brown, June Garber, and many more.
Kings and Queens of Jazz
August 5
Back by popular demand, following on from their sell-out previous Kings and Queens of Jazz concerts, this year in 2022, the club pays homage to some more of these greats with the help of a number of local artists and a brilliant rhythm section.
Dorian Mode Organ Trio’s Grooy Gravy
August 6
A winner of three ABC music Awards, Dorian Mode will be back this year to present ‘Groovy Gravy,’ a mixture of funky originals and hard swinging standards.
Gregg Arthur’s Jazz & Cocktails
August 6
Sydney’s Gregg Arthur is all set for his delectable show featuring songs from his latest acclaimed ABC Music CD release “Jazz and Cocktails.”
Nicki Parrott’s Trio
August 7
Celebrated as an instrumentalist and a vocalist, Australian artist Nicki Parrott has earned acclaim as one of the most engaging talents who became a first-call bassist for many mainstream jazz players in New York, as well headlining as a vocalist at jazz venues and festivals worldwide
About the Brisbane Vocal Jazz Festival
Photo credit: Brisbane Vocal Jazz Festival/Facebook
Launched in 2016, The Brisbane Vocal Jazz Festival was created due to the popularity of the club’s Jazz Singers’ Jazz Night, which demanded a more visible platform with a wider audience.
Artistic director Ingrid James initiated it with a team of jazz-loving volunteers.
In 2022, Brisbane Jazz Club celebrates its 7th anniversary, reaching beyond the jazz community to both mainstream and specialist audiences.
For tickets and more details about the festival, visit the Brisbane Jazz Club’s website or follow the event page on Facebook.
Two dining destinations have been planned and major opportunities have opened up for entrepreneurs and restaurateurs to provide a novel experience that local foodies can look forward to, at a unique location in the heart of the CBD: the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge.
Colliers, on behalf of the Brisbane City Council, announced that there are two leases for waterfront dining opportunities, pegged to become dining destinations, at the upcoming Kangaroo Point Bridge.
The restaurant is set above water with a gorgeous viewing area of the river, the CBD, Story Bridge, and Kangaroo Point Cliffs. It’s estimated to be 380 square metres with both indoor and alfresco seating.
Photo Credit: BCCPhoto Credit: BCC
On the other hand, the cafe will be by the CBD landing of the green bridge, close to a new urban plaza that will be built where Edward and Alice streets meet the Brisbane River. It’s approximately 90 square metres.
Photo Credit: BCC
Per the Council, “The two waterfront food and beverage opportunities will deliver something truly unique to Brisbane and a dining destination that becomes a quintessential part of Queensland.”
“The plaza will be located at the entrance to the City Botanic Gardens and the start of the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, providing a gateway for residents and tourists to the CBD and riverside boardwalks.”
Interested parties may phone Colliers for queries via 0431 772 510 or 0421 170 033 (during business hours).
The sun continues to shine in the Sunshine State capital as the property market in over half of the suburbs in Brisbane, including Kangaroo Point, sustained rising trend and sales activity for the period April 2021 to March 2022, contrary to some expectations.
In Kangaroo Point, the median house price exhibited a 52.20 per cent rise for the period of April 2021 to March 2022, assuring buyers of the sound performance of their investments in this tightly-held market. According to Property Market Updates, Kangaroo Point’s median house price now sits at $1,660,000 for the said period.
About 30 homes were sold for this period within an average of 102 days on market. Despite the market time, property punters have predicted that houses across Brisbane, especially in the inner cities, will experience a price hike of over 30 per cent, triggered by the confirmation of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
In June 2021, a prestige waterfront home with an impressive scale and sleek contemporary design netted the highest deal for the period.
Kangaroo Point Unit Price Growth
Kangaroo Point’s unit price growth might not be as astronomical as the house price growth but it is holding steady. With a modest 4.60 per cent rise, the unit median price is currently at $580,000.
For this period, Property Market Updates logged 527 units sold for an average of 71 days on market. There were 205 two-bedroom units sold, highly-coveted by buyers.
Amidst all the speculation in the market, industry experts are confidently betting on the inevitable increase of the unit market in Kangaroo Point, leading up to the 2032 Olympics.
Vertical living, with its proximity to universities and sports complex, as well as the heaps of burgeoning infrastructure projects nearby, such as the Cross River Rail, Queens Wharf, and Eagle Street, will keep Kangaroo Point very attractive, especially for first-home buyers.
Kangaroo Point Property Market Post-Flooding
Kangaroo Point was deeply submerged during the recent flooding but many experts agree this will not dampen the property market’s performance all that much.
Whilst some price falls could be expected, Brisbane’s inner cities remain more affordable than other Australian cities. Buyers also tend to overlook the risks of the opportunity to acquire a property overlooking the Brisbane River.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
During the 2011 flooding, the hardest-hit suburbs took three years to recover but those in the inner cities improved at a faster rate or at least 50 per cent above the prices pre-flooding. More high-end homes in Kangaroo Point have been selling than ever before, according to one property agent.
For the first time in more than three decades, heritage-listed Pineapple Hotel hits the market and experts expect the Kangaroo Point sale to break records.
The 2,947sqm property, touted as one of Brisbane’s last “independently owned A-Grade hotels”, offers expansive redevelopment and value add opportunities. The two-storey hotel is a top 200 gaming venue with 35 machines – current value estimated to be about $10 million – and the ability to increase to 45.
The Singleton family who has owned the Pineapple Hotel for more than thirty years has decided to offload the property, offering it either as a leasehold or freehold going concern. Pundits predict the sale could break the record set when the Stock Exchange Hotel was acquired by the Australian Pub Fund in 2013 for $35 million.
Bars, steakhouse, function rooms, onsite and detached bottle shops and a glass house beer garden comprise the well-balanced mix of trades featured at the hotel.
Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au
First opened in 1864, the Pineapple Hotel was built as a wooden house fronting the formerly Ipswich Road. The house was replaced by the currently existing building between 1886 and 1887 which was designed by John Hall and Sons. The hotel is situated near Raymond Park which then was a pineapple plantation, thus aptly naming it Pineapple Hotel.
Given its proximity to the Gabba Cricket Ground, the hotel became a popular spot for sports enthusiasts and served as a home base for a number of sporting teams.
The Pineapple Hotel has changed hands and underwent alterations and renovations several times over its 158-year history. The Singleton family acquired the asset in 1990 and also made extensive renovation and restoration of the hotel.
The budget and timeline for the ongoing restoration of the Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point have expanded from $80 million to $120 million and from five years to more than 10 years.
Infrastructure chairman Councillor Andrew Wines confirmed in a radio interview that work on the restoration is ongoing around the hotel. Whilst initially pegged as a small-scale painting project, Council made the changes to ensure that the bridge will remain safe for the public’s use for decades.
“This will be a 10-year process. The really extensive and difficult part comes after, which is the structure over the water,” Mr Wines said.
“This is the most important and iconic piece of engineering in the city and we want to make sure that this last the distance. I consider this [project] expensive but also necessary.”
Photo Credit: Kgbo, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The restoration project will now include strengthening and repairs, upgrades of the footpaths, re-coating of the steel beams, installation of a scaffolding (access) system including a specialised containment system that will work to protect the people from the lead paint of the old bridge, recoating of steel members (blasting and painting), and concrete repair and strengthening works.
“At the moment we are working underneath the bride and on the pillars to work on the metal surfaces of the structure itself, to strip them back, clean them, repair them if necessary and then repaint them.”
Story Bridge is 82 years old. Its full repainting job was announced more than three years ago.
The ongoing work is being delivered in a number of stages, with two stages on the southern approach to minimise impacts on the local community and all bridge users. Stage 1, which started in July 2020, is expected to be completed in June 2022. Stage 2, which started in August 2021, is going to move forward along Holman Street this June and will be completed by 2024.
Per the Council: “A site compound has been established in Captain Burke Park directly beneath the Story Bridge, between the bridge piers. This area has been fenced, with the rest of the park available to the community. This compound will be used as a lay-down area to store equipment and materials for the restoration project and other upcoming maintenance projects planned for the bridge.”
Originating from Taiwan and boasting of more than 200 locations globally, this bubble tea brand has finally opened in Brisbane, its first-ever Queensland-based store.
Milksha opened its new location on Albert Street last April 2022. The milk tea shop is the second location after its Australian flagship store in Melbourne which debuted in 2019.
Photo Credit: Milksha Australia / Facebook
Milksha distinguishes itself from other bubble tea stores by ditching powdered creamer in its list of ingredients in favour of fresh cow’s milk which is creamier and richer in flavour. The Brisbane shop sources its milk from Maleny Dairies whilst the Victoria site uses milk from St. David Dairy.
For those who are new to Milksha, their signature drinks are a must-try which include Earl Grey Latte with honey pearl, Fresh Taro Milk, Japanese Matcha Milk, Valrhona 100% Cocoa Milk and Ice Blended Orange Green Tea.
Ice blended Valrhona Mocha, Japanese Matcha Milk, Orange Green Tea | Photo Credit: Milksha Australia / Facebook Earl Grey Latte with Honey Pearls | Photo Credit: Milksha Australia / Facebook
Exploring their full menu, their Fresh Milk offerings include Genmaicha, Brown Sugar Milk, Herbal Jelly and Winter Melon Milk. For those who prefer non-dairy drinks, there are the Specialty options available such as Mango Green tea, Orange Green tea and the Winter Melon Lemon Juice.
Tea Lattes area also on offer here. Options include Barley latte, Jasmine Green and Oolong Latte. Other drinks to try are Cloudy Jasmine Green Tea and Cloudy Cream Earl Grey Tea as well as St. Ali cold brew coffees and Premium teas.
Oolong Tea Latte with Honey Pearls and Taro Ball / Mango Green Tea | Photo Credit: Milksha Australia / Facebook
Milksha is located at 2/115 Albert Street, Brisbane. Trading hours are from 11 am to 8 pm, Sunday to Thursday; and from 11 am to 9.30 pm, Friday and Saturday.
MIlksha | 2/115 Albert St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
