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LFL Stars Build Start-Up, Wakka Games, to Promote Pool Safety with Pool Angel

Wakka Games is a Kangaroo Point start-up founded by former US Legends Football League stars Quincy Hewitt, 34, and Jayne Caldwell, 29. Best friends and business partners, the two believe that the facial recognition app Pool Angel should be installed across public pools and beaches across the country.

Quincy and Jayne have partnered with Adam Wilson, a Sydney-based electrical engineer, who built Pool Angel, a camera with artificial intelligence capabilities specifically designed to prevent drowning. The product launched nationwide in May 2021.

The device has a system that can do facial recognition to warn parents or surf lifesavers when something is wrong in the pool area. Pool Angel works like an extra pair of eyes that alerts users of potential dangers in the pool on their mobile phones.

Highlights

Quincy Hewitt and Jayne Caldwell founded the start-up Wakka Games in Kangaroo Point to help app and content creators.
They are partners of Pool Angel, the app and device that works to prevent drowning.
Pool Angel launched nationwide in May 2021.

“By using the latest in camera technology, hardware, and our deep learning algorithm, we are able to define people, pets, objects, and areas. This allows us to create an early warning system, giving you time to respond to any possible situation such as child safety. Warnings will be relayed via the app on your mobile phone and by sounding an alarm.”

Quincy and Jayne said that Adam’s invention could bring peace of mind to parents and save many lives, especially when drowning is the leading cause of injury and death in kids below three years old. Wakka Games will also help Pool Angel improve its tech solutions and digital marketing.

Jayne, who is from Brisbane, has been passionate about technology all her life. She founded Wakka Games with Quincy, who is from New Zealand, after they both retired from the popular women’s tackle football games in the U.S.

Together, the pair has a vision to help creators make their app ideas a reality. Both former athletes are also working with other gaming and streaming content creators.

To learn more about Pool Angel, follow the company’s Facebook Page. For app developers and creators, check out Wakka Games.

New Building Proposed Near Two Heritage Sites in Kangaroo Point

Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

A developer has submitted plans to build a contemporary, five-storey commercial building for 180 Main Street. The site is located near two heritage sites in Kangaroo Point — Carroll House and the Story Bridge.

Read: Design for New Kangaroo Point Green Bridge Includes Above-Water Restaurants

Plans (A005764320) lodged by Crete Investments Qld Pty Ltd ATF Raptis Property Trust No.2 indicates that the ground floor will be used to accommodate bar and centre activities whilst the remaining levels would be dedicated to commercial spaces.

The subject site is around 1.2 km away from the Story Bridge and a stone’s throw to a row of 1870s shops known collectively as “Carroll House.”

Highlights

The subject site is near two heritage-listed sites: the Carroll House and the famous Story Bridge
The five-storey building will house a cafe/bar and commercial spaces
Proposed development is for a 662sq m site at 180 Main Street at Kangaroo Point

Aerial view of the subject location (Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Carroll House (Photo credit: heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Carroll House has continued to operate on this corner block for more than 130 years. Between 1878 and 1930, it operated as a general store, a butcher’s shop, and a grocer’s shop, most likely with the owners or lessees living in the residences above. In the 1930s, the shop underwent some alterations which still characterise much of the present facade.

According to the pre-lodgement minutes held in December 2020, the initial plans were not sympathetic enough to the heritage-listed Carroll House.

However, a report prepared by VAULT Heritage Consulting states that the development will not generate any adverse impacts on the cultural heritage significance attributed to either this locally significant, Colonial era commercial / residential complex of buildings or the iconic piece of transport infrastructure extant on the sites adjoining the subject site.

Story Bridge (Photo credit: Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons)

Designed by Jackson Teece, the building would have two basement levels, a ground floor cafe or bar and retail tenancy, and four floors of commercial space. The elevation would be similar to that of Story Bridge and another adjacent property.

Architectural renderings prepared by Jackson Teece for the applicant (Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Read: Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park Now Hosting Rock Climbing Sessions

“It is suggested that this redevelopment proposal for the subject site should be favourably reviewed by Council in relation to the relevant provisions of the Heritage overlay code within City Plan 2014 and/or State code 14: Queensland heritage,” the report says.

Currently, vehicular access to the subject site is provided through the existing access points, with one being located on Wharf Street and one on Main Street. The proposed development seeks to remove the existing crossovers and establish one new crossover on Wharf Street. The basement levels would also accommodate 23 car parking spaces, five motorbike spaces, and five bike spaces that would be accessible by the new crossover.

Raymond Park Upgrades As Brisbane Prepares To Be Olympic-ready

Photo credit: Luke H/Google Maps

Kangaroo Point’s Raymond Park will receive an upgrade, thanks to the $50 million boost to sporting facilities across Brisbane, as part of the preparations to make it an Olympic-ready city.

Read: Design for New Kangaroo Point Green Bridge Includes Above-Water Restaurants

Brisbane is unofficially selected to host the 2032 Summer Games and is expected to be confirmed on 21 July 2021, before Tokyo 2020 officially kicks off.

Kangaroo Point’s Raymond Park will be used as a warm-up field for athletes if Brisbane was chosen to host the 2032 Olympics. The Council has already allocated the fund to improve the fields that will be used by the Kangaroo Point Rovers Football Club and the Brisbane City Quidditch Club.

“The inner-city Raymond Park will receive $287,000 to improve the fields which are used by many sporting groups including the Kangaroo Point Rovers and the Brisbane City Quidditch Club,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced.

Kangaroo Point Rovers Football Club at Raymond Park (Photo credit: Kangaroo Point Rovers FC/Facebook)

In addition to Raymond Park, other parks in Brisbane will also receive the much-needed upgrades, including Chelmer Sports Ground, Giffin Park in Coorparoo, Emerson Park at the Grange.

Aside from upgrades to existing facilities, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner also announced that a new sports park will be built at Nudgee. Construction works for the $16 million Nudgee Recreation Reserve improvement project is set to start in late 2021.

Raymond Park is known for its irregularity in shape because of the presence of Pineapple Hotel in the South. And because of the hotel, it was formerly known as Pineapple Park or Pineapple Ground. In 1915, the park had its official name, in honour Alfred John Raymond who was Alderman in Kangaroo Point for a long time and a Brisbane Mayor in 1912.

Design for New Kangaroo Point Green Bridge Includes Above-Water Restaurants

Did you know that plans for the $190-million Kangaroo Point green bridge include restaurants hovering over the Brisbane River?

Connect Brisbane, led by BESIX Watpac, has won the contract to construct the connection beginning late 2021.

The design for the pedestrian and cycling bridge, to improve connectivity between Kangaroo Point and the CBD and reduce car trips by 84,000 a year, has been described as a “game-changer” by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.

Whilst it will be a sustainable travel option for the locals, the Kangaroo Point green bridge will also serve as a tourist spot and a recreational site with a platform to showcase the beautiful city views and above-water cafes, boutique bars and restaurants.

Mr Schrinner added that the location will be the first in Brisbane to have an above-water dining destination and one of the few bridges in the world to have such a special feature. The planned venue will cover 460 metres and will feature a plaza with heaps of food and drink outlets, as well as an event space.

The firm behind the concept has done various green bridges projects across the world, such as the Sheikh Zayed Bridge in the UAE and the Crown Princess Mary’s Bridge in Denmark. BESIX Watpac is responsible for the construction of the Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.

Plans for the $60 million Breakfast Creek green bridge will also be unveiled in the coming months.

Meanwhile, Architectural Design students at Griffith University had similar ideas and visions for the Kangaroo Point green bridge when they presented their work to a panel of judges following the culmination of a 12-week design challenge. Some of their ideas included several above-water features such as a public lookout, an ampitheatre and spaces for commercial tenancies.

“Everyone had really strong ideas across the board and different ways of expressing it,” said Dominic Powell from Archipelago Architects, who was one of the judges. “They had a strong story to tell about their proposals and an underpinning idea of how their urban connector could be a real legacy for Brisbane.”

Council To Invest $4M For Monohull Ferries Restoration

CityFerry Lucinda (Photo credit: John Robert McPherson/ Wikimedia Commons)

Three monohull ferries, the John Oxley, Kalparrin, and Lucinda, have been pulled from Brisbane River to undergo a $4-million restoration which will enable them to re-enter service alongside the five new KittyCats that have also been added to the fleet.

Public and Active Transport Chairman Ryan Murphy confirmed the news following Brisbane City Council’s announcement that a ferry stop at Kangaroo Point will be upgraded and reopened.

Read: GoBoat Picnic Boats Now Available in Kangaroo Point

Whilst some are pleased with the news, there are residents who criticized the Council for allegedly failing to consult them regarding the closure. This transpired to a protest, where over 100 residents joined last month.

Despite the protest and disapproval from many residents, Cr Murphy said the Council is looking forward to delivering the Dockside upgrade. Council is already progressing with the terminal design and obtaining the necessary approvals for the upgrade.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the decision to remove the wooden monohull ferries from service last year was due to safety reasons.

“The risk assessment reports found the structural integrity of all wooden-hulled vessels was compromised, with some having extensive deterioration and no longer considered safe,” he said in an official statement.

Public and Active Transport Chair Councillor Ryan Murphy, said buses, trains and ferries all have a use-by-date and had to be retired and replaced at some stage.

Cr Schrinner added: “It will come at a slightly higher cost, but it’s the right thing to do. There is $1.8 million allocated in 2021-22 and more than $2.2 million in 2022-23.”

The construction of the Dockside is expected to begin in 2022 and temporary shuttle services will continue during upgrades to the Dockside terminal.

Read: Lambert Street Development Appeal Worries Residents Over Council Backflip

CityFerries

John Oxley interior (Photo credit: John Robert McPherson/ Wikimedia Commons)

John Oxley, one of the three ferries to be restored, was launched in June 1990 and was built by Norman R. Wrights & Sons. Like a typical CityFerry, John Oxley can accommodate 47 passengers.

Kalparrin and Lucinda, like John Oxley, can have 47 passengers. Kalparrin, launched June 1993, was built by Queensland Port Services. It came from the An Aboriginal word meaning “to help carry a load.”

Inside CityFerry Lucinda (Photo credit: John Robert McPherson/ Wikimedia Commons)

Lucinda, launched June 1986, was built by Norman Park Boat Builders. The name came from Lucinda, a 301-ton paddle steamer owned by the Queensland Government and was built by William Denny and Brothers, Dumbarton, Scotland in 1884.

Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park Now Hosting Rock Climbing Sessions

Starting July, Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park will become the venue for some exciting rock climbing sessions for teenagers. The best part? It’s all free.

Starting the 7th of July 2021 until the 15th of October 2021, a total of six rock climbing sessions, all of which are completely free, will be held at Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park, facilitated by qualified instructors.

The rock climbing sessions will be held on:

July 7, 2021 – 9:00 a.m.
July 7, 2021 – 11:00 a.m.
September 21, 2021 – 8:00 a.m.
September 21, 2021 – 10:00 a.m.
October 15, 2021 – 5:30 p.m.
October 15, 2021 – 7:30 p.m.

Booking is mandatory for all six sessions, and climbers are required to bring enclosed shoes and exercise wear. This is a Chillout event suitable for young people between the ages of 12 and 17.

Those interested in taking part in a rock climbing session can book via the Vertec Adventure website here. For more information, dial 0492 982 454. Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park can be found at 29 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point.

Lamb House Sold to Racing Queensland’s Steve and Jane Wilson

Steve and Jane Wilson, Brisbane Racing power couple, have bought the heritage-listed Lamb House in Kangaroo Point for an undisclosed amount. The couple wants to restore the landmark mansion, listed for the first time in 120 years, to its former glory.

The Wilson pair managed to outbid other prospective buyers of the Lamb House, including prominent property developer Kevin Seymour. The couple has plans to spend at least $15 million more on restoring the dilapidated and vandalised historical site to its former glory and will work to keep the house up-to-date with electrical upgrades and wi-fi connection.

However, former owner Joy Lamb finds the sale unacceptable despite failures to maintain the mansion or to pay over $300,000 in Council rates for three years. This has led to the sale of the house via a Public Trustee so that the heritage site could be protected from demolition or subdivision by developers.

Ms Lamb vacated the Lamb House sometime after the death of her husband in 2013. In a previous interview with other media, the widow has said she believes that their dispute with Council over the Lamb House contributed to her husband’s failing health.

Since the historical house remained empty for a number of years, it became badly damaged and was used by squatters.

Meanwhile, members of the advocacy group Brisbane Residents United said that they are happy the house has been sold to new owners who want the Kangaroo Point landmark to become a restored family home.

The Wilsons said that they are excited to become the stewards of the Lamb house, which belonged to the Lamb family for 118 years. They also said that they will open the house for public events, including fundraisers for good causes, once the restoration has been completed in two to three years.

GoBoat Picnic Boats Now Available in Kangaroo Point

Did you know that GoBoat has finally launched its fleet of new eco-friendly picnic boats at Dockside Marina in Kangaroo Point? The best part? They’re pet-friendly!

GoBoat, a boating company from Denmark, has finally released its series of Scandinavian-designed picnic boats across the Brisbane River, and now that they’re open to the public, all of Brisbane is invited to come give them a spin — no licence required.

Though construction isn’t finished for their upcoming permanent venue along Breakfast Creek, the company has opened a limited-time pop-up venue at Dockside Marina in Kangaroo Point to give Queensland a taste of what the vessels this Danish company has to offer.

These boats have been designed to be eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable. Their German electric engines do not produce any smog, nor do they make loud and disruptive noises — a combination which makes for a peaceful cruise down the Brisbane River.

Each boat stands 18 feet long, fashioned from recycled materials such as reclaimed wood and PET bottles. Shading will be installed to shield those aboard from the elements.

Those interested in renting the boats can do so for the price of $109 an hour, $189 for two hours, and $229 for three hours. Food, beer, and other beverages from outside can all be brought aboard these boats, and customers are allowed to bring their pets along for the ride. Up to eight passengers will be able to fit in a single vessel which makes these boats ideal for group picnics.

Though the official launch of GoBoat Brisbane in their permanent site at Breakfast Creek has yet to be announced, their pop-up placeholder is located at Dockside Marina at 44 Ferry St, Kangaroo Point. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and announcements concerning the upcoming picnic boats.

Empty But Completed Lotus Tower in Kangaroo Point Sold for $100+ Million

Lotus Tower, a 21-storey apartment building in Kangaroo Point, empty since its completion in 2019, has been sold for $100+ million. Its new owner plans to convert the building into a build-to-rent facility.

Blackstone, one of the biggest global equity firms, bought the Lotus Tower from the R&F Property Group in early May 20201 after it remained vacant since late 2019. At that time, R&F Property Group’s Australian operations suffered financial losses and had to be rescued by its parent company in Hong Kong.

But the Chinese-backed firm’s troubles didn’t end there as delays in the new building’s occupancy followed. The Lotus Tower, distinctive for it green-coloured hues, has 200 apartment units with a beautiful river view. However, R&F Property Group decided not to sell at least 10 percent of the units or appoint real estate agents during the construction phase.

The apartment’s marketing wasn’t done until the developer received its final certification in late 2019. By the time they were ready to unveil the building to investors, the sales process was hampered by COVID-19.

R&F Property Group said that they decided to sell the building in “one line” after large-scale investors expressed significant interest. Aside from Blackstone, Serenitas Group also had its eye on the building as a vertical retirement home.

Lotus Tower, located on Lambert Street, is considered a high-end apartment with its own sauna, private dining rooms, gaming and media rooms, gym with golf simulator and an infinity-edge pool. If sold per unit, however, the tower would have amassed over $150 million.

New Gourmet Delivery Service Boho Kitchen Launches in Kangaroo Point

Pressed for time in preparing healthy meals? Tired of the usual fast-food delivery choices? Did you know that you can now have gourmet, healthy, and delicious food delivered to you from the newly-launched Kangaroo Point eatery Boho Kitchen?

Located on Main Street, Boho Kitchen is from Beatrix Nagy, who had a similar business in her home country of South Korea. She offered boxed meals filled with high-quality food, which were a hit with the professionals and expats.

Ms Nagy focused on delivering food that isn’t bad for one’s diet nor damaging to the weekly food budget. She then brought the same concept for Boho Kitchen with brunch or gourmet boxes that has choices like the Power Breakfast box, The Morning After brunch box, the Date Night box, the Pyjama Day Meal, and the Nibble All-Day box.

The set menus included in these boxes feature meals like Boho Granola Cups With Fresh Fruit or Yoghurt, a Smorgasboard Of Smoked Trout & Crumbled Goat Cheese With Fresh Lemon & Herbs, and Chicken Schnitzel Caesar Sliders With A Zesty Green Salad.

Aside from the delivery option, Boho Kitchen is also a small coffee house, taking over the site of the former Bluntys restaurant. The cafe serves a curated selection of deli and baked goods for those on the go. They also offer brunches for dine-in customers but seating is limited.

Every food served in this eatery is prepared from scratch so that the customers could enjoy fresh and nutritious meals that are miles better than ready-made food. As much as possible, food served from Boho Kitchen is without preservatives, additives, and artificial flavours.

Boho Kitchen is on a soft launch beginning 9 May 2021. For more on the store, follow their Facebook page.