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Make Waves with Riverlife’s New Water Bikes for Hire

Get ready to make waves at this latest leisure activity in Brisbane! If you’re looking for a fun thing to do or something you’ve never done before then the water bikes for hire at Riverlife will not disappoint.

These water bikes aren’t like the boxy paddle boats that have been popular for a while. They work like standard bicycles, easy to use and navigate at a regular speed of fewer than 20 kilometres per hour or depending on how fast and strong you can pedal.

Because you’re biking on water, the ride is swift and smoother without traffic congestions, potholes and everything else that makes biking on the road so frustrating. You’ll get a full workout, as well as a short trip around Brisbane’s beautiful riverside, within a 30-minute hire.

If you’re not up for getting wet, the water bikes are extremely stable and won’t create a splash…unless you’re up for jumping in the water.

Rest assured, safety precautions will be observed at Riverlife whilst safety briefings will be conducted by well-trained staff before you hop on that bike. Riders will get a personal floatation device and sunscreen as well.

Are you thinking of setting up a race with your friends? Water bike hire sessions are open every Wednesday to Sunday. Booking online in advance is encouraged.

Biggest Luxury Shopping Complex Coming to Queen’s Wharf

Queen’s Wharf is set to become the “envy of the nation” as Destination Brisbane Consortium has secured leading retailer DFS Group to open the luxury shopping complex, T Galleria, at the premier riverfront site.

DFS, a part of the Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) group, has one of the largest portfolios of internationally-known brands and stores. The group will occupy 6,000 square metres of the nearly 40,000 square metres of the lifestyle precinct.

The complex will be a three-level site, blending into the repurposed, heritage-listed Printery Building on George Street. Across the shopping destination will be 16 free-standing luxury brand stores.

“This is another milestone in the world-class development that will transform Brisbane’s CBD, boost tourism and create thousands more jobs when complete,” Deputy Premier and State Development Minister Steven Miles said.

“The development will feature 50 bars, cafes and restaurants, a casino, four world-class hotels, up to 2,000 residential apartments, the Sky Deck, moonlight cinema, the Neville Bonner Bridge and now around 6,000m2 of luxury retail floorspace.”

“Once Queens Wharf is up and running, it will provide jobs for more than 8,000 Queenslanders at one of Australia’s most sought-after destinations,” Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said.

“The construction workers on this massive project also deserve congratulations for their ability to keep the project going right through the impacts of COVID.”

T Galleria will be the largest complex for DFS compared to its sister stores in Cairns, Sydney and Auckland, New Zealand.

Star Entertainment Group CEO Matt Bekier of the Destination Brisbane Consortium said that the addition of DFS’s biggest site in Australia would establish Queen’s Wharf as a “globally competitive” and world-class destination, delivering the “wow factor” for local, interstate and international visitors.

Meanwhile, DFS Group Chairman and CEO Benjamin Vuchot said that they are delighted to be on board.

“We’re delighted to join Queen’s Wharf Brisbane’s multitude of attractions and look forward to welcoming our global traveling customers to this exciting city in the future.”

T Galleria is earmarked for a 2022 opening.

First Post-COVID International Music Tour Happening at Riverstage

After a mass of cancellations due to the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, the Under the Southern Stars concert series is back on and will be the first post-COVID international concert to be staged in Australia. Riverstage in Brisbane City will be ready to host a few Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famers for a night of fantastic entertainment.

Bush, Stone Temple Pilots and Cheap Trick, alongside Australian acts like Rose Tattoo and Electric May, will perform at the Riverstage on Sunday, 16 May 2021. It will be the final stop for Under the Southern Stars in this region, after South Australia, NSW, Caloundra (14 May) and Southport Sharks (15 May).

According to the promoter Andrew McManus, all existing tickets are still valid whilst new tickets are up on sale at the official site.

Originally set for April 2020, Under the Southern Stars was supposed to feature the group Live but they could no longer commit to the reschedule. Mr McManus then reached out to Cheap Trick, who signed on within 48 hours of deliberation. The Chicago band immediately tweeted that they are joining the concert tour.

First chance to rock this year! Can’t wait to see our fans in Australia. Special thanks to the Australian government for creating the conditions for a safe festival at @utssconcerts
with @STPBand
& @BUSH
. Tickets: https://t.co/eoibvR4Ims pic.twitter.com/wUIAJZEDxD
— Cheap Trick (@cheaptrick) February 3, 2021

Under the new normal, all of the performers will undergo a quarantine process and comply with the directives of Queensland Health.

Mr McManus said he is grateful to receive the very first approval to proceed with the international tour from the Commissioner of Border Patrol and support from the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, the Premier of South Australia, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne and New South Wales Minister for Environment. The concerts in Queensland will also open 200 jobs for COVID marshalls.

Aware of the great responsibility, the promoter said that he will prepare a “template for international touring” to benefit the music industry.

“Being the first live on stage international tour, we are aware the eyes of the world will be on us championing the re-opening of live international touring not only in Australia but globally,” Mr McManus said in a statement.

Shafston House: Brisbane’s Third Oldest Estate Sold to a Developer

Shafston House, Brisbane’s third oldest estate, has been sold to a property developer who has expressed plans to undertake a full restoration of the heritage-listed site.

Kevin Pan of the Burgundy Group Property Development was named the new owner of the riverfront house on 23 Castlebar Street. His company has ongoing residential projects in Rochedale and North Lakes.

In a statement, Mr Pan said that he intends to lodge a plan with Council to restore “Shafston House’s former glory.”

However, the building next to the heritage-listed site, which was the former Shafston International College, could be demolished. The developer might also add landscaping works whilst other plantings will be propagated in the property, consistent with the heritage restoration principles.

In response, Council said that development plans for the property, once submitted, will “undergo the usual rigorous assessment” as a protected State Government Heritage Unit before decisions can be made.

Mr Pan bought Shafston House for an undisclosed amount months after 300 antique, unique and collectible items from the house were put up for auction by its previous owner, Mr Keith Lloyd.

Shafston House was built in several stages between 1851 to 1930s. Its original design was from architect Robin Dods, dubbed Brisbane’s “most sacred architect” because all of his designs were individualistic and unique, according to historian Dr Jack Ford.

For decades, Shafston House was used as a private dwelling until it became a hostel (from 1919 to 1969), a place of accommodation for the Royal Australian Air Force (from 1969 to 1987), and an international college established by Mr Lloyd in the 1990s.

Over 120,000 students attended the Shafston International College through the years, until its closure in November 2020.

Photo Credit: Queensland Heritage Register

In 2005, Shafston House was entered into the Queensland Heritage Register for its historical, cultural and aesthetic significance.

Redevelopment of 200 Turbot Street Secures Conditional Agreement with Mirvac

The proposed redevelopment of 200 Turbot Street in Brisbane CBD, formerly rented out to The University of Queensland Dental School, has made a conditional agreement with Mirvac to secure a leasing pre-commitment for the new commercial high-rise.

With the conditional agreement in place, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said that the $670 million project is now one step closer to the goal and will help the state’s economic recovery post-COVID.

“The major redevelopment is estimated to support about 360 jobs per year over a proposed three-year construction phase,” Mr Miles said. “Redevelopment of the site is conditional on Mirvac securing arrangements that will ensure the site becomes a vital part of Queensland’s commercial sector and stimulates construction activity.”

Brett Draffen, the Chief Investment Officer of Mirvac, said that 200 Turbot Street will become a world-class workplace precinct that will “attract a high calibre of tenants.”

“The building will also benefit from significant government investment in local infrastructure including Cross River Rail, Brisbane Metro and Brisbane Live,” Ms. Draffen added.

“We look forward to working with the Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council and our future occupants to co-create a next generation workplace that responds to the needs of a post-COVID-19 workforce and enhances the Brisbane CBD.”

The site is next to the heritage-listed building of the former Brisbane Dental Hospital. The State Government expects that the redevelopment of 200 Turbot Street will also boost options for the lease renewal of its neighbouring building.

High Rise Synagogue Tower to Revamp Mary Street Precinct in CBD

Plans to develop a 46-level high rise above the heritage-listed Brisbane Synagogue on Mary Street in the inner city has been lodged with Council following more than a year of talks between The Brisbane Hebrew Congregation and the developers of Bellevue Terrace Properties.

Once approved, the development (DA A005637201) will see through the construction of the new building on 25 Mary Street. It will have 42 levels of semi-public, co-working spaces and 242 car parking spaces. The upper floors will be open for tenancy whilst the top two levels will include two four-bedroom penthouses, which developers say will be a “luxury housing stock.”

The remaining lower levels will integrate the heritage-listed religious site as a multiple-storey podium with ancillary facilities like the congregation’s offices, function space for worshippers, a kosher kitchen and an indoor recreational area for children. The rest of the spaces will be open for retail tenancies.

Photo Credit: PD Online/Brisbane City Council

“The design of the proposal places a significant focus on the original setting of the existing heritage building and seeks to provide a cohesive and beneficial outcome for the future use of the place of worship,” the developers stated in the application.

The Brisbane Synagogue was built in 1885 and the developers said that it will be protected. However, an application for a heritage exemption certificate was also filed to allow the project to partially demolish structures of the building that were built in 1955 and 1990.

The plans include creating pedestrian access from Mary Street to Margaret Street, where the synagogue stands.

“The proposal seeks to provide high quality ‘next generation’ commercial office space that will support the day-to-day needs of future occupants and visitors whilst celebrating Brisbane’s significant heritage values in an integrated and cohesive fashion,” Urbis said.

“Importantly, the proposal will also provide facilities to support the ongoing operation of the Synagogue, to protect, and sustain its use for many generations to come.”

It comes as several major projects in the coming years will turn Mary Street into a significant connecting link for pedestrians traversing the CBD to get to the Queen’s Wharf, the Cross River Rail station on Albert Street and the proposed Waterfront Brisbane on Eagle Street.

CityLink Cycleway Trial: Victoria Bridge to Close this January

Commuters within the inner city should start planning out new routes if they are used to taking Victoria Bridge as this area between William Street and Grey Street will be closed for two months beginning 24 Jan 2021 due to the CityLink Cycleway project.

Construction to convert the kerbside traffic lanes into two-way bikeways on Victoria Bridge, Melbourne Street and parts of William and Stanley Streets will start on the said date.

Work will also include the widening of footpaths, the addition of kerb ramps and build-outs, as well as the improvement of traffic markings and signages that will make the intersections safer for cyclists.

The closure of Victoria Bridge will also facilitate work and improvements of the Brisbane Metro project, alongside the CityLink Cycleway trial.

According to the Council, the closure of Victoria Bridge is projected to take two months. During the construction, at least 28 motorcycle parking spaces on William Street and two coach parking zones on Stanley Street will be removed.

For questions about this project, phone the project team at 1800 884 681 (business hours) and 07 3403 8888 (after hours), or email the CityLink Cycleway Trial City Projects Office at bikewayprojects@brisbane.qld.gov.au.

Party Over for The Stock Exchange Hotel as The Riversdale Group Announces Closure

Eight years after The Riversdale Group relaunched The Stock Exchange Hotel, the company announced it will be closing the iconic site in December. Its popular Sundays at Stockies, however, will be moving to a bigger location but the details are still under wraps.

The Riversdale Group didn’t provide a specific reason for the closure but workers on site relayed that the COVID-19 restrictions have had a huge impact on its operations. Whilst the restrictions were relaxed in recent weeks, it was too late to save the hotel.

Around 30 staff will lose their jobs at an unfortunate time, with Christmas just around the corner.

“The Riversdale Group would like to take this opportunity to thank our valued customers, suppliers and contractors who have supported us over the years. We are especially proud of the experience our dedicated team has always delivered to our guests,” the management said in a statement.

“A huge thank you to our loyal staff who stayed with us during lockdowns and restrictions—your hard work and dedication is beyond measure and we are truly grateful for all your efforts in keeping The Stock Exchange Hotel trading in 2020.”

The Stock Exchange Hotel was established in 1863 at the heart of the inner-city and amidst the high-rises. The Riversdale Group refurbished the property to create a rooftop beer garden, which provided the most enjoyable atmosphere for drinks after work.

The site of countless Brisbane events, The Stock Exchange Hotel has always catered to different clientele, locals or visitors.

“My first club was the Stocky in 1987 and we partied there every Saturday night for years. The stocky = Bloody great memories,” Joanne Rees shared on Facebook.

“This was my old stomping ground for about 5 years, because I worked in the building beside the Victory across the road. Had a lot of big lunches & big nights at The Stock Exchange,” relayed Karen Kriesch.

Relieve your memories at the Stocky one last time and visit the site before it closes on 13 Dec 2020.

Little Red Dumpling Moves Downstairs to Pancake Manor’s Iconic Site

Can’t get enough of Asian dumplings? Soon, you’ll get your fill of these delicious bites from the thriving Asian eatery, Little Red Dumpling, which is set to open its 10th location in Brisbane CBD.

Little Red Dumpling is moving into the downstairs section of the iconic red building of the 41-year-old restaurant, Pancake Manor, on Charlotte Street.

The plans are all set for the Asian eatery’s development, through Sydney architects The Calabur, after the owners secured a long-term tenancy in the heritage-listed site.

Little Red Dumpling at the Pancake Manor could begin trading early next year.

The Asian eatery is famous for its handmade sweet and savoury dumpling varieties, braised beef noodle soup and cumin lamb ribs. Its potato custard buns, the newest addition on the menu, is also fast becoming a crowd favourite.

Every food choice washes down well with a bottle of ice-cold Tsingtaos and it’s how the elders in Guangdong enjoy their meals — sipping beer and consuming homemade dumplings.

Little Red Dumpling has outlets in Carseldine, Coomera, Cannon Hill, Maroochydore, Newmarket, Sunnybank Hills, Springwood, Toombul, Victoria Point and West End.

For updates on the CBD store’s progress and opening, follow the restaurant’s Facebook page.

“My wife and I had an enjoyable lunch here. We ordered the Pork Chive dumplings, Pan-Fried Pork dumplings and Xiao Long Bao dumplings, all were delicious and reasonably priced. The restaurant has a nice and clean contemporary interior and service is good. We’ll definitely be returning.”
jghoo, Tripadvisor

“Staff were very nice. Loved the food. Wontons in red chilli were great. As were lamb and coriander dumplings and pork dumplings. Definitely go again.”
Lyndal, The Fork

“Small in stature but nice friendly staff, love all the different dumpings that came out in the banquet menu selection. The desert especially the green tea ice cream was delightful, prices were good as well.”
Peter G, The Fork

High-Rise Development Sparked Protest Amid Concerns About “Over-Development” in Kangaroo Point

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Residents protest over a proposed high-rise development on Lambert St, which raised concerns about over-development in Kangaroo Point.

The proposed 15-storey development has sparked a protest on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 as dozens of protesters, along with Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad, expressed their opposition to the proposed skyscraper.

THE PLAN

A three-tower, 10-storey development, 200-unit on 108 Lambert St was approved by the council in July 2020. The developers, however, submitted an updated application in early September seeking an additional five storeys and additional 100 units to “align the proposed development with the current neighbourhood plan and the associated community expectations.”

Ms Trad said that she objected to the neighbourhood plan that allowed buildings of up to 15-storeys to be built in the area. Under the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan — an amendment that was incorporated into the Brisbane City Plan 2014 last February 2020 — developments of up to 15 storeys high are allowed.

Protesters described the proposed development as a “vertical cruise ship,” that would destroy their quality of life and their amenity. They slammed the development stating that it will increase noise and air pollution in the area, as well traffic congestion.

“The revised proposal presents stronger grounds for concern due to its scale and is completely incongruous with Brisbane City Council’s declared goal to secure and enhance Brisbane’s ‘clean and green’ credentials / reputation. Continuing to allow such high-density and environmentally insensitive developments in our city is not in our community’s short or long-term interest or in touch with our expectations.” – submission 14/10/2020

“The 3 pre-1911 homes on Lambert St should not be moved to other locations. They should be valued and treated like the historic homes on the corner of Cairns St and Lambert Streets which add to a sense of community and heritage history for the area.” submission 13/10/2020

“The reason we object to the development is the additional levels on the property will impact the sun-shadow places on the surrounding properties. This impacts the temperature and natural light on the existing buildings. This affects peoples [sic] mental health if they do not receive natural sunlight.” submission 11/10/2020