A secret sale at Kangaroo Point’s Walan building has rewritten the suburb’s apartment record books, with a full-floor penthouse at 14/2 Scott Street changing hands for $14.75 million — surpassing the previous high by $3.7 million and making it the largest apartment sale in Brisbane so far this year.
The deal was handled quietly by Heath Williams of Place New Farm, who said the sale was never publicly advertised. Rather than a broad marketing campaign, the property was introduced directly to prospective buyers through a selective network of trusted contacts — a strategy Williams says is becoming more common at the top end of the Brisbane market.
The Walan is a 14-storey residential building completed in 2018, comprising just 14 whole-floor apartments. The penthouse itself offers sweeping views of the city skyline and river, generous entertaining terraces, and the kind of layout that prioritises both scale and privacy.
For locals who walk past the building on Scott Street — tucked neatly between the cliffs and the river — it might come as little surprise that one of its residences commands such a price. The building has long been considered one of the more architecturally considered addresses in the suburb.
The previous record for a Kangaroo Point apartment was $11.05 million, paid last year for an off-the-plan purchase in the Heirloom development, which is still under construction. The suburb’s house price record remains $15 million, set in 2021 for a property at 1 Leopard Street.
According to PropTrack data, the median unit price in Kangaroo Point now sits at $840,000 — up 16.4 per cent over the past 12 months — reflecting a broader upward trend that this latest sale sits well above.
Williams said buyers and sellers at this price point are typically experienced property owners making considered moves rather than entering or leaving the market altogether. The appeal, he suggested, is less about fanfare and more about finding the right match between a property and the right buyer, at the right moment.
The Kangaroo Point sale came shortly after Williams also negotiated an off-market deal for Teneriffe House, which set a suburb record of its own. That sale price has not been officially disclosed, though industry sources have indicated it exceeded the recent $18.5 million sale of a New Farm property on Elystan Road, making it the highest recorded residential sale price in Brisbane in 2026.
According to Queensland Police Service media, the incident occurred around 1.20pm on 23 January when a 16-year-old boy allegedly rode an e-motorcycle through the tunnel and crashed. The rider was transported to hospital with minor injuries, and no other injuries were reported.
Police allege the teenager was part of a group of juveniles riding e-devices throughout inner Brisbane shortly before the crash occurred.
The incident prompted search warrants at two residential addresses in the following weeks. On 29 January, officers from the Brisbane City Tactical Crime Squad executed a warrant at a Scott Road property in Herston, where they seized a non-compliant e-bike and a mobile phone.
A 15-year-old Herston boy was subsequently charged with publishing material about particular offending behaviour (known as a ‘post and boast’ offence), unlicenced driving, and driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle. He was dealt with under the Youth Justice Act.
A second search warrant was conducted on 1 February at a Wexford Street address in Kenmore Hills, resulting in the seizure of another allegedly non-compliant e-bike.
The 16-year-old involved in the Clem 7 crash was charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, unlicenced driving, and driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle. He was also dealt with under Youth Justice Act provisions.
North Brisbane District Inspector Matt Blunn said the seizures send a clear message to both parents and young riders about the consequences of road offences.
“Every guardian and rider have an important obligation to ensure any device ridden is compliant and being used in a safe manner,” Inspector Blunn said in the police statement.
He expressed concern about juveniles operating devices classified as unregistered electric motorcycles on major roads, describing such behaviour as “deeply concerning”.
Inspector Blunn warned that police take these offences seriously and will continue enforcement, engagement and education efforts regarding e-mobility device safety, stating that those who break the law can expect police to follow up.
Information about e-mobility device compliance and safety requirements is available through the Queensland Government’s StreetSmarts website.
Anyone with information about similar incidents can contact Policelink through the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
A dramatic incident unfolded in Kangaroo Point on Friday afternoon when a 31-year-old man allegedly stole two vehicles in quick succession, causing significant traffic disruption on the Story Bridge.
According to Queensland Police, the Woolloongabba man is accused of stealing a black Toyota Yaris from a business on Logan Road in Eight Mile Plains around 11pm on Thursday evening. The vehicle was reportedly driven dangerously through several Brisbane suburbs, including Toowong, Greenslopes and the CBD, before crashing on MacDonald Street in Kangaroo Point at approximately 3pm on Friday.
Police allege that just ten minutes later, the man approached a red Toyota Corolla on Main Street in Kangaroo Point and forcibly removed the 43-year-old female driver from Mango Hill from her vehicle. He then allegedly fled in the stolen Corolla, driving erratically onto the Story Bridge where the vehicle struck multiple other cars before rolling onto its side.
The incident occurred during the afternoon peak hour, causing major traffic delays. Northbound lanes of the Story Bridge remained closed for more than an hour, only reopening around 4.20pm. Traffic congestion persisted well into the evening as motorists sought alternative routes.
The crash timing coincided with school pick-up, affecting students at All Hallows School. Staff moved students to a classroom as a safety precaution, with parents advised to contact their daughters by mobile phone so teachers could coordinate safe collection.
Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics assessed two people at the scene. The alleged offender was detained by police and transported to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with minor injuries.
The man has been charged with two counts each of unlawful use of a vehicle, driving without a licence, and dangerous operation of a vehicle while affected by an intoxicating substance, along with one count of armed robbery involving violence. He was expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday.
New children’s hospital data from South Brisbane showing a sharp rise in serious e-scooter injuries has renewed safety concerns in Kangaroo Point, where residents say busy Green Bridge paths are becoming one of the city’s most dangerous pinch points for riders and pedestrians alike.
Doctors at Queensland Children’s Hospital in South Brisbane had recorded a steep increase in children admitted with serious e-scooter injuries, including head trauma and fractures requiring surgery or intensive care. While the study focused on hospital admissions, clinicians warned the injuries reflect how e-scooters are being used across Brisbane, particularly in high-traffic shared spaces.
Doctors involved in the hospital research said many injured children were riding without helmets or using devices not suited to their age. The injuries they reported were often consistent with high-speed impacts rather than low-level falls, raising broader concerns about how scooters interact with pedestrians in crowded areas.
Those concerns have already surfaced in Kangaroo Point. In June 2025, a Queensland Police data and a parliamentary inquiry into personal mobility devices referenced a submission that specifically mentioned the Green Bridge and the surrounding Kangaroo Point paths. The submission raised issues about fast-moving scooters, limited space on shared paths and devices being left in ways that obstruct walkways.
The Green Bridge has become a key link for commuters, walkers and cyclists, increasing the volume of traffic through narrow riverside paths. Residents say the mix of pedestrians, families and riders travelling at different speeds has heightened the risk of serious crashes.
Injury trend continues despite existing rules
In 2024, emergency department presentations linked to e-scooters were rising across Queensland, even after safety rules were introduced. Doctors warned that falls at speed can cause life-changing injuries, particularly when riders are not wearing helmets or riding in crowded areas.
Police data included in that coverage showed thousands of infringement notices issued for offences such as riding without helmets and carrying passengers. Health experts said enforcement alone has not yet reduced the number of serious injuries presenting at hospitals.
National reporting has echoed concerns that hospital and police data may understate the true scale of e-scooter injuries because not all crashes result in formal treatment or reporting. Doctors believe incidents go unrecorded, particularly near busy urban corridors.
For Kangaroo Point residents, the combination of rising hospital admissions and local warnings about the Green Bridge has sharpened calls for safer behaviour on shared paths. Community members say slowing down in crowded areas, wearing helmets, and keeping footpaths clear would go a long way toward reducing risk before more riders end up in the hospital.
School zone monitoring data has identified Leopard Street in Kangaroo Point as the leading location for speed compliance, with 1.66 million vehicle movements recorded within the posted school zone limit during the most recent reporting period.
The figures were captured as speed awareness monitors, known as SAMs, returned to operation around schools across Brisbane as students resumed classes. The monitors aim to influence driver behaviour by displaying speed feedback in active school zones rather than issuing penalties.
Kangaroo Point Performance
The Leopard Street result stands out among monitored locations, placing Kangaroo Point at the top of compliance outcomes during the reporting period. The data was collected between April and September last year, when traffic volumes were assessed across school-adjacent roads.
Over the same six months, more than 82 million vehicles were recorded citywide. Around half of drivers travelling above the speed limit reduced their speed after encountering monitoring signage.
Dedicated school zone SAMs were first introduced in 2021. There are now 100 units operating near schools, forming part of a broader network of 287 monitors across Brisbane.
Since “Slow for SAM” signage was introduced in 2013, more than 1.4 billion vehicles have passed monitored locations. The program reports an average speed reduction of 6.3 km/h across monitored roads.
The most significant speed improvement during the reporting period occurred on Frasers Road in Ashgrove, where average speeds dropped by 9 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. The highest recorded speed captured through monitoring was 187 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on Nudgee Road, Nundah.
Data collected through the program is not used for enforcement but contributes to road safety planning and driver awareness initiatives.
Photo Credit: BCC
Broader School Safety Measures
Speed awareness monitoring operates alongside other school safety measures, including flashing signs, high-visibility road markings and targeted infrastructure upgrades.
Active travel programs are also continuing, with almost 17,000 students from 30 schools expected to participate in walking and riding initiatives in 2026. Safer School Precinct upgrades are planned or underway across several suburbs, focusing on pedestrian safety, traffic calming and improved connectivity around schools.
Recent monitoring results place Kangaroo Point among the strongest performers for school zone speed compliance, as safety programs continue during the return to peak school travel periods.
Brisbane City and Kangaroo Point residents, commuters and visitors can once again move freely along a key stretch of riverfront, with the rebuilt CBD Riverwalk now reopened as a wider shared path linking two of the inner city’s busiest walking and cycling routes.
The upgraded section has been closed since 2023 during construction at the Waterfront Brisbane site. Developers say the reopened strip will restore the riverfront link between Charlotte Street and Alice Street and create a continuous path stretching from the Story Bridge through to the City Botanic Gardens, with Brisbane City involved in an official reopening event.
A pinch point beside the Kangaroo Point Bridge
The reopened Riverwalk section sits near the city-side access points for the Kangaroo Point Bridge, which can be accessed from Scott Street in Kangaroo Point and from the corner of Alice Street and Edward Street in the CBD. With more people using the bridge approaches, the restored Riverwalk link is expected to provide walkers and riders with a clearer way to move along the waterfront without being forced into longer detours.
During the closure, some pedestrian and cycling groups publicly criticised the loss of a key public route, saying the blocked section made daily trips harder.
Developers say the strip has been rebuilt rather than patched. A new concrete path and steel railings, along with public-facing artwork, including a mural visible from the riverfront side.
Project material for Waterfront Brisbane states the Riverwalk is being widened from a narrow route to a minimum of six metres and up to 15 metres wide in places, designed as a shared zone for pedestrians and cyclists with improved access points between Eagle Street and the river.
Public space and dining plans along the river edge
The Riverwalk reopening is one part of a broader riverfront redesign at the former Eagle Street Pier precinct. The wider plan includes public open space, landscaping, and future outdoor dining set back from the walkway. Developers have also flagged end-of-trip facilities for cyclists, including secure storage and e-bike servicing, to support regular commuting.
Construction activity on the larger site is expected to continue behind hoardings, with the overall Waterfront Brisbane development targeting completion in late 2028.
The development next door and why it caused a long closure
Waterfront Brisbane is a multibillion-dollar redevelopment led by Dexus with builder John Holland, replacing the old Eagle Street Pier site with two office towers and a mix of shops, food venues and public space. John Holland has outlined its role in earlier stage works in a project announcement.
Dexus has previously attributed delays and cost pressures to adverse weather and the challenges of construction along the river, while stating that the Riverwalk reopening has been prioritised.
A wider shift toward safer walking and cycling routes
The Riverwalk update comes as other key routes have also been under pressure in recent years. The Story Bridge restoration works have included new footpath decking and accessibility upgrades, which Council says are part of a longer program to maintain the bridge.
For Kangaroo Point residents and CBD workers alike, the reopened Riverwalk section is expected to make everyday river crossings and waterfront trips easier, especially at the bridge approaches, where foot and cycle volumes are growing.
About a third of the boats tied up at Dockside Marina in Kangaroo Point are now lived in full-time, according to the marina’s manager, as some Brisbane residents look beyond apartments for a place they can afford close to the city.
Dockside Marina manager Ken Allsop has seen more people living at the marina in recent years, and he estimates around one-third of the docked boats are now used as permanent homes. Reports cited that residents are making use of shared marina facilities such as bathrooms, showers and laundry, which can help make long-term stays workable in small cabins.
Dockside Marina promotes its berths as an inner-city option at Kangaroo Point. One resident was described as moving from a house to an apartment, then onto a 1966 boat after deciding unit living did not suit him. His monthly marina fees included basics such as power and water. However, there are practical limits to boat life, including cramped space, low headroom, tight storage, and ongoing maintenance issues that can interrupt day-to-day routines.
Rents and Prices Remain High
New figures help explain why some people are exploring unusual housing choices. Domain’s Rental Report for the December 2025 quarter put Brisbane’s median rent at $670 a week for houses and $650 a week for units, with quarterly rises in both categories.
Cotality’s national rental analysis has also pointed to tight conditions, including low vacancy and strong rent growth over five years. While those figures are national, they reflect the broader strain many renters feel in high-demand markets.
Buying a home has not become an easy alternative for many households. Reports stated that Queensland’s housing market continued rising into December, with Brisbane values increasing while affordability stayed a challenge.
Living aboard can reduce some weekly housing costs, but it can also bring extra work and unexpected expenses. Full-time boat living has its trade-offs, balancing potential savings with ongoing upkeep, including maintenance demands that can be heavier on older vessels.
In Kangaroo Point, boat living can be both practical and personal. Residents who saw the move as a lifestyle change as well as a way to manage costs, while also acknowledging the limits of space and the reality of repairs.
Living aboard is not the same everywhere. Some marinas set conditions and require approval for liveaboards, covering issues such as safety and the use of facilities.
Velvet Pesu, a beloved Brisbane singer and carer whose powerful voice graced stages from Kangaroo Point’s Brisbane Jazz Club to venues across the city has been found dead at a Logan property, sparking a police investigation that has stretched across state borders.
Ms Pesu, 46, a regular performer at Brisbane Jazz Club and other local venues, was discovered with injuries on the back deck of a rural property on Waterford Tamborine Road at Buccan around 2.30am on Monday, 12 January. Police attended the location following a welfare check after her family reported her missing hours earlier.
Photo credit: QPS
Ms Pesu had last been seen at The Gap on Saturday evening after dropping a family member at a party. When she failed to return home, concerned relatives contacted authorities, leading police to the five-acre property where she had been working as a carer.
The homeowner, 36-year-old Wael Abdallah Saleem Alfar—Ms Pesu’s client—was not present when police made the discovery. He was subsequently arrested in Kempsey on the NSW Mid North Coast following an alleged high-speed police pursuit that authorities say reached speeds of approximately 200 kilometres per hour.
NSW Police alleged the pursuit covered roughly 80 kilometres from Coffs Harbour through Valla, Nambucca Heads, Macksville, Warrell Creek and Eungai Creek. During the chase, police claim Alfar swerved harshly at officers after they had deployed road spikes, forcing them to take cover behind barricades for safety.
Alfar, a mechanic originally from Sydney who had relocated to Queensland in 2024, has been charged with police pursuit and driving whilst licence suspended. He appeared briefly in a NSW bail court, where Magistrate Lisa Viney refused bail, noting his criminal history contained matters of violence. However, no charges have been laid in connection with Ms Pesu’s death.
Queensland homicide detectives have travelled to NSW to interview Alfar as part of their ongoing investigation. The cause of Ms Pesu’s death remains undetermined pending post-mortem examination results.
A Life Dedicated to Music and Helping Others
Photo credit: Facebook/Velvet Pesu Visual/Performance Artist
With more than 26 years in the music industry, Ms Pesu had established herself as an experimental visual artist and musician who graced stages at prestigious events including the Woodford Folk Festival, Korean Experimental Art Festival and Off Other Film Festival. She had performed just days before her death, according to social media posts.
Ms Pesu’s mother, Margie Pesu, explained that her daughter was a drummer and singer who initially ran drumming workshops before transitioning into caring work with people living with disabilities to support herself financially.
But Ms Pesu’s compassion extended far beyond her professional duties. Her daughters described her as courageous, kind and generous—someone who regularly ventured out late at night with bakery goods to help people experiencing homelessness. She had also purchased musical instruments for children in Zimbabwe to help them connect with their cultural heritage through music.
According to additional reporting, Ms Pesu was director of the Heart Health Foundation, which provided music therapy and meal assistance to people experiencing homelessness.
Tributes Pour In From Brisbane Arts Community
Photo credit: Facebook/Velvet Pesu Visual/Performance Artist
The Brisbane music scene has been left reeling by the loss of an artist remembered for both her extraordinary talent and her compassionate spirit.
The Presynct, a Brisbane venue where Ms Pesu had performed twice in 2025, paid tribute to the singer’s unforgettable presence. “Velvet played twice at The Presynct in 2025 and anyone who was in the room will remember it—her voice didn’t just fill the space, it stopped it,” the venue stated. “Powerful, soulful, and utterly unforgettable. There was something truly special about the way her voice resonated through our venue and straight into the hearts of everyone listening.”
Friend Laura expressed her shock at the tragedy: “Devastated to hear of the senseless death of beloved Velvet Pesu, wonderful artist and musician. I cannot fathom what her daughters and family must be going through.”
Another friend, Eva, shared how Ms Pesu had inspired her both personally and artistically. “In memory of Velvet Pesu and her incredible heart. This woman moved me to tears with her openness, warmth, and radiance. She inspired me to be more brave with my expression.”
Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie has described the death as tragic. Acting Inspector Justin Anderson from Logan CID emphasised that investigators are working to piece together the circumstances leading to Ms Pesu’s death.
Police are appealing for anyone with dashcam footage of vehicles travelling east along Acton Street towards Waterford Tamborine Road between 7.30pm on Saturday, 10 January and 2.30pm on Sunday, 11 January to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A dual-tower mixed-use development featuring a data-responsive illuminated facade has been proposed for Main Street in Kangaroo Point, combining hotel suites, apartments and a ground-level food and drink venue.
Dual-Tower Proposal on Main Street, Kangaroo Point
A development application has been lodged for 215–229 Main Street, Kangaroo Point, on a consolidated 2,600-square-metre site opposite the Story Bridge Hotel and within walking distance of the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge.
The proposal is for two towers positioned at either end of the site, linked by a shared podium containing short-term accommodation, communal areas and building services.
Photo Credit: DA/A006924144
Illuminated Facade Designed to Respond to Local Conditions
A landmark illuminated facade element is proposed on the northern face of the southern tower. The lighting concept is described as live and data-responsive, influenced by local environmental inputs including river movement, wind, humidity and sky conditions.
The illumination is intended to act as a subtle vertical marker between the Story Bridge and the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, without using fixed imagery or high-intensity visual effects.
An illumination and traffic assessment referenced in the planning material found the proposed lighting would not create unacceptable impacts for motorists on Main Street or the Story Bridge, with analysis identifying a low safety risk in the surrounding road network.
Photo Credit: DA/A006924144
Height, Layout, And Uses
The southern tower is proposed at 18 storeys and approximately 70 metres AHD, while the northern tower is proposed at eight storeys and approximately 35.9 metres AHD. The shared podium is described as limited to around 6.2 metres above ground level.
The plans list 29 apartments and 41 short-term accommodation rooms or suites. A food and drink outlet is proposed at ground level.
Photo Credit: DA/A006924144
Rooftop Amenities And Landscaping
Rooftop landscaped areas are shown for both towers, including seating areas and planting zones. The rooftop level includes a pool and barbeque area alongside landscaped spaces intended to soften the built form when viewed from surrounding streets and the Story Bridge.
Landscape plans describe subtropical planting, including deep soil zones, podium gardens and vertical greening.
The site sits within a High Density Residential Zone and is covered by the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan. The application is listed as impact assessable, with assessment expected to consider built form, height, streetscape and design quality in the local context.
A well-known hospitality venue in Kangaroo Point is leading a major shift in the area’s identity by launching a comprehensive redesign aimed at turning the quiet riverside suburb into one of the city’s primary social and cultural hubs.
The venue formerly known as The Point Brisbane Hotel has rebranded simply as Point Hotel. This change signals more than just a new name; it represents a serious effort to make the precinct a top choice for locals, business travellers, and digital nomads. The hotel management wants to highlight the potential of the area, which is bordered by the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge. While the location has always been liked for its views and relaxed feel, the new plan focuses on adding convenience and culture to the mix.
Director Jin Keng Ng explained that the goal is to create a true landmark that the local community can feel proud of. He noted that the team is upgrading the experience with confidence and a strong respect for the unique location. The idea is to build a space where visitors naturally want to go, rather than just pass through.
To bring this vision to life, the hotel has partnered with design studio Bergman & Co and fit-out specialists Unita. These teams have worked on other famous Brisbane venues like Supernormal and The 203. The new look will focus on the subtropical rhythm of Queensland life. The design plans include the use of natural textures, plenty of lush greenery, and intimate lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere.
General Manager Aaron Roberts stated that the priority is for every guest to feel relaxed and inspired, whether they are staying overnight or just visiting for a meal. He emphasised that the hotel aims to offer a style of hospitality that helps guests feel more connected to the city.
Renovation work started in mid-December to reinvent the lobby, bar, and restaurant areas. During this time, all dining services have moved to the rooftop. This allows guests to keep enjoying meals with views of the skyline while the main spaces are updated. A refreshed food and drink menu is also in the works under Head Chef Marcus Turner. When the new spaces are ready in early 2026, the restaurant will feature modern dining based on seasonal Queensland produce.
This current work is just the first step in a larger plan. Future stages will include a refresh of the pool and wellness areas, as well as upgrades to guest rooms. The long-term goal is to firmly establish the hotel as a leading lifestyle destination as Brisbane prepares for its Olympic decade.
