Kangaroo Point Bridge Moves a Step Closer, Unveiled Business Case Confirms Project is Feasible

The Kangaroo Point Pedestrian Bridge, the first of the Council’s planned five green bridges to be built across the Brisbane River, has moved a step closer to completion with the release of their preliminary business case.

Lord Mayor Schrinner confirmed that based on the preliminary business case, the Kangaroo Point Pedestrian Bridge, linking Kangaroo Point and the CBD, is feasible. 

“The preliminary business case for the Kangaroo Point Pedestrian Bridge confirms the project is a feasible, value-for-money investment in our transport network,” Lord Mayor Schrinner said. 

“The bridge will provide significant benefits for Brisbane, including positive impacts to lifestyle, amenity and tourism, and economic benefits resulting from improved  accessibility to the CBD, which continues to be the driving force of our region’s economy.”

 Kangaroo Point Pedestrian Bridge
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au

As revealed in the Key Findings report, the preferred alignment for the proposed pedestrian bridge is from the Alice/Edward Street roundabout to Scott Street, near the abutment of the Story Bridge with an alternate connection between the north east corner of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Thornton Street.

 Kangaroo Point Pedestrian Bridge
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au

A bridge linking Kangaroo Point to the CBD was originally proposed in the 1860s but did not come to fruition following a double whammy of 1890s economic recession and 1893 floods.



“Fast forward 150 years and a bridge linking Kangaroo Point and the CBD has  re-emerged as a priority, with several recent Queensland Government and Brisbane  City Council strategies and plans identifying the potential benefits of a new bridge linking Kangaroo Point and the CBD,” the Key Findings report said.

 Kangaroo Point Pedestrian Bridge
Artist impression | Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au

The Kangaroo Point Pedestrian Bridge, estimated to cost $190 million, is projected to accommodate about 5,300 trips per day, with the number estimated to rise to more than 6,100 by 2036. 

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

Council will invest up to $550-million to deliver these five new green bridges at  Kangaroo Point to the CBD, Toowong to West End, St Lucia to West End, Breakfast Creek, and Bellbowrie. The Council plans to fund at least two-thirds of the cost of these green bridges, with contributions for the balance of funding to be sought from the Queensland and Australian Governments.

The next stage of the project planning will involve community consultation slated in late 2019. Construction is expected to commence by 2021 with construction to be completed by 2024.

Three Residential Towers Proposed on Lambert and O’Connell Streets in Kangaroo Point

An application seeking approval to develop three 10-storey high residential towers over three stages on Lambert and O’Connell Streets in  Kangaroo Point has been lodged.

To facilitate the development, the application also proposes the relocation of the three existing pre-1911 houses on Lambert Street and the demolition of the existing dwellings on O’Connell Street and Lambert Street. 

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

Designed by Kris Kowalski Architects, the proposal involves the development of 200 high-density residential units within three towers, each with a maximum building height of 10 storeys. To accommodate the three towers, the application also includes reconfiguration of a lot component to create three lots and access easements.

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

“The proposed development responds to and addresses the site’s contextual characteristics, together with the relevant design, planning and technical provisions of the planning framework, to create a development that will make a positive contribution to continued growth of the Kangaroo Point area,” the Mewing Planning Consultants Assessment Report said.

Kangaroo Point Residential Towers
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council  / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Tower 1 will be 10-storeys high with a partial penthouse level and will consist of 61 residential units: One (1) two-bedroom, 58 three-bedroom, and two (2) four-bedroom units. There will be 131 car spaces that will be provided, 121 residents and 10 visitor spaces. 

Kangaroo Point Residential Towers
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council  / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Tower 2 will be comprised of 47 units: nine (9)  one-bedroom, nine (9) two-bedroom, 28 three-bedroom, and one (1) four-bedroom units. The building will also be 10-storeys plus a partial penthouse level with 84 car park spaces, including 76 resident spaces and eight visitor spaces.

Kangaroo Point Residential Towers
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council  / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Like the other two towers, Tower 3 will also have a maximum height of 10-storeys plus a partial penthouse level and 111 car spaces, including 97 resident and 14 visitor spaces. The tower will contain 92 units: 36 one-bedroom, 54 two-bedroom, and two (2) four-bedroom units.

Kangaroo Point Residential Towers
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council  / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

There will be a total of 1,624sqm of communal open space, at the ground level and on the rooftop of each tower, which will include swimming pools, lounge areas, outdoor dining, and outdoor gym. 



23rd Bridge to Brisbane Charity Fun Run Gets Bigger and Better

Every August since 1997, Brisbane hosts a massive long-distance fun run called Bridge to Brisbane to raise funds for charity. From fewer than 5,000 participants in its first year, the crowd has increased up to ten times in recent years as the event has become an annual tradition in Queensland. 

On its 23rd year, Bridge to Brisbane will once again take place on Sunday, the 25th of Aug 2019, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Racers may join in the 5km or 10km run to set a new record, beat their own best time in previous races, or simply join to give their heart muscles a good workout.

Race Course Details

WHATWHOWHERE
5km
9:30 a.m.
VIP Charity Runners Orange Runners Aqua Joggers WalkersBeginning at Captain Burke Park, 5km runners will pound over the iconic Story Bridge, looping back through Kangaroo Point and then descending down to South Bank to cross the finish line in your best time ever.


Photo Credit: Bridge to Brisbane
WHATWHOWHERE
10km
6:00 a.m.
Elite Sporting Wheelies
Blue Elite Runners
Red Elite Runners
VIP Charity Runners
Green Runners
Yellow Joggers
Walkers
The 10km course will kick off near the top of Roma Street Parklands in Spring Hill. The 10km route will take you over three iconic Brisbane bridges and have you finishing at South Bank.
Photo Credit: Bridge to Brisbane

Runners have to sign up and pay for the corresponding fees to register and run as an individual or a team. You should receive your runner’s kit in the mail if you’ve signed up weeks ahead but late registrants may also receive their kit on race day. 

Participants who finish well may win cash prizes for 3rd Place ($500), 2nd Place ($1,000) and 1st Place ($2,000) per category. 



Guides, Food, Competitions and Entertainment

At least 21 Pace Setters will be joining Bridge to Brisbane to help racers reach their goals or guide them through the course. Be on the lookout for these runners with colour-coded balloons.

After the race, some participants can head to the South Bank Parklands for the pop-up picnic where a catered satisfying meal will be served. This is a pre-booked event as space is limited. 

Runners also have a chance to win a luxury trip for two to Hawaii with their race entries. Make sure to keep your registration ticket. Aside from a chance to go to Hawaii, you may also score discounts at participating establishments as your reward for joining the run!

Photo Credit: Bridge to Brisbane/Facebook

For more fun, Bridge to Brisbane will also award the best-dressed individual or team during race day. So, consider racing in your best costume to win $300 or $500. 

Elsewhere, performers will be entertaining the runners, their supporters and the crowd at these venues all around the city:

WHEREPERFORMER
Cultural Centre Tunnel Underground Opera
Main Stage, Finish VillageGraham Moes (guitar slinger)
Lesi Little Drummers (kid drummers)
Roving Bush Band  (traditional Australian bush tunes)
Jason McGregor and The Smyths (cover band)
South Brisbane War Memorial ParkCity of Brisbane Pipe Band
Ivory Street TunnelDJ Waria (old school DJ)
Captain Burke Park, Story BridgeRibbon and Bubble Stilt Walkers 
Jackie Marshall (jazz singer)
The Party Girl (dancers)
Dance Masala
Coronation DriveRiley Watson (acoustic singer)


Fundraising Efforts

Those who have no plans to register and run may still participate in the fundrasing efforts by giving a one-off donation or starting a fundraising campaign in your community. You may donate the money you raise to a charity of your choice or The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund.

To register and start your own campaign, visit Bridge to Brisbane’s fundraising page. You could win a pair of Glycerin running shoes from Brooks just by initiating a campaign. 

Photo Credit: Bridge to Brisbane/Facebook

Meanwhile, as this is a city-wide event, several streets across CBD will be closed for the event. Non-participants may check the map below for the “Road Closed” symbol so that you can plan your day better. 

If you’ve missed this event this year, there’s always next year. If you’re planning to sign up, it’s highly recommended that you train weeks ahead of the fun run. For more information about training for Bridge to Brisbane, check out this page

Biggest Story Bridge Restoration Project Moves Forward in Time for its 80th Year

In anticipation of the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Story Bridge in 2020, the Brisbane City Council has announced that the tendering process for the biggest restoration project in the history of the iconic structure is now underway, as Council prepares to select a contractor.

Works involve stripping its old paint, cleaning it, and giving it a facelift. Restoring the iconic bridge will require 33,000 litres of paint and is expected to cost around $80 million. The paint restoration will prolong the life of Queensland’s iconic bridge and will help ensure that the local road network continues to be safe and accessible for all users.

“Not only are we building the new bridges & transport infrastructure Brisbane needs as it grows, Team Schrinner is also investing in protecting our critical city assets like the Story Bridge,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said in a Facebook post.

“That’s why my recent budget allocated funding to kick-off the biggest restoration project ever carried out during the bridge’s history,” he added.

Story Bridge restoration project is anticipated to start early 2020 and will take five years to complete. This will be the first time Story Bridge will be repainted since it was built between 1935 and 1940. 

Council will announce the successful contractor late 2019 and will provide further information to the community as the project progresses and before any works begin on site.



Celebrate All Things Slavic at Kangaroo Point’s Slavic Markets Brisbane

Join the united Slavic community and get a feel of their vibrant culture at the Slavic Markets Brisbane happening in Kangaroo Point on 4 August 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Held every first Sunday of the month, the Slavic Markets Brisbane proves that it is more than just a typical monthly bazaar as it offers patrons a creative, fun, and home-like atmosphere that celebrates Slavic culture.

If you are into homemade food and drinks as well as high-quality Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, and Serbian products, this market is definitely the place to be. At the market, you get to immerse yourself in the Slavic culture, widen your own personal network, and support small businesses of the Slavic community.

Slavic Markets Brisbane
Photo credit: Salvic Markets Brisbane/ Facebook

The Slavic Markets Brisbane will be held at 140 Main Street in Kangaroo Point. Admission for the market is $2 per person. 

Although the venue is quite small, rest assured that you will still enjoy your time at the event since all stallholders are offering something unique

Things to check out at the Slavic Markets Brisbane

If it is your first time attending the Slavic Markets Brisbane, here are some of the things sold at the market that you might want to try:

Burek

Burek is an iconic Balkan phyllo pastry that is filled up with meat, feta, onions, spinach, and sweet cream. This delicacy can be eaten at any time of the day, and it also best to be paired up with yogurt or a bottle of beer.

Burek
Photo credit: Salvic Markets Brisbane/ Facebook

Medovik

Medovik or honey cake is a multi-layered cake of flat biscuit that has a rich, flavourful and creamy honey-yogurt filling that is often topped off with walnuts. This creamy torte has a soft texture that easily melts in your mouth on each bite. Medovik is best served and eaten together with your favourite hot tea.

Medovik
Photo credit: Salvic Markets Brisbane/ Facebook

Kolbasa

Kolbasa or “sausage” is an iconic Slavic cuisine that is quite similar to a bologna sausage. It is made up of ground meat that is carefully wrapped up and preserved- making this dish popular and full of flavour. Kolbasa has a lot of variety, and it can also be eaten or paired up with almost anything, may it be as a pizza topping,  a sandwich spread, or as an appetizer to any alcoholic beverage.

Kolbasa
Photo credit: Salvic Markets Brisbane/ Facebook

Ethnic Style Design and Fashion

Stand out from the crowd with traditional Siberian-inspired fashion wear. All items, may it be a vest, skirt, pants, or accessories, are uniquely done and well-matched to the fashion trends that are present today.

Ethnic Style Design and Fashion
Photo credit: Salvic Markets Brisbane/ Facebook



Remembering Pioneer QLD Architect Through Scott Street Flats in Kangaroo Point

The heritage-listed Scott Street Flats in Kangaroo Point continues to bring character to the suburb as it transforms to be a part of modern development. The historic building not only catches the eye but its story also captures the hearts of many as it is one of the works of Queensland’s pioneer woman architect, Elina Mottram.

Explore the beginnings of Scott Street Flats and uncover its role in paving the way for women to enter into the professions in Queensland, especially the architectural profession.

Elina Mottram

Photo credit: Queensland Board of Architects/Wikimedia Commons

Elina Mottram is the first woman to open her very own architectural practice in Brisbane in 1924. She was also Queensland’s first and longest practising woman architect.

Born in 1903, she was an only child of building contractor Arthur Mottram. Her father’s profession likely played a significant role in encouraging her to become an architect.

Mottram is considered to be the most successful of Queensland’s early women architects. This is probably because, out of nine pioneering women architects in Queensland who practised before WWII, she was the only one who pursued her architectural career during her entire working life.

Only two of Mottram’s work remains in Brisbane. These are the Scott Street Flats in Kangaroo Point and Monkton in Corinda.



Scott Street Flats Then

Professor Francis William Sutton Cumbrae-Stewart. (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Negative number: 183361)

Mottram designed the purpose-built Scott Street Flats for Professor and Mrs Cumbrae-Stewart.

At the time, the number of new flats constructed in Brisbane grew steadily from the early to mid-1920s. The decision to build the Scott Street Flats around 1925 was an enterprising move for Mrs Cumbrae-Stewart. The building served as an investment whilst providing a convenient home for her and her husband in their later years.

The Cumbrae-Stewarts moved to the flats, which became known as “Scott House” in 1930. When Professor Cumbrae-Stewart retired in 1936, the couple relocated to Melbourne where Mrs Cumbrae-Stewart was born.

Photo credit: Shiftchange/Wikimedia Commons

The Scott Street Flats is a great example of early purpose-designed flats. It helps in illustrating the interwar preference for Old English or Tudor Revival as well as Spanish or Mediterranean design themes.

The introduction of purpose-designed flats offered a range of new domestic features which can be observed in the Scott Street Flats. The two-storey building contains two flats, each occupying a full floor with identical floorplans.

Mottram strategically designed the flats to enable back-of-house movement between bathroom, kitchen, laundry, and maid’s room whilst maintaining formal living spaces and bedrooms that offer stunning views of the city and the Brisbane River.  

Scott Street Flats Now

Photo credit: Google Street View

The heritage building is now incorporated into the new Walan Apartments at Scott Street, Kangaroo Point. Aiming to preserve and promote the important work of Mottram, the developers retained the original flats and changed its use.

The Scott Street Flats now serves as a communal space with facilities for all of the building occupiers to use. According to the developers of Walan, the integration of the historic building for its new use at the site can positively impact the long term conservation of the heritage place.

Stage 1 of Kangaroo Point Bikeway Upgrade Project Nears Completion

Finalisation works on Stage 1 of Kangaroo Point Bikeway upgrade from Goodwill Bridge to Veloway 1 are nearing completion, according to a progress update from the Brisbane City Council.

The Kangaroo Point Bikeway upgrade Stage 1 project is part of the Council’s congestion-busting Better Bikeways 4 Brisbane program, delivered in stages 1A, 1B, and 1C, and is expected to be completed this mid-2019.

Construction of Stage 1A started in June 2018 which involved upgrade works done along Lower River Terrace from Veloway 1 connection at the Pacific Motorway underpass to the Dock Street and Little DOck Street intersection.

Improvements and features of Stage 1A include a new four-metre-wide bi-directional bikeway extending 320 metres along Lower River Terrace and Dock Street; pedestrian paths and access enhancements; tree planting and landscaping; and an improved bicycle crossing at the Lower River Terrace and the V1 intersection.

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au

Upgrade works from the intersection of Little Dock Street and Dock Street to Goodwill Bridge is continued on in Stage 1B, which began in early 2019. 

Features and improvements of Stage 1B include the installation of a “shared street”, a paved roadway surface at the shared zone, and a raised zebra crossing points, as well as the construction of an improved pedestrian and cyclist facilities beside the Griffith University Film School and the removal of the cycle ramp and redirection of cyclists to the new dedicated bikeway. 

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au

Stage 1C involves the upgrading of Dock Street and Vulture Street intersection where the Woolloongabba and Kangaroo Point Bikeways will meet. Aside from footpath upgrades and landscaping, other improvements include increasing the size of the concrete traffic island on Dock Street and building out the kerb on the western side of Dock Street.

Funding for the upgrade project between the Council and the Cycle Network Local Government Grants program of the Queensland Government, with the state government contributing half of the funding.



Rehabilitation Works Underway for CT White Park Lookout

In an aim to improve safety for pedestrians in Kangaroo Point and extend the life of C.T. White Park Lookout, Brisbane City Council has launched a rehabilitation project for the structure.

The works will involve installing rock armour scour protection around the structure support piles to protect from future erosion. 

According to council, majority of the construction works will be undertaken from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, Monday to Saturday. Sunday works may also be undertaken where tide conditions are favourable. 

BCC noted that the works will only affect the ‘jetty’ platform off the main Riverwalk, so pedestrians will still have full access to the main Riverwalk along C.T. White Park during construction.



There will be no visible difference to the lookout structure after the work is complete because it will be carried out under the surface of the water.

Works already started in June 2019 and depending on weather and construction conditions, the project should be complete by August 2019.

For more information about the C.T. White Park Lookout rehabilitation project, visit the Brisbane City Council website.

About CT White Park Lookout

CT White Park Lookout structure is a ‘jetty’ platform that comes off the main Riverwalk located approximately 200 metres south along the boardwalk from the Thornton Street ferry terminal.

It is one of the many features of the 1.88 hectare CT White Park, which is the starting point of the Kangaroo Point Natural History Trail. 

The park was named in 1950 after Mr Cyril Tennyson White, an early Government Botanist who resided in Main Street Kangaroo Point. 

It is located at 22 Bright Street and features boardwalk and jetties, ferry terminal, picnic area/shelter, playgrounds, shared pathway, toilet, water and bike rack.



Road Closure Dates for Story Bridge Announced

Due to bridge inspection works on the Story Bridge, Brisbane City Council has advised the public about the road closures on Bradfield Highway in Kangaroo Point.

Roads will be closed between Kemp Street and Shafston Avenue from 4:00 am to 10:00 am on the following dates:

  • Sunday 30 June 2019 – 2 of 3 southbound lanes 
  • Sunday 7 July 2019 – 2 of 3 northbound lanes 
  • Sunday 14 July 2019 – 2 of 3 southbound or northbound lanes 

All lanes in the opposite direction of the road closures will be maintained. Signage and traffic controllers will be in place to direct motorists. For traffic information, visit QLDTraffic.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40.

You may also visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on (07) 3403 8888.



State Government Steps In, Protects Lamb House From Development

The Queensland Government has stepped in to protect the heritage-listed Lamb House in Kangaroo Point, as it approves the Council’s request for a temporary local planning instrument (TLPI) .

The State Government has approved Brisbane City Council’s request for a TLPI to protect the run-down house and its grounds located at 9 Leopard Street in Kangaroo Point from being developed — it being situated on a low-medium density residential zone — and preserve its existing characteristics.

“Preserving our capital city’s heritage is important to all Queenslanders,” Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick said. 

“Lamb House is a prominent feature on the Kangaroo Point cliffs and an incredible reminder of how the inner city once was.

“Fast-tracking this TLPI will provide extra protection and certainty as quickly as possible.

“This TLPI will preserve not only the house but also the extensive grounds it rests on, so the integrity of the property and its streetscape values will both be maintained,” Mr Dick said.

Lamb House
Photo Credit: [Public domain] / Wikimedia Commons

The historic Lamb House is a two-storey residence that was built in the 1900s for John Lamb by builder  W Anthony and designed by Brisbane architect Alexander Brown Wilson. The house was entered in the Queensland Heritage Register in October 1992.

The Council was prompted to seek approval of a Temporary Local Planning Instrument and save “Home” from any development after learning that a developer is currently eyeing the property.

The approval of the TLPI means that the Lamb House and its grounds will be protected from any infill development for a period of up to two years beginning 11 June 2019.

“During this time, we will continue to work with council to ensure the right planning protections are in place to prevent future development on the site,” Mr Dick said. 

“Places like Lamb House allow Queenslanders to reflect on their built history,” Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said.

“They hold stories of another era within their structure, and as our state evolves it’s important we have these landmarks to remind us of the past.”