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Shafston House in Kangaroo Point | A Heritage-Listed Victorian Gothic-Style Villa

Shafston House in Kangaroo Point is an enchanting Victorian Gothic-style villa that sits on a land that slopes down to the Brisbane River. It comprises several buildings including the original house and its kitchen, the former ward block, and the former postal depot.

The house is associated with some of Queensland’s most prominent historical personalities. It was also a long-term hostel for the totally and permanently incapacitated servicemen returning from the Great War.

Shafston House, considered as the third oldest house in Queensland, was constructed in several stages between 1851 and 1904. In 1851, Rev. Robert Creyke purchased the property on the frontage of the Brisbane River and started the construction of a single-storey house he named Ravenscott.

Side view of the Shafston House showing the kitchen wing

Photo credit: PDM/Wikimedia Commons

In December 1852, the property was transferred to Henry Stuart Russell, who finished the house and renamed it Shafston. The house is believed to have been renamed after his wife’s birthplace in Jamaica.

The property was offered for sale in 1854 and 1855 but no ownership changed until Louis Hope bought in October 1859. Hope did not reside at Shafston but instead had it rented to tenants. One of his tenants was Dr Henry Challinor, who would later become a member of the Queensland Parliament.

In mid-1883, the ownership of the Shafston House was transferred to Charles Milne Foster and Mary Jane Foster. The Fosters lived at the Shafston House until 1896 and were reputed to have remodelled the original structure with FDG Stanley being responsible for the new Gothic design of the house.

The third alteration of the house happened in 1904 when pastoralist James Henry McConnel took ownership. The McConnels resided at Shafston until circa 1913. In 1915, the house became a teacher training centre after it was leased to the Creche and Kindergarten Association.

The Commonwealth government acquired the Shafston House in 1919, after WWI, and converted it into an Anzac Hostel. The house served as a repatriation hospital providing care and treatment to the totally incapacitated ex-servicemen. The conversion into an Anzac Hostel meant extensive alterations including the construction of an open-sided ward block in the terraced front grounds to the northeast of the house.

1930 photo of the front view of the Shafston House

Photo credit: PDM/Wikimedia Commons

From 1969 to 1987 the Royal Australian Air Force used the property as an administrative headquarters and mess. A number of alterations were made during this time, including the installation of a bar and fire-escapes, new street entrances, new driveways, and tree planting along the Castlebar Street and southern boundaries.

The Shafston House was included in the Commonwealth Register of the National Estate in 1978. Gary Balkin leased the property in 1988 and planned to convert it into a restaurant and function venue but failed to obtain approval from the local government. Once again, the structure was converted into a residence.

*Photo credit: Shiftchange/Wikimedia Commons*

The lease was transferred to entrepreneur Keith Lloyd in 1994. The property was redeveloped as part of the Shafston International College. Between 1998 and 2002, the property was converted to freehold title.

Promo video of Shafston College featuring the Shafston House

Video Credit:打工度假霖達留學/YouTube

In 2005, Shafston House was added to the Queensland Heritage Register list.

“The house retained its status as a gentleman’s residence for over 60 years during which time it was associated with a number of prominent persons who helped shape the pattern of development of Queensland, including Rev. Robert Creyke who began construction of the house in 1851, Darling Downs pastoralist and politician Henry Stuart Russell who completed the house in 1852 in its Gothic form and named the property ‘Shafston’, the Hon. Louis Hope who owned the property from 1859 to the early 1880s, the Foster family (of ironmongers Foster & Kelk) who reputedly remodelling the house in the early 1880s and pastoralist James Henry McConnel of Cressbrook whose family commissioned the architect RS Dods to further modify the house,” the Queensland Heritage Register website said about the significance of the house in the evolution or pattern of Queensland’s history.

*Photo credit: Centre for the Government of Queensland/queenslandplaces.com.au*

“Shafston House is an evolving house with major renovations in the 1850s, 1880s and 1900s, that has maintained a cohesive aesthetic appeal. The aesthetic significance is engendered principally by the picturesque values of the Victorian Gothic style of architecture (including the decorative detailing) and the garden layout and riverside setting,” the Queensland Heritage Register website further said.

Fire Safety Regulation Breaches at a Kangaroo Point Complex by a Body Corporate Resulted in $21,000 Fine

The Brisbane Magistrates Court fined a Brisbane body corporate $21,000 for 21 fire safety regulation breaches. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services filed charges against Carlisle after QFES inspectors found a number of violations at its Kangaroo Point Complex.

The Brisbane Magistrates in a decision last August 2018, ordered the Carlisle Community Title Scheme 9233 to pay the fine following legal action filed by QFES. The fire safety regulation breaches included locking a fire door that prevents access to a fire stair on level nine.

The safety breaches pose potential dangers as these blocked the fire escape route of its residents. Access to escape pathways is required and should remain unobstructed.

The QFES issued notices between August 2017 and January 2018 to get the body corporate to fix the problems. Magistrate Anthony Gett criticised Carlisle for not rectifying the breaches relating to evacuation doors fast enough.

The body corporate’s failure to swiftly act and comply puts the residents in danger. Notices issued by QFES should have been the trigger for Carlisle to act faster. Mr Gett said that inattention or ignorance is not a mitigating factor for such violation.

FES Commissioner Katarina Carroll

*Photo credit:Queensland Fire and Emergency Services/newsroom.psba.qld.gov.au*

“QFES gave Carlisle multiple opportunities to resolve these breaches, which posed a danger to the safety of those living in the apartments,” QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said.

“The body corporate’s decision not to remove a lock from a door on a designated evacuation route on the ninth floor would have prevented a safe and timely escape in an event of a fire.

“Furthermore, insufficient maintenance meant there was a risk a fire could have travelled up the garbage chute and spread to other levels of the building,” Ms Carroll said.

“Building fire safety standards are in place to protect people in the event of an incident, so it is essential body corporates take their responsibilities seriously.”

“QFES has no hesitation prosecuting businesses if that is what it takes to stop them failing to meet their responsibilities,” Ms Carroll concluded.

Carlisle Community Title Scheme pleaded guilty to 21 breaches of the Fire and Emergency Services Act and Building Fire Safety Regulation. A similar offence by a body corporate in Townsville also resulted in a fine of $42,00 last December 2017.

Sea Legs In Kangaroo Point: All Set To Brew Good Beer

Brisbane is about to welcome yet another brewery, and judging from the growing anticipation among the local afficionados, it looks like the more, the merrier. Construction for Sea Legs in Kangaroo Point started in June and is now well underway.

Located under the Story Bridge, the brewery is owned by four friends, Tim Wyatt and Chris Davies who are both from Australia, Dave Machin from Canada, and Jon Fuchs from America. Despite having come from different backgrounds and places, they are kindred spirits whose combined efforts make up the perfect formulae for brewing success.

Prior to the construction of the brewery, the team has had to face issues concerning zoning laws and appeals from residents that took almost a year to resolve. Today, their dream is finally coming together.

The team behind Sea Legs in Kangaroo Point isn’t short on experience. The last two years, the brewery was in search of the perfect brews and more than 130 batches later, they are now ready to face Brisbane’s discriminating beer palate.

They will be offering a variety of beers from crisp, smooth lagers to hoppy India pale ales (IPAs). They will also be pouring 12 beers on tap along with some delicious bar chow such as burgers, wings, and pizzas.

The brewery will bring in an industrial boutique vibe to the suburb through its industrial warehouse home. They will be open seven days a week.

Opening is set for October so start counting down. Check for updates here.

Address: 89 Main St, Kangaroo Point

Government Funds a Business Case for the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge

A business case will be developed for the proposed pedestrian and cycling-only Kangaroo Point Green Bridge.

The Queensland Government has approved a $230,000 grant to fund the Brisbane City Council’s business case for the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge. The grant will come from a $22 million fund, available under Round Two of the Council’s Maturing the Infrastructure Pipeline Program (MIPP).

Photo credit: Richard Kirk Architect/richardkirkarchitect.com

The business case will determine the overall expected cost for the project, along with its cost-to-benefit ratio. This, in turn, will help the state government and the council to make funding decisions for the proposed bridge. Public & Active Transport Committee Chairman Adrian Schrinner said that the council had already made some preparatory work for the business case and it will be treated in council as a priority.

In 2013, Richard Kirk Architects was commissioned to provide a proposal for the Kangaroo Point Bridge. The proposed Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, a pedestrian and cycle bridge, will link the Brisbane City Centre with Kangaroo Point over the Brisbane River. The pedestrian bridge is one of the six priority projects included in the Brisbane City Council’s New City Centre Master Plan.

The business case for the bridge will commence in 2018-19.

Most Packed Kangaroo Point Could See Higher Buildings To Accommodate Growing Population: Public Consultation On Its Way

Kangaroo Point is seeing rising population growth, which could lead to taller buildings in the suburb to accommodate the increasing number of people in the suburb.

The suburb ranked first among the Top 10 Densest Populated Suburbs in Greater Brisbane from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and its population is expected to grow even more in the coming years.

Currently, Kangaroo Point is considered to be the city’s most packed and is now home to 9,110 people. That equates to 6,804 people per square kilometre.

Due to the growing population in Kangaroo Point, Brisbane City Council is planning to allow developments that can go up to 20 storeys. The existing Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan limits buildings in the peninsula to 10 storeys.

The council endorsed and submitted the Kangaroo Point neighbourhood plan draft to the Queensland Government in March 2018. The State Government is currently reviewing the draft for state interests. After this review, the community will have a final say on the plan through formal submission.

According to the council’s City Planning chairman Julian Simmonds, a new draft plan will help determine the future of the suburb by identifying future infrastructure needs. He also said that the council supports developments of up to 15 storeys in several areas in the city and Kangaroo Point is an ideal location for such. The council also aims to develop a shopping strip along Main Street with shops and cafe.

Councillor Jonathan Sri, on the other hand, sees minimal thought of adding more public open spaces under the plan, considering that it would increase building heights in the suburb. Cr Sri’s submission regarding the Kangaroo Point draft plan tackled, among other issues, homelessness and housing affordability, traffic congestion and food security.

The draft plan will be available for public consultation mid-2018 and it will be adopted in early 2019.

Getting Ready for Bridge to Brisbane 2018

Preparation is key to success. That’s what some of the runners of Bridge to Brisbane have in mind as they begin warming up for the fun run that will happen on Sunday, 26 August 2018. Whether you are joining a team or running solo, it is never too early to get yourself ready for the event.

This year, the Sunday Mail Bridge to Brisbane Fun Run is celebrating its 22nd year of running this event. Following the success of the event last year, the fun run will have the same course which involves some of Brisbane’s most iconic landmarks such as the Story Bridge and the picturesque South Bank Parklands.

Photo credit: Facebook/Bridge to Brisbane

Bridge to Brisbane has teamed up with Everyday Hero so you can choose to support any of the hundreds of charities that are already available on their website. You can also create your own fundraising page through Everyday Hero if you already have a charity close to heart.

Course

Runners can choose to run or walk a 5-km or 10-km distance upon completing the entry online. They can also choose to join a team or create one of their own.

The 10km race starts at 6:10 a.m. near the top of Roma Street Parklands in Spring Hill. The route will cover three iconic Brisbane bridges namely, the Go Between Bridge, Victoria Bridge, and Story Bridge then finish at South Bank.

After the race, runners can select from any of ‘Bib-ileges’ on Little Stanley Street. The race bib entitles the holder to special offers and discounts exclusive to Bridge to Brisbane Day racegoers. Offers can be redeemed from participating retailers.

On the other hand, the 5km race starts at 9:20 a.m. with the starting point at Captain Burke Park by the end of Main Street, Kangaroo Point. Runners will cross the iconic Story Bridge twice, looping back through Kangaroo Point, and then cross the finish line at South Bank.

Pre-run Preparation

Not everyone has the time to fit a race-day preparation routine into their busy schedule, however, there are a few things that you can do to get yourself warmed up and ready for the race.

Instead of getting stuck in traffic for hours, take a scenic route and walk or jog to work in your comfortable running shoes. Brisbane has several walking paths and bike lanes which makes the city safe for running or cycling.
Take your meetings outdoors, perhaps getting some coffee to go and going for a walk. Aside from staying active, this simple exercise can help spark creativity to help you generate ideas for work.
Do some simple stretches and workouts while watching your favourite show instead of just sitting down while watching tv after work.

Check out the Bridge to Brisbane 2018 page to get the latest updates on the fun run.

Digi Youth Arts Presents ‘All That Remains’ In Kangaroo Point As Part Of BCC’s Temporary Art Program 2018

The Brisbane City Council honours the creativity of the locals by holding various art programs and art festivals in the city. Last year, they announced the Temporary Art Program 2018, an artistic program that will transform the outdoor public spaces in the city through a series of temporary creative activations.

The program gathered the city’s artists and asked for proposals for public outdoor contemporary creative activations across the city’s local government area.

people+artist+place has been chosen to do eight outdoor contemporary creative activations from 1 February to 30 November 2018. They will be delivering the Co-MMotion program series that will take place in various locations in the city throughout the year.

Under the said series, the Digi Youth Arts (DYA) will present ‘All That Remains’ at the Captain Burke Park in Kangaroo Point starting from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the 20th of May.

The program will showcase the life of a young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island person living in the city through visual art projections, film, music, and storytelling.

DYA is a not-for-profit organisation that shares the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Address: 117 Holman St.

Art And The River Public Trail In Kangaroo Point: Innovative & Sustainable Works Of Art

Brisbane City Council has established walking art trails in different parts of the city with a focus on different themes. In Kangaroo Point, the Art and the River Public Art Trail is a satisfying walk that will let you see and take in the beauty of the Brisbane River whilst being surrounded by various works of art.

The 2.4 kilometre walk starts at the Maritime Museum and ends at the Thornton Street ferry terminal.

This trail is divided into three sections:

Section 1 – kick off at the Maritime Museum, walking on the Kangaroo Point boardwalk all the way to the Riverlife Adventure Centre
Section 2 – begin at the Riverlife Adventure Centre and end the trail at the Thornton Street ferry terminal
Section 3 – walk the trails on top of the cliffs at the Kangaroo Point Park

The Art

As you take in the wonderful views, the artworks along this trail are the “piéce de résistance.”

Man & Matter and World Expo ’88 – giant human shapes by Peter D’Cole depicting human relationship with technology.
Biomechanical Pelicans – bronze birds made from recycled materials set on a river pylon that embodies sustainability.
Sunflower Mobile – huge sunflower that draws energy through its solar-powered petals by Jonathan Coleman.
Reflections at Midday – a sundial with astrological symbols by Jandy Pannel.
Fish Fossil – inspired by the cliffs and the Brisbane River by Christopher Trotter.
Geerbaugh’s Midden – a midden with six poles that represents an Aboriginal clan and a star in the Southern Cross.
Flickering Wind Generator – converts wind energy into electrical energy perched on top of a shelter by Jonathon Coleman.
Crossover Guardians – oar-shaped pieces that resemble the cross bars of the Story Bridge
Venus Rising – Out of water and into the light – 23m steel sculpture that mimics a nautilus steel by Wolfgang Buttress
Seven Versions of the Sun – a series of seven arbours along the main promenade by Daniel Boyd.
Untitled: Wormholes – colourful worm-like structure by Alexander Knox.
The Green Room and Afforest – a soft amphitheatre that features rolling hills and ornamental interwoven shrubs by Nicole Voevedin-Cash.

You can also cycle along the trail via CityCycle.

Three-Day Closure Of Story Bridge In Kangaroo Point; Free Toll On Clem7

Brisbane’s most iconic bridge, the Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point, will be closed for three days on 27-30 April as part of the Brisbane City Council’s waterproofing project.

The bridge will be closed between Main St and Bowen Terrace. There will be detours to divert traffic towards either the Captain Cook Bridge or through the Clem7. Clem7 toll will be free during the closure.

Over 100,000 cars use the bridge every day and with this upcoming closure, motorists must expect congestion in various parts of the city.

The works involve:

Asphalt removal from the concrete deck
Concrete cleaning
New asphalt top surface
New line marking
Bridge joint resealing

Police and traffic controllers will be present onsite to ensure safety for everyone.

The installation of a new waterproofing system is important to maintain the concrete elements.

The council also reminds residents near the bridge that they may experience some effects from the construction such as dust, noise, and vibration.

For changes to bus routes that cross the bridge, you can contact Translink on 13 13 20.

Bar Spritz Brings Aperitivo Time to Kangaroo Point Cliffs

Up on Kangaroo Point, Brisbane locals can get an enticing aperitivo hour, while taking in the stunning panoramic view of the river and the city.

Bar Spritz, which takes over the former Cliffs Café, is the latest venue to quench the thirst of locals for spritz and cocktails. The bar menu includes delightful Aperol and Hugo Spritz and a wide range of cocktails, perfect for cooling down under the summer heat.

Exclusive to Bar Spritz in Queensland is the white peach puree and prosecco Bellini Cipriani.

All the refreshing aperitivo drinks won’t be complete without a good selection of nibbles. The bar prepares Italian antipasti menu, including cannoli and Italian platters with cold meats, veggies and burrata.

Every Sunday, a live DJ sets the mood at the bar. The Pizzantica kombi food truck is also stationed at the bar for those looking for some quick eats in the afternoon.

Dog lovers will also be pleased to know that the open-air bar welcomes furry friends to the establishment.

Bar Spritz opens its doors daily at 6:00 a.m. and stays open until midnight.

Follow Bar Spritz on Instagram for more updates.