Kangaroo Point Archives - Page 10 of 16

Woolworths Unveils Bold Housing Solution Anchored by Kangaroo Point Development

Woolworths is set to construct apartment buildings above its supermarkets in key metropolitan areas, and one standout location, in particular, is captivating public attention: Kangaroo Point in Brisbane.

In a groundbreaking move that could redefine urban living, Woolworths, the prominent supermarket giant, has discreetly unveiled an ambitious strategy to address Australia’s housing crisis and the picturesque suburb situated along the scenic Brisbane River has become the focal point of Woolworths’ grand vision.

The company is moving full steam ahead with demolishing disused buildings on the site, securing the necessary approvals to bring this transformative project to life. In October 2022, Woolworths lodged DA A006119261 to build a high-density residential and mixed-use facility along 23-31 Ferry Street and 16-30 Prospect Street in Kangaroo Point.

Kangaroo Point Woolworths — Photo Credit: DA A006119261

“The site is in a well-positioned location that boasts strong connections to the river, CBD, Howard Smith Wharves dining precinct, the Story Bridge and a variety of walking and cycling paths,” the town planner Urbis noted in the DA.

The proposal included a 17-storey residential building with a rooftop garden, offices spaces, food, beverage and retail tenancies, and the supermarket.

As of press time, the DA is under assessment with Council following the submission of its amended plans in June 2023.

Whilst the plan has the potential to provide a solution to the housing crisis, it has been met with mixed feelings from the residents.

“I support the Woolworths mixed use project as Brisbane needs an ongoing pipeline of housing supply. This is a great project for the community,” a local wrote in the public submission for the DA.

“Keep it to the supermarket and a few residental floors and we will support,” one resident who opposed the 17-storey plan said. “Increase residential floors [means] increased traffic chaos and smaller supermarket without independent cafe and there is no longer a net overall benefit to the local community.”

As Australia faces an estimated shortage of 106,000 homes by 2027, Woolworths sees an opportunity to leverage its resources and become a significant player in the property development landscape.

The concept of “shop-top housing” or mixed-use developments, where residential spaces coexist with retail outlets, could potentially become a trend as the population grows and demands easier access to amenities and services. Communities, however, have shown aversion toward the idea, expressing concerns about increased traffic congestion and the transformation of residential areas into commercial zones.

Despite the challenges, Woolworths remains undeterred and already has multiple projects in the pipeline, aside from Kangaroo Point. In Sydney, the company plans to build apartments in Waterloo, Rose Bay, and Neutral Bay. Melbourne’s Elsternwick is also part of their development plans.

Published 18-July-2023

Exploring the Former Kangaroo Point Residence of the Queensland Water Police

Police presence in Kangaroo Point began in the late 19th century. In the early 20th century, the Queensland Water Police became responsible for investigating smuggling, maritime lawbreaking, and seamen desertion. Its Kangaroo Point home, constructed in 1901 at a location that was formerly home to a public bath, remained in use until 1988 and is now a heritage-listed building.

Read: Lamb House Restoration Nears Completion

Originally, the Kangaroo Point structure was assembled using building materials sourced from the Marine Department Messenger’s house. With four rooms, two verandahs, and a kitchen, the 1901 build was a modest dwelling that provided shelter for the Water Police officers tasked with maintaining peace and order on the waterways.

By 1939, the heritage-listed building had evolved into what was then referred to as the Senior Sergeant’s quarters. An inspection report from that time described it as a wooden structure with an iron roof, boasting four main rooms, three verandah rooms, a bathroom, and a breakfast room.

In addition to the main residence, a galvanised iron laundry was constructed underneath the house, featuring conveniently placed cement tubs. These practical additions made the daily routines of the Water Police officers more efficient and streamlined.

For almost nine decades, the Queensland Water Police residence stood as a steadfast home for the dedicated police officers who patrolled the rivers and coastline. However, in June 1988, the residence’s chapter as a police dwelling came to a close.

With the passing of time, the needs and priorities of the Water Police had evolved, prompting a relocation to a more modern facility better suited to their operations.

In October 1993, both the property and the adjacent lockup were put up for sale, inviting potential buyers to seize the opportunity to own a piece of Queensland’s maritime heritage.

History of Water Police

Water Police rowing down the Brisbane River toward the sea, 1906 (Photo credit: Queensland Water Police)

The Queensland Water Police has been serving the community since 1859. Its origins can be traced back to the transportation of convicts to Brisbane, which necessitated a permanent police presence in Queensland.

Initially, from 1824 to 1842, law and order in the areas surrounding Brisbane were maintained by military commandants. In the 19th century, the Queensland Water Police were responsible for investigating smuggling, maritime lawbreaking, and seamen desertion.

In 1842, Captain J.C. Wickham, a Royal Navy officer, was appointed as the Police Magistrate for Moreton Bay. With a salary of £300 per annum, he oversaw a team consisting of a chief constable and five constables from the New South Wales Force.

Read: Aria’s Canopy House in Kangaroo Point Soars Higher in Planned Expansion

Fast forward to December 1859, when Queensland officially separated from New South Wales. Despite the separation, the police force of the newly established state was not considered an independent entity until the implementation of ‘The Police Act of 1863’. It was only after this legislation that the term ‘Police Force’ encompassed the Water Police Force as well.

Published 5-July-2023

Aria’s Canopy House in Kangaroo Point Soars Higher in Planned Expansion

Photo Credit: Aria Property Group

The Canopy House apartment tower, currently under construction in Kangaroo Point, could have an additional nine levels, creating a taller, 29-level structure and increasing the previously approved residential density at a high-visibility corner of Leopard Street.

Leopard Street has been identified as a key artery connecting the city to the 2032 Olympic Games precinct. Because of this, the project will receive high visibility from the masses of people and media during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as regular sporting events.

Aria Property Group is seeking approval for an expansion of its development at 58-62 Leopard Street. This expansion, via DA A006305026, would result in the creation of 36 additional apartments, increasing the residential density from the approved 105 apartments to 136.

The new apartments would be distributed across seven additional floors, accompanied by the provision of more car parking spaces, which would require an additional podium level.

In addition to the increased capacity, Aria also aims to expand the communal recreational amenity across two levels. The rooftop would feature an infinity pool, daybeds, a residents’ dining room and lounge, picnic lawns, and barbecue terraces.

Below the rooftop, a health and wellness centre is proposed to include a gym, treatment room, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, work-from-home offices, a boardroom, and a private cinema.

Kangaroo Point Aria Canopy House — Photo Credit: Aria Property

Aria’s upsized tower scheme is designed to reflect the recent significant changes in the future planning of the locality and the site’s importance as a key gateway to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games precinct.

The site falls within the mapped expansion of the Woolloongabba Priority Development Area (PDA), which is expected to be officially declared later this year.

Town planners have acknowledged that recent events, such as housing supply and affordability issues; new inner-city housing strategies; sustainable growth precincts; priority development areas; and Olympic-related investments have significantly altered the area’s desired development form and scale.

Aria’s revised proposal aligns with the shifting strategic planning framework for the Kangaroo Point South Neighbourhood Plan. The outdated Kangaroo Point South Neighbourhood Plan no longer reflects the community’s expectations for the locality.

The report prepared by Saunders Havill Group, Aria’s town planners, emphasises that the changing circumstances call for a departure from the previous planning documents and a focus on development outcomes that support the future vision of the city.

Brisbane’s inner city is set to undergo significant changes, with new planning strategies and the replacement of outdated frameworks expected to result in increased building heights, density, walkability, and liveability.

The Woolloongabba Sustainable Growth Precinct planning, currently being assisted by the Brisbane City Council, will likely replace the Kangaroo Point South Neighbourhood Plan.

With Aria’s upscaled plans for the Canopy House apartment tower, Brisbane’s Olympic precinct takes another step towards its transformation into a modern and vibrant hub, poised to leave an exceptional legacy for the area and its residents.

Published 5-July-2023

Sydney-Based Developer, Fortis, Lodges a Kangaroo Point Riverfront Apartment Tower Proposal

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

Fortis, a Sydney-based development company, is pushing forward with its Queensland expansion by revealing plans for a riverfront apartment tower in Kangaroo Point.

The proposed $100 million tower comprises three levels above a 1,197 sqm site at 44 O’Connell Street, which Fortis acquired from Joe Adsett earlier this year. The site has been at the centre of a controversy as Adsett’s plans for a 15-storey, 14-apartment tower were initially approved in October 2021 but were later revoked due to legal proceedings questioning the council’s decision.

Sydney-Based Developer, Fortis, Lodges a Kangaroo Point Riverfront Apartment Tower Proposal — Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

In late May 2023, Fortis lodged its application seeking approval for a similar-sized residential tower. The proposed tower would consist of four basement levels, a ground-floor lobby and a tiered communal recreation area.

There will be 14 three-bedroom apartments, including a penthouse that will feature a private rooftop terrace and pool. The base would feature indoor and outdoor resort-style amenities such as a lap pool, leisure deck, wellness retreat, and landscaped areas.

According to the submitted planning report, the proposed building height and site cover meet the required standards. The report also highlighted that setbacks and building separation would exceed the dimensions of the previous approval.

The Plus Architect-designed tower pays tribute to the natural beauty and earthy tones of the Kangaroo Point cliffs while adding a dynamic element to the skyline. The design statement emphasised the connection to the river and the surrounding environment.

Moreover, the O’Connell Tower aims to provide panoramic views of the New Farm area and the Brisbane River, creating a strong connection to nature and a luxurious riverside lifestyle.

“The building’s design is heavily influenced by the site configuration and surrounding context. It is orientated to address the Brisbane River which offers significant amenity and views, provides for future connection to the riverwalk and the existing jetty and is suitably separated from adjoining development to ensure that light and air penetration as well as privacy is maintained,” the Ethos Urban planning report states.

“The design also draws on its surrounding environment with the tower’s strength and form replicating the terrestrial makeup of its context as Kangaroo Point including paying homage to the natural beauty and earthy tones of the Kangaroo Point cliffs.”

A total of 46 car parking spaces across three basement levels are proposed as well. The car parking space comprises 43 resident car parking and 3 visitor spaces. Additionally, the plans propose vehicle and pedestrian access to the site through the existing single lane cross over and driveway situated along O’Connell Street to the west.

Published 17-June-2023

New Pedestrian & Cycle Underpass to be Built in Kangaroo Point

Plans have been announced to build a new pedestrian and cycling underpass passing through openings cut into both sidewalls of the Story Bridge, to link Main Street and Deakin Street in Kangaroo Point.

The underpass will form part of the larger Kangaroo Point Green Bridge project that aims to enhance active transportation options in the area.

The underpass will feature separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as an accessible viewing area. The walls of the underpass will showcase illustrative panels depicting the rich history of the Story Bridge, adding an educational element to the project.

“To deliver this new connection we have cut openings into both sidewalls of the Story Bridge, with the walls delicately removed piece by piece. We now have daylight streaming through both sides of the underpass, lighting up a space that has never previously been accessible to the public,” LM Adrian Schrinner shared.

To make way for the underpass, certain modifications will also be carried out, including the relocation of utility services, floor drainage, surface levelling, and the installation of a partition wall to separate the existing council depot. It is crucial to note that the underpass will be created without compromising the integrity of the Story Bridge structure.

Kangaroo Point underpass — Photo Credit: BCC

“This underpass is a critical project that will connect the Kangaroo Pointt Green Bridge landing at Scott Street to the wider active transport network in Kangaroo Point and the eastern suburbs,” LM Schrinner said. “It also represents a connection between Brisbane’s most iconic landmark of the last century and the future world-class landmark linking the city centre and Kangaroo Point Peninsula.”

The underpass is expected to significantly improve pedestrian, cycling, and e-mobility movements in the area. The council’s planners and engineers have identified the gap in the bridge as an ideal location for the new link, ensuring a convenient and accessible connection for residents and visitors alike.

The importance of sustainable construction practices was further highlighted in the proposed project, with approximately 95% of the concrete sections removed from the bridge to be recycled and repurposed within other areas of the city, reducing waste and promoting environmental stewardship.

“With the Olympics and Paralympic Games on the horizon, there is a need for a convenient ongoing connection that would be able to link walkers and riders heading from The Gabba to the CBD,” he added.

The underpass is projected to become a popular route, with an estimated 2,800 daily trips expected to pass through it by 2041. This will provide a much-needed alternative to the existing underpass at Thornton Street, which is not accessible due to the presence of stairs.

The underpass project is currently in the planning phase, with detailed information and images available on the Brisbane City Council website for interested individuals to review and provide feedback.

Published 13-June-2023

Frida Kahlo’s Summer House Closes Abruptly

With a heavy heart, Kangaroo Point says goodbye to a suburb favourite, as Frida Kahlo’s Summer House closes its doors, another casualty of the increasing troubles that have plagued the hospitality industry.

In the face of rising expenses and after what seemed like a relentless struggle against lockdowns, staff shortages, and a sluggish economy, Frida Kahlo’s Summer House can take no more.

In 2022, even the nearby Medley cafe/restaurant had to close temporarily due to its inability to fill crucial staff positions.

Owner Diego Rodriguez says he has poured his heart and soul into the business for over two years. But the burden of mounting debt and soaring Covid-related challenges became overwhelming.

Sky-high food prices and outrageous wages further compounded the struggle. Despite the restaurant’s efforts to attract customers, there just wasn’t enough resources to stay afloat.

To loyal patrons, the Summer House was more than just a place to eat. It was a vibrant sanctuary where locals found respite and indulgence.

Photo Credit: Frida Kahlo’s Summer House/Facebook

The restaurant’s bold and bright decor paid homage to Frida Kahlo’s iconic artwork and her legendary “La Casa Azul” in Mexico City. It was a slice of cultural paradise nestled between the tranquil riverwalk and the magnificent Story Bridge.

Published 28-May-2023

Kangaroo Point Dockside Marina Restaurant Lodges Court Action Versus the State

The Prawnster, a Dockside Marina restaurant in Kangaroo Point, has launched a legal battle to save the business from eviction. Owner Martin Brennan acknowledges his uphill challenge as a David against Goliath.

The lawsuit against the State Government marks the latest development in a protracted saga that spans over three years. The Prawnster‘s two boats have remained the sole commercial operators at Dockside Marina, despite being instructed to vacate the premises this May 2023.

The eviction notice came after marina lessee Ken Allsop lost his final bid to alter lease conditions.

Mr Brennan questions why his establishment cannot be relocated to the State Government’s pontoons outside the cultural centre in South Bank. He points out that two other commercial cruise boats made the move at the start of the pandemic and have been successfully operating there ever since.

The Prawnster Dockside Marina — Photo Credit: The Prawnster/Facebook

Frustrated by the lack of options, he has taken the matter to the Supreme Court, fully aware of the substantial costs involved. He believes that Mr Allsop’s application to amend the seabed lease conditions would have likely been approved had he not expanded his operations at Dockside.

He claims that the expansion to two boats has had minimal impact on the residents of Dockside apartments. Admittedly, The Prawnster faced regular visits from the water police following a complaint about incorrect boat mooring. Additionally, the establishment endured multiple inspections and other complaints.

Mr Brennan, however, said his operation has never been an issue for the government. With a dozen employees and glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, The Prawnster is a well-regarded establishment.

Meanwhile, Mr Allsop has been engaged in a separate battle, trying to appeal the Department of Resources’ directive to remove commercial operators from the marina. The Department insists that the facility was intended solely for recreational boat users.

The Department of Resources spokesperson acknowledges the value of tourism operators on the Brisbane River but emphasizes that lessees must adhere to the conditions of their leases. While the government recognises the need for alternative mooring options, it remains committed to ensuring compliance with the lease conditions.

The expansion of commercial operators in recent years, including jetski and electric boat rentals, prompted complaints from residents of nearby Dockside unit towers. The grievances include noise disturbances from customers, odours emanating from rubbish, and alleged safety concerns due to golf buggies transporting supplies across a public boardwalk.

In February of last year, the Department of Resources ordered all businesses to vacate the marina by April, leading to threats of a floating blockade. However, a moratorium was offered after the marina suffered severe damage during the 2022 floods.

Despite Mr Allsop’s request for an internal review of the eviction notice, the Department upheld its decision in June, issuing a final notice to vacate earlier this year. Unfortunately for the affected businesses, the promised CBD marina, which was expected to provide a new home for them, will not be constructed.

As a result, The Prawnster and other businesses are left without viable options, placing their livelihoods in jeopardy. While some operators, such as Brisvegas and Jetski Brisbane, have managed to secure temporary alternatives, the increased costs and inconveniences associated with the new locations pose significant challenges.

Published 24-May-2023

New Residential Development Proposed For Main Street in Kangaroo Point

Did you know that plans have been lodged for the construction of a 50-unit residential block on Main Street in Kangaroo Point?

Read: Duke Street, Kangaroo Point Soon to Be Home of New 86-Unit Apartment Development

The proposed residential building is expected to have a height ranging between five to eight storeys. The units will consist of 21 one-bedroom and 29 two-bedroom apartments.

The proposed development at 619 Main Street, Kangaroo Point is considered a challenging undertaking due to the presence of several protected buildings on the site. As a result, the project has been split into two separate applications.

Artist’s impression of proposed residential building (Photo credit: Red Door Architecture)

At present, the site comprises five lots, each featuring a residential building. Among these buildings, one has been recognised as a commercial building with significant historical value, and will be preserved and restored as part of the development plan.

Additionally, two of the buildings were constructed prior to 1911, further adding to their historical significance.

“It is proposed to retain the pre-1911 components of these buildings as part of the development, with each of the buildings to be marginally shifted with respect to their setback from Main Street,” planners at Urban Strategies stated.

The proposed works for the existing character building on the site include:

Removal of non-original and unsympathetic extensions,
Installation of extra windows on the ground level of the Bell Street façade to improve casual surveillance of the street,
Creation of a more visually appealing extension on the building’s southern side to blend in with the rest of the development,
Restoration of external features, and
Demolition of internal walls to allow for a flexible fit-out of the interior by a future tenant.

Designed by Red Door Architecture, the project aims to utilise the western part of the site for residential purposes, featuring a design that is considered to be of meritorious quality, and provides a strong response to the relevant planning objectives for the site.

Read: Eagle Street Pier Complex Nearing Demolition After Court Allows Waterfront Brisbane

The plan includes a podium and basement level car park, offering a total of 62 car spaces and 58 bike spaces. In addition, there will be communal open spaces located on both the podium and rooftop levels of the building.

Published 19-April-2023

Kangaroo Point Playground and Dog Park Closed Following Lead Discovery

Kangaroo Point’s C.T. White Park and James Warner Park have been temporarily closed to the public, after routine soil testing yielded traces of lead on park grounds.

Following a routine soil testing tied to the preparations for the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge project nearby, the two sites were quietly closed for remediation in February 2023. The playground and dog park are expected to re-open by April 2023.

There were no signages explaining the temporary closure to the locals who frequent the parks, per Cr Jonathan Sriranganathan. After asking Council, Cr Sriranganathan was told that the level of contaminated soil on C.T. White Park and James Warner Park necessitated the temporary closure.

“Elevated lead levels have been detected in parts of the two parks. Areas where soil is exposed, as in the DOLA, can increase the risk of exposure for users of the parks and therefore Council’s immediate response is to close these areas while an interim solution is implemented,” a Council spokesperson said.

Kangaroo Point CT White Park — Photo Credits: Google Maps screengrab

The spokesperson further stated that C.T. White Park and James Warner Park are not on the list of Queensland’s Environmental Management Register for contaminated land. But based on the historic information, these parks were a shipyard in the 1800s and an industrial site before the 1940s. The Kangaroo Point parks were not developed until after 1946 thus the contamination likely happened more than 80 years ago.

“Council is working to put in place measures to allow the facilities to reopen while a longer term solution is planned,” the spokesperson said.

In 2021, James Warner Park was transformed into an off-leash dog park despite some objections from the locals who said that Kangaroo Point residents can continue to walk their dogs whilst leashed.

A public health expert, however, said that there is no need to panic about possible contamination to lead.

“You have to consider how much time you spent in the location where this lead is, the routes [of ingestion] and amount of lead that is present,” University of Queensland School of Public Health Associate Professor Nicholas Osborne said.

“It might not be a worry at all, it might be three feet under a very secure amount of dirt which means that humans don’t get any exposure.”

Published 25 March 2023

Site Surveys Underway to Prepare Raymond Park for the Olympics

A group of locals has strongly opposed plans to use Raymond Park, the only green space in Kangaroo Point, as a warm-up field for Olympic athletes, as residents start receiving letters informing them of a two-week site survey on Raymond Park to potentially prepare the area for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

The letter was taken as an indication that the redevelopment of Raymond Park will forge ahead even with little public consultations, as some residents claim that attempts to raise their concerns with officials have fallen on deaf ears.

Friends of Raymond Park Page has a copy of the letter on a post saying that the potential Olympic-standard warm-up track could leave eight families homeless as their houses are at the front of the park. Changes to the green might also destroy the community garden, remove the dog park and the outdoor gym, and impact the 100-year-old soccer club.

Raymond Park letter — Photo Credit: Janita Dal Cin

Paul, one of the residents whose houses could be resumed for a temporary event, also spoke on the radio with Bill McDonald. He said they have been trying to get answers about the plans but no one from the government has replied to their emails.

Max Chandler-Mather, the Federal MP for Griffith, reacted to the letter.

“The first letter residents of Kangaroo Point have received from the Government about the Olympics isn’t to offer a consultation, or ask them if they would like to host an Olympics warm-up track in their backyard, it’s been to inform them that the decision has apparently been made, congratulations, say goodbye to your local park,” Mr Chandler-Mather posted.

“The Queensland Government is pretending like this decision has already been made, when the Federal Government won’t even confirm if they support building a new stadium, let alone demolishing the Gabba, East Brisbane State School and Raymond Park.

“The Government has told residents it’s an “enormous privilege” to host the Olympics. Well it’s not a privilege to lose a brilliant local green space with 100-year-old fig trees, a playground, a dog park, the Kangaroo Point Rovers soccer club, and a community garden.”

No designs nor details of the project scope for the Raymond Park warm-up fields have been released. Both State and Federal Governments have yet to finalise the funding arrangement that will pay for the construction and refurbishment of Olympic facilities.

Meanwhile, Kangaroo Point residents have started a campaign to save Raymond Park and proposed Giffin Park in Coorparoo as the alternative for the warm-up track.