Shafston House, Brisbane’s third oldest estate, has been sold to a property developer who has expressed plans to undertake a full restoration of the heritage-listed site.
Kevin Pan of the Burgundy Group Property Development was named the new owner of the riverfront house on 23 Castlebar Street. His company has ongoing residential projects in Rochedale and North Lakes.
In a statement, Mr Pan said that he intends to lodge a plan with Council to restore “Shafston House’s former glory.”
However, the building next to the heritage-listed site, which was the former Shafston International College, could be demolished. The developer might also add landscaping works whilst other plantings will be propagated in the property, consistent with the heritage restoration principles.
In response, Council said that development plans for the property, once submitted, will “undergo the usual rigorous assessment” as a protected State Government Heritage Unit before decisions can be made.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Mr Pan bought Shafston House for an undisclosed amount months after 300 antique, unique and collectible items from the house were put up for auction by its previous owner, Mr Keith Lloyd.
Shafston House was built in several stages between 1851 to 1930s. Its original design was from architect Robin Dods, dubbed Brisbane’s “most sacred architect” because all of his designs were individualistic and unique, according to historian Dr Jack Ford.
For decades, Shafston House was used as a private dwelling until it became a hostel (from 1919 to 1969), a place of accommodation for the Royal Australian Air Force (from 1969 to 1987), and an international college established by Mr Lloyd in the 1990s.
Over 120,000 students attended the Shafston International College through the years, until its closure in November 2020.
Photo Credit: Queensland Heritage Register
In 2005, Shafston House was entered into the Queensland Heritage Register for its historical, cultural and aesthetic significance.
Residents protest over a proposed high-rise development on Lambert St, which raised concerns about over-development in Kangaroo Point.
The proposed 15-storey development has sparked a protest on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 as dozens of protesters, along with Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad, expressed their opposition to the proposed skyscraper.
THE PLAN
A three-tower, 10-storey development, 200-unit on 108 Lambert St was approved by the council in July 2020. The developers, however, submitted an updated application in early September seeking an additional five storeys and additional 100 units to “align the proposed development with the current neighbourhood plan and the associated community expectations.”
Ms Trad said that she objected to the neighbourhood plan that allowed buildings of up to 15-storeys to be built in the area. Under the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan — an amendment that was incorporated into the Brisbane City Plan 2014 last February 2020 — developments of up to 15 storeys high are allowed.
Protesters described the proposed development as a “vertical cruise ship,” that would destroy their quality of life and their amenity. They slammed the development stating that it will increase noise and air pollution in the area, as well traffic congestion.
“The revised proposal presents stronger grounds for concern due to its scale and is completely incongruous with Brisbane City Council’s declared goal to secure and enhance Brisbane’s ‘clean and green’ credentials / reputation. Continuing to allow such high-density and environmentally insensitive developments in our city is not in our community’s short or long-term interest or in touch with our expectations.” – submission 14/10/2020
“The 3 pre-1911 homes on Lambert St should not be moved to other locations. They should be valued and treated like the historic homes on the corner of Cairns St and Lambert Streets which add to a sense of community and heritage history for the area.” submission 13/10/2020
“The reason we object to the development is the additional levels on the property will impact the sun-shadow places on the surrounding properties. This impacts the temperature and natural light on the existing buildings. This affects peoples [sic] mental health if they do not receive natural sunlight.” submission 11/10/2020
At 177 years old, Kangaroo Point may be among Queensland’s oldest suburbs but would you believe it has never had a proper supermarket? Well, it looks like things may soon change, if the Fabcot’s development application for a Kangaroo Point supermarket gets approved.
It’s looking like 2020 and 2021 will be banner years for this inner city suburb, should this development application for the construction of the Kangaroo Point’s first supermarket push through.
Photo Credit : PD Online / Cotter Parker
Located at 25 Ferry Street, the mixed-use project also includes a full retail podium with food and specialty stores, a mezzanine with offices and storage spaces for the supermarket, and residential apartments.
Photo Credit : PD Online / Cotter Parker
Citing promising potential in the area in their application to Council, Fabcot said that the supermarket will be the main driver behind the development/ The limited line supermarket will have a planned GFA of 1,742 sqm at the ground floor, offering goods in a retail environment that is positioned to be bigger than metro-style specialty shops, but stops just shy of full line size.
“A strong trading catchment has been identified within the local area, that is currently not serviced by a local supermarket. The establishment of a supermarket in this location will deliver additional choice and convenience for residents,” the developer said.
Interestingly, the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan also contemplates the establishment of a supermarket in the same location, l an anchor to the Town Centre.
What to Expect
Photo Credit: PD Online / Cotter Parker
Once built, residents can expect to see a residential tower with 62 apartments rising above a retail podium. Recreational and communal areas, an open lawn, a pool with lounge deck, an indoor gymnasium, and BBQ areas with seating pods are among the lifestyle amenities included in the design. Apartment units include a full, glazed wall facade in the main bedroom and wrap-around balconies in the living areas.
Concerns?
The project was submitted ahead of February 28, a date that’s particularly significant because that is when the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan takes effect. If submitted under the Plan, the site coverage limit would have been capped at only 40 percent.
The project has a site coverage of 83 percent, something that was made possible by its submission prior to the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan.
Likewise, residents and local stakeholders, led by Cr Sri, have pointed out that the proposed development did not meet the minimum requirement to plant trees on 10 percent of the site.
For details on the development application, check out the submissions on Brisbane City Council’s planning & development online at A005384910.
Here’s a fantastic opportunity to try the food of one of Sunshine Coast’s popular eateries. Sum Yung Guys, famous for its modern South Asian fare, is popping up in Kangaroo Point for one day only. Chef Matt Sinclair will be working with Chef Daniel Miletic for an unforgettable feast of delicious seafood as part of the Red Fish Blue Fish collaboration series.
Red Fish Blue Fish was hatched by Miletic of One Fish Two Fish, Kangaroo Point’s seafood restaurant off Main Street. This special event brings well-known chefs from all over Brisbane to create a one-off banquet together with Miletic.
Previous Red Fish Blue Fish collaborations featured chefs Ben Williamson of the soon-to-open 22 Agnes restaurant, Philip Johnson of E’cco Bistro, and Georgia Barnes, a Masterchef alum.
This collaboration happening on Saturday, the 22nd of February 2020, at One Fish Two Fish, will have two sitting schedules from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The chefs will prepare the following menu for guests who have pre-reserved their seats.
Sum Yung Guys was established by four friends after years of travelling around Asia. The restaurant, located almost two hours away from Kangaroo Point, serves food meant to be shared with friends and family. The menu is massively influenced by Southeast Asia.
Photo Credit: Sum Yung Guys/Facebook
One Fish Two Fish is also all about family or group dining. This seafood place, which operates daily from lunch to dinner, is for chilling and relaxing as a fully-licensed bar. Phone (07) 3391 7680 for bookings and enquiries.
A three-tower mixed-use complex with two interconnecting sky-bridge pools on the 18th floor has been submitted for development in Kangaroo Point. The modern architectural design should be the largest rooftop pool in Brisbane if the development application is approved.
Designed by Altis Architecture, the sky-bridge pool will stretch between two towers and include a large, open space communal recreation area for its residents. The stunning design feature is meant to be visible from Brisbane CBD.
One of the pools will have a glass bottom for swimmers to view the sky park, which is another open space green area planned for the fourth level of the complex. Below the sky-bridge pool at Level 9, one of the towers will also have an open recreation sky garden deck. It has been planned as an ideal space for BBQ parties and outdoor cinema events.
Photo Credit: BCC/Altis Architecture
K Point Developments Pty Ltd submitted the development application for the complex, dubbed the Trilogy, in June 2019. It replaces a previous application submitted by the Zenonos Group in 2016.
Trilogy is proposed as a multiple dwelling site for 525 apartment units of different sizes. However, the rest of its spaces could be for retail or commercial use or as a hotel and restaurant/bar.
The project comes as highrises with modern rooftop designs have become the main selling point for developments in the district.
“The proposed development will deliver three of the most iconic buildings in Kangaroo Point. These buildings will act as a local landmark on the corner of Vulture and Main Street. This intersection is one of the busiest intersections in inner-Brisbane and therefore warrants suitably iconic buildings to reflect its highly visible location at this important juncture within the city,” the applicant stated in the DA.
Hankering for the rich taste of churros, paella, bocadillo de jamón, and grilled chorizo? Then come to the first-ever Spanish Markets in Kangaroo Point, hosted by The Australian Spanish Socio-Cultural Association (TASSCA).
TASSCA is launching the Spanish Markets on Sunday, the 20th of Oct 2019. Bringing the flair of Spain to Brisbane, this is expected to become a regular event for every third Sunday of the month.
Found at the grounds of the Radio 4EB FM at 140 Main Street in Kangaroo Point, the Spanish Markets will open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Heaps of stalls featuring Spanish food, fashion, arts and crafts, music and homeware will be set up for shoppers keen on purchasing authentic and inspired stuff reflecting the culture of Spain.
Photo Credit: The Australian Spanish Socio-Cultural Association/Facebook
Sign up to score tickets to the Spanish Markets for $2 but children under 12 may enter for free.
Members of TASSCA may enjoy a 10 percent discount for their stall or food purchases. If you’re going to be a frequent visitor, it might be good to apply for a membership to avail of this benefit.
“We are a socio-cultural association with the aim of sharing, uncovering, exchanging and celebrating the diversity of Spanish geography and its people through artistic, gastronomic, linguistic and social projects and activities,” TASSCA stated in its community page.
The biggest and most anticipated, glamorous red carpet event of the year is here again! For the fourth year in a row, Brisbane Fashion Runway (BFR) will showcase the fabulous creations of this city’s talented up-and-coming fashion designers at an iconic site in Kangaroo Point.
Held at St Johns Cathedral on Ann Street on Saturday, the 12th of Oct 2019, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., eight designers will be debuting their latest and freshest ideas at the Brisbane Fashion Runway. Guests will get an exclusive first look at these creations whilst mingling and hobnobbing with social influencers and industry professionals like Rosanna Arkle, Ines Basic, Emilee Hembrow and Nicole Thorne.
Photo Credit: Brisbane Fashion Runway/Facebook
The designers who will be brandishing their work on stage have been carefully judged and selected amongst 80 hopefuls whilst receiving guidance from Brisbane’s top stylist, Kulbinder Singh. Before the night is over, one of them will go home with the honour of Brisbane Fashion Designer of the Year.
The models who will be strutting and catwalking on the runway have also been hand-picked and matched to the designers. This premier fashion event is also an opportunity for these gorgeous individuals to land an agency.
An iconic cafe location with an attractive view of the Brisbane skyline near Main Street and River Terrace in Kangaroo Point has been put on the market. The property, controlled by Brisbane City Council, does not just boast of a fantastic view. It also has an interesting history.
Before the cafe was erected at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs in 2010, it was a school for children until 1965, when the Queensland Government turned it into TAFE.
TAFE Queensland, however, closed its Kangaroo Point location in 2009 to pave way for the park and dining precinct redevelopment. A year later, the revitalised location opened with a cafe offering the most breathtaking view of Brisbane CBD.
The building for lease is on 461 Main Street and has a 57-square metre floor area, as well as a 272-square metre space exclusive for alfresco dining.
Interested parties may submit their expressions of interest to CBRE until the 27th of Sept 2019. “We invite all quality Café and Restaurant operators to consider this amazing opportunity,” per Mr Lewis Torkington of CBRE.
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
WHAT
WHO
WHERE
5km 9:30 a.m.
VIP Charity Runners
Orange Runners
Aqua Joggers
Walkers
Beginning 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
WHAT
WHO
WHERE
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.
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:
WHERE
PERFORMER
Cultural Centre Tunnel
Underground Opera
Main Stage, Finish Village
Graham 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 Park
City of Brisbane Pipe Band
Ivory Street Tunnel
DJ Waria (old school DJ)
Captain Burke Park, Story Bridge
Ribbon and Bubble Stilt Walkers Jackie Marshall (jazz singer) The Party Girl (dancers) Dance Masala
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.
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.
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.
