Kangaroo Point Archives - Page 14 of 17

GoBoat Picnic Boats Now Available in Kangaroo Point

Did you know that GoBoat has finally launched its fleet of new eco-friendly picnic boats at Dockside Marina in Kangaroo Point? The best part? They’re pet-friendly!

GoBoat, a boating company from Denmark, has finally released its series of Scandinavian-designed picnic boats across the Brisbane River, and now that they’re open to the public, all of Brisbane is invited to come give them a spin — no licence required.

Though construction isn’t finished for their upcoming permanent venue along Breakfast Creek, the company has opened a limited-time pop-up venue at Dockside Marina in Kangaroo Point to give Queensland a taste of what the vessels this Danish company has to offer.

These boats have been designed to be eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable. Their German electric engines do not produce any smog, nor do they make loud and disruptive noises — a combination which makes for a peaceful cruise down the Brisbane River.

Each boat stands 18 feet long, fashioned from recycled materials such as reclaimed wood and PET bottles. Shading will be installed to shield those aboard from the elements.

Those interested in renting the boats can do so for the price of $109 an hour, $189 for two hours, and $229 for three hours. Food, beer, and other beverages from outside can all be brought aboard these boats, and customers are allowed to bring their pets along for the ride. Up to eight passengers will be able to fit in a single vessel which makes these boats ideal for group picnics.

Though the official launch of GoBoat Brisbane in their permanent site at Breakfast Creek has yet to be announced, their pop-up placeholder is located at Dockside Marina at 44 Ferry St, Kangaroo Point. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and announcements concerning the upcoming picnic boats.

Empty But Completed Lotus Tower in Kangaroo Point Sold for $100+ Million

Lotus Tower, a 21-storey apartment building in Kangaroo Point, empty since its completion in 2019, has been sold for $100+ million. Its new owner plans to convert the building into a build-to-rent facility.

Blackstone, one of the biggest global equity firms, bought the Lotus Tower from the R&F Property Group in early May 20201 after it remained vacant since late 2019. At that time, R&F Property Group’s Australian operations suffered financial losses and had to be rescued by its parent company in Hong Kong.

But the Chinese-backed firm’s troubles didn’t end there as delays in the new building’s occupancy followed. The Lotus Tower, distinctive for it green-coloured hues, has 200 apartment units with a beautiful river view. However, R&F Property Group decided not to sell at least 10 percent of the units or appoint real estate agents during the construction phase.

The apartment’s marketing wasn’t done until the developer received its final certification in late 2019. By the time they were ready to unveil the building to investors, the sales process was hampered by COVID-19.

R&F Property Group said that they decided to sell the building in “one line” after large-scale investors expressed significant interest. Aside from Blackstone, Serenitas Group also had its eye on the building as a vertical retirement home.

Lotus Tower, located on Lambert Street, is considered a high-end apartment with its own sauna, private dining rooms, gaming and media rooms, gym with golf simulator and an infinity-edge pool. If sold per unit, however, the tower would have amassed over $150 million.

Lamb House: Famous Kangaroo Point Mansion Risks Being Sold

At 119 years old, the heritage-listed Lamb House in Kangaroo Point has been boarded up. As it falls further into disrepair, the likelihood of the property being put up for auction by Brisbane City Council increases with each passing day.

Lamb House was first constructed in 1902 for John Lamb, a prominent Brisbane draper. The property remained under the care of the Lamb family and is currently under the ownership of Joy Lamb — a widow in her 70s who lost her husband in that very same house back in 2013. She’d fled the home in 2015 after the building began to fall apart.

Despite the building’s rich history and status as a heritage-listed landmark, it has already been boarded up — a sign that no more efforts will be spared to maintain it. The building has fallen into a state of disrepair.

Payment for the building has been put on-hold for years now and Council’s tally now totals $321,000 as of the end of 2020. A deadline has been set for payment by December last year, however the rates have remained unpaid well into 2021.

All outstanding rates must be paid in order to prevent the claiming and auctioning of the historic site in Kangaroo Point. If that happens, proceeds obtained from selling the property would be used to pay off outstanding land tax, rates and fees, with the remainder going to Mrs Lamb and her family.

Lambert Street Development Appeal Worries Residents Over Council Backflip

Residents in Kangaroo Point are worried that Brisbane City Council could backflip on a rejected development application for a high-rise on Lambert Street, now on appeal at the Planning & Environment Court.

The group Say No to 108 Lambert St believes that despite Council’s commitment to fighting the appeal, there are concerns that it might enter into secret talks with the developer, Pikos Group.

There is a precedent for their concern as the Council entered into a resolution process with the development of TriCare’s retirement facility in Taringa. Say No to 108 Lambert St said that this process was not conducted in a court hearing thus there are no public records of the resolution. As a result, the Taringa facility’s development will adapt minor amendments only, despite a number of opposition from the residents.

Photo Credit: Say No to 108 Lambert St/Facebook

Residents also question the relationship of some Council members to Pedro Pikos, the head of Pikos Group, who was part of the Community Planning Team and served as the advisor for the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan.

A spokesperson for the Council, however, said that the planning team consisted of “local residents, workers, property owners, business owners and students” who are familiar with the area and could best provide inputs during the mapping out of the neighbourhood plan in meetings between 2016 to 2017.

Meanwhile, new evidence has emerged that one of the three buildings in the planned 108 Lambert Street development is beyond the height limit. Independent surveyors assessed that the 15-storey building’s height could actually be for a 16-storey building. This suggested that Council could has stronger grounds to win the appeal at the Planning & Environment Court.

Check the Lambert Street development application at Developmenti Brisbane DA A005542190.

Story Bridge Adventure Climb Proposes New North Peak Route

Fancy an unforgettable climb up the northern peak of the Story Bridge, hanging 74 metres in the air above the Brisbane River? Check out the Story Bridge Adventure Climb!

Though the Story Bridge Adventure Climb was first opened to the public in 2005, this iconic Kangaroo Point tourist attraction remains as active as ever almost two decades later. As one of only three bridge climbs in the world, daredevils and thrill-seekers have flocked from inside Brisbane and out to experience the climb themselves. In fact, plans have been drawn to expand the facilities available at Story Bridge.

With this latest proposal, Story Bridge Adventure Climb intends to provide tourists and visitors with a wider range of activities and climbs to meet the demand brought about by the rapid growth of tourism in Brisbane — one of which includes a new route for adventurers to take.

A Development Application has already been submitted to the Brisbane City Council to create a second “north peak” route that co-exists with the current route available for daring thrill-seekers to climb. The proposal hopes to implement a viewing deck and a swing out to the Story Bridge.

The north peak route is set to run from Howard Smith Wharves all the way to the northern peak of the bridge, meaning the journey up the route would take an hour and a total of 550 steps to complete. It is expected that there is enough room for up to 14 climbers will be able to take on the route at any given time.

To book a trip up the Story Bridge in State Route 15, or to simply learn more about the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, check out their website. Follow them on their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

Shafston House: Brisbane’s Third Oldest Estate Sold to a Developer

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.

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.

High-Rise Development Sparked Protest Amid Concerns About “Over-Development” in Kangaroo Point

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

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

Better Late Than Never! A Supermarket In Kangaroo Point After 177 Years

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.

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

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.

Popular Sunshine Coast Eatery Is Coming To Brisbane For One Day

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.

*Photo Credit: One Fish Two Fish/Facebook*

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.

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.

Kangaroo Point 3-Tower Development Features a Sky-Bridge Pool On 18th Floor

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.

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.

Trilogy will stand across the State Government’s Cross River Rail and Gabba Stadium Redevelopment. The proposal is still under review for a potential public consultation.