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New Rooftop Bar Proposed for Popular West End Hotel

The West End’s popular Montague Hotel, affectionately known as “The Monty”, has lodged plans for a significant rooftop expansion just a year after changing hands for $20 million.

The proposal involves transforming the top-level office space into two subtropical bars complete with a landscaped courtyard and an automated louvred roof. While the development promises a new social hub for the area, it also raises concerns about parking availability in the already congested neighbourhood.

The development application, which has been open for public consultation since late November, details plans to replace the current office area on level one with two new bars and outdoor space.

Montague Hotel — *Photo Credit:* *DA A004322354*

The design includes a 3-metre-high acoustic barrier to address potential noise concerns for nearby residents. Other planned improvements include updated street-front glazing and a new lift to improve accessibility.

A noise assessment conducted by Palmer Acoustics suggests that amplified music from the rooftop area would register between 35 and 40 decibels at the closest residential unit in the Kurilpa Residential Tower, situated 31 metres away. The hotel intends to maintain its current trading hours of 10:00 a.m. to midnight, with the rooftop area closing at 10:00 p.m.

While the design adheres to council noise guidelines, the Office of Liquor Gaming and Regulation will have final approval on permissible noise levels, which will then be incorporated as a condition of the hotel’s licence.

The Montague Hotel has enjoyed considerable popularity, boasting a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor and consistently drawing large crowds on Friday nights and weekends. The substantial increase in the hotel’s value since its previous sale six years prior, from $3.15 million to $20 million, has been attributed to the anticipated positive impact of Pradella’s The Lanes residential project and the proximity of the future Olympics media centre.

The current 787-square-metre corner site at 363 Montague Road will remain the same. The owners, MWE Hotels, have indicated that any street-front barriers and awnings will temporarily accommodate a planned 2.5-metre future council road widening.

The existing hotel features sports and lounge bar areas, three detached bottle shops, a bistro, a gaming room, a commercial kitchen, and 11 basement car parks. It also houses ten gaming machines, with approvals from 18 South East Queensland operating authorities. The venue first opened its doors in 2017.

Published Date 17-December-2024

Inside August in West End: The Delicious Rebirth of a Heritage-Listed Church

August Restaurant is now open in West End, transforming a piece of local history into a dining destination. Formerly a heritage-listed church on Dornoch Terrace, the space has been reimagined as a restaurant that seamlessly blends its storied past with modern culinary artistry.

Read: ‘August’ Restaurant to Open in Heritage-Listed Church in West End

The dining room at August retains much of the building’s original charm, with the pitched church ceiling and stained glass windows serving as striking reminders of its previous life. Surrounding diners are thoughtfully curated objects and art, creating an atmosphere that is both refined and welcoming.

Photo credit: Charlie Maycraft/Google Maps

August’s menu draws inspiration from the regional cuisines of France, Italy, and Spain, though it evolves with the seasons. For the summer, offerings include a range of dishes such as oysters, wagyu beef, asparagus vinaigrette, ox tongue, and caramelized brioche. The emphasis is on fresh, high-quality ingredients, and each dish is designed to highlight the best of the season.

Local diners have been quick to embrace the new venue. One described their experience with the Sunday lunch set menu as “a well-thought-out selection of dishes” and noted the relaxed yet stylish ambiance. Another praised the restaurant’s seamless execution despite being newly opened, commenting on “excellent food, wine, and service” and highlighting small touches like the lobster butter mold.

At the helm of August is Brad Cooper, a seasoned chef with an impressive resume that includes leading the kitchen at Florence in Camp Hill and serving as chef at Bar Francine. Cooper’s expertise shines through in the thoughtful design of both the menu and the overall dining experience.

In addition to its regular service, August offers private dining experiences, accommodating up to 60 seated guests or 100 for reception-style events. Its carefully curated wine list features between 30 and 50 bottles, providing the perfect complement to the menu.

Read: Discover BY.Artisans, West End’s New Distillery and Bar

For those eager to visit, August opens its doors for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday starting at 5 p.m., and for Sunday lunch from 12 p.m. With its blend of historic charm, sophisticated cuisine, and a relaxed atmosphere, August is poised to become a favorite in the West End dining scene.

Published 14-December-2024

From Five to Two Towers: Montague Road Development Gets the Go-Ahead

Two apartment towers, standing at 19 and 17 levels, have been approved for 281-297 Montague Road in West End after undergoing significant design revisions.

Read: A Fresh Take on The West End Towers

The project, designed by The NRA Collaborative, represents a scaled-down vision of the original proposal for five towers.

The developers, Sydney-based Henroth Investments, reduced the scope from five towers to two, now offering a total of 345 apartments instead of the initially planned 470. The towers will rise as 5-star Green Star-rated residential buildings, incorporating environmentally conscious design elements.

Traditional corridors will be replaced with green atria, while biophilia filters at the ends of landscaped corridors will provide vertical greenery and natural air filtration along the facades. This approach aims to blend sustainability with aesthetics, promoting a healthier living environment for residents.

Community-Centric Features

The revised Montague Road development places significant emphasis on community integration and public spaces. A retail plaza spanning 1,626 sqm will serve as a central hub, alongside a proposed public plaza and parklands designed to enhance local engagement.

On the first level of each building, alfresco terraces will act as outdoor study and workspaces. Enclosed glass pods will offer private areas for residents to hold online meetings or record podcasts, reflecting modern lifestyle needs.

The two towers will be supported by two basement levels of parking, offering 482 spaces to address residents’ needs. While the reduction in tower numbers has decreased the overall apartment count, concerns persist among local residents about the development’s height and the potential for increased traffic in the area.

A Deliberate Design Process

This project reflects years of planning and adjustments in response to local feedback and urban design standards. According to planning documents, the developers sought to create an “exemplar response to key urban design” that enhances community benefits.

Read: Scaled-Back Plans Revealed for Controversial West End Riverfront Site

The approval of the revised design highlights a balance between development goals and community considerations, paving the way for a new chapter in the urban landscape of West End. Whether it will fully satisfy the concerns of residents remains to be seen, but the emphasis on sustainability and shared spaces sets a progressive tone for future projects in the area.

Published 9-December-2024

West End to Join Brisbane’s Expanded CityLink Cycleway Network

The CityLink Cycleway will have two major extensions, creating a continuous four-kilometre active transport corridor linking East Brisbane and West End.

Read: Brisbane’s Inner-City Shake-up: Radical Parking Changes Proposed in West End, Other Areas

The latest expansion will establish an 800-metre dedicated bikeway along Melbourne Street, from Victoria Bridge to Boundary Street in West End, providing residents with a safe and direct route to the CBD and surrounding areas.

Stage three of the CityLink Cycleway project includes two key components. First, a new 1.2-kilometre shared path connecting Deakin Street at Kangaroo Point to Shafston Avenue at East Brisbane. Second, the West End extension along Melbourne Street to Boundary Street.

“CityLink Cycleway was always about creating an inner-city cycling and scooting spine, that we could build out into the suburbs to make it more attractive for residents and visitors to use active transport in Brisbane,” Transport Chair Ryan Murphy said.

“The delivery of this project will ensure residents of the eastern suburbs and West End can look forward to using a safe and separated connection to the CBD and beyond,” he added.

The expanded network will integrate with several crucial infrastructure pieces. The 460-metre Kangaroo Point Bridge, opening December 15, will connect with the 200-metre Main and Deakin Street Story Bridge underpass and existing CBD cycleways to create a seamless journey for cyclists and pedestrians.

Construction is already in progress along Melbourne Street between Victoria Bridge and Cordelia Street, with completion expected in the next financial year. The project will create a continuous protected route for cyclists and e-scooter users, enhancing safety and accessibility for daily commuters and recreational riders.

The expansion aims to fill critical gaps in Brisbane’s inner-city network, creating more opportunities for residents to choose active transportation options. Once completed, the network will provide separated cycling and scooting paths, direct connections between five inner-city suburbs, two river crossing points, and reduced travel times between key destinations.

The new Kangaroo Point Bridge is expected to deliver significant time savings for active transport users, with up to 50% reduction in cycling commute times. Cyclists travelling between eastern suburbs and the CBD will save up to 15 minutes on their journey, while pedestrians can expect to save up to 30 minutes.

Read: Toowong to West End Green Bridge Project Faces Uncertain Future Amidst Brisbane Budget Cuts

Initial investigations for the new stages are currently underway, with detailed design and community consultation planned for next year.

Published 3-Dec-2024

Discover BY.Artisans, West End’s New Distillery and Bar

Distillery and bar BY.Artisans has opened its doors at Jane Street in West End, offering a unique fusion of craft, community, and culinary delight in the area.

Read: Meet West End’s Newest French Bistro (By Day, It’s Your Favourite Bakery)

Officially launched on November 28, this new venue is set to become a must-visit destination for those who appreciate artisanal spirits, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, and immersive experiences.

BY.Artisans isn’t just a place to grab a drink—it’s a hub of creativity and craftsmanship. From morning coffee to late-night cocktails, the venue offers a curated menu of bites and beverages that draw on Italian and Mediterranean influences. Whether relaxing in their café with locally inspired fare or enjoying a signature cocktail at the bar, visitors are invited to savour the artistry behind every creation.

Signature Gin

At the core of the venue is its craft distillery, where artisanal spirits take centre stage. Their signature gin, The West Ender, combines botanicals with Australian flora, delivering a sweet yet subtly spiced flavour profile that embodies the essence of the locale.

not only hails from the Sunshine State capital but also incorporates an unexpected local ingredient: old eucalyptus leaves sourced from Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Before you wonder about Brisbane’s beloved koalas missing out on their leafy treats, rest assured. The distillery uses leaves that go uneaten by the herbivorous marsupials each day, repurposing this natural surplus to craft their one-of-a-kind gin. The result is a smooth and aromatic blend that pays homage to its origins while offering a refreshing twist.

Beyond the Glass

BY.Artisans is more than a distillery and bar—it’s an experience. In 2025, they will elevate their offerings with a series of hands-on workshops designed to immerse participants in the art and science of spirit production. These workshops will cover topics like spirit blending, botanical distillation, and creative uses for byproducts.

“These workshops will provide an educational platform for individuals interested in understanding the intricate processes involved in creating high-quality spirits, as well as the innovative use of byproducts,” the company shared on their website.

Meet the Visionary Behind BY.Artisans

Co-founder and Master Distiller Alexander Bell is the driving force behind BY.Artisans. A chemical engineer with a passion for innovation and sustainability, Bell has designed a custom still apparatus that embodies environmentally conscious practices and precision craftsmanship. His dedication to pushing boundaries ensures that every creation from the distillery is both innovative and exceptional.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re drawn by expertly crafted drinks, the opportunity to learn through immersive workshops, or the chance to shop for handmade treasures, BY.Artisans offers something for everyone.

Opening hours:

Monday to Wednesday: By appointment

Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Read: The West End Electric Powers Up with Global Circus Sensation Strut & Fret

Visit BY.Artisans at 99 Jane Street, West End, and immerse yourself in a world where craft and creativity come together.

Published 2-December-2024

Scaled-Back Plans Revealed for Controversial West End Riverfront Site

In a significant shift from previous contentious plans, a new development proposal for a prime West End riverfront block promises to reshape the neighbourhood’s landscape with a more measured approach to urban living.

Read: Prime West End Riverfront Site Acquired for $63.5-M

Traders in Purple, the site’s new owners, have unveiled a reimagined blueprint for the 117 Victoria Street property that dramatically scales back the original ambitious development.

Where Crown Group previously sought to erect towers accommodating up to 473 apartments, the new development application presents a more restrained vision: two 12-storey towers housing just 164 apartments, accompanied by a separate two-storey block of luxury terrace homes.

The transformation, designed by architects at Rothelowman, is striking. Having purchased the site for $63.5 million – a substantial profit from the $35 million paid six years earlier – Traders in Purple are positioning themselves as responsive developers attuned to community concerns and site-specific challenges.

Key to the new proposal is a significant emphasis on green space and urban livability. The development promises extensive gardens strategically placed on several corners, a central communal space, and carefully designed laneways that will connect the towers through an integrated podium. This approach represents a notable departure from the previous, more densely packed plans that drew local opposition.

Traffic and environmental considerations have been central to the redesign. By reducing the number of apartments, the developers argue they’ll generate less traffic pressure at the critical Victoria Street and Montague Road intersection. The parking strategy has also been carefully reconsidered, with spaces planned for a partial basement and within the podium to minimise site disturbance.

Interestingly, the new plans emerge at a time when recent council planning amendments would have permitted even taller towers to address housing demand in well-serviced transport areas. Instead, Traders in Purple have opted for a more conservative approach, citing the need to address land contamination constraints and current construction challenges.

The company, an established developer with projects across Australia, appears to be making a calculated bet on quality over quantity. By offering fewer but potentially more premium apartments in a thoughtfully designed environment, they’re signalling a different philosophy of urban development.

Read: Luxury Meets Community: Inside West End’s Latest Multi-Million Dollar Penthouse Sale

For West End residents and urban planners, this proposal represents an intriguing case study in adaptive urban design – one that seeks to balance density, community needs, and environmental considerations.

Published 20-November-2024

Street Spotlight: Glenfield St, West End

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

With an impressive average tenure residents, many families have called Glenfield Street, West End home for decades, contributing to its warm and enduring neighborhood character. This unique street stands as a shining example of the close-knit lifestyle that makes West End so special.

Glenfield, West End Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 27
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 90%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 20 years, 11 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 83%

Glenfield, West End – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON Glenfield St, West End

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
7 Glenfield, West End	$110,000	Nov, 1983
29 Glenfield, West End	$310,000	Jan, 1989
11 Glenfield, West End	$755,000	Sep, 1996

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in West End in 2024 was $1,560.000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in West End in 2020 was $988,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN West End SINCE 2020 : $572,000

The median price of a 1 Bedroom Unit in West End in 2024 was $478,000
The median price of a 1 Bedroom Unit in West End in 2020 was $372,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 1 BEDROOM UNIT IN West End SINCE 2020 : $106,000

The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in West End in 2024 was $751,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in West End in 2020 was $530,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM UNIT IN West End SINCE 2020 : $221,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in West End in 2024 was $1,635,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in West End in 2020 was $939,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM UNIT IN West End SINCE 2020 : $696,000

If you know Glenfield St, West End well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

West End Recycling Centre Inspires Young Minds

A group of Year 1 students from St James Catholic School in Coorparoo recently embarked on an educational excursion to the TOMRA West End Recycling Centre.

The visit aimed to foster a deeper understanding of recycling and the circular economy.

A particular highlight of the tour was the opportunity to interact with the innovative Tip n’ Go machines. These machines, designed to streamline the container return process, allow users to tip a bag of containers into a large opening, eliminating manual sorting.

The students were captivated by the technology and the efficiency of the process. One student expressed excitement about the quick and easy process, while another was fascinated by the ability to watch the machine sort each container on a screen.

The Year 1 teacher, Miss Ashleigh Hogan, praised the experience, noting that it provided a valuable opportunity to connect classroom learning to real-world applications.

The visit to the recycling centre was seen as a fun and engaging way to instil a sense of environmental responsibility in the young students.

Published Date 15-November-2024

Community Comes Together to Save Burger Time 69

West End’s beloved Burger Time 69 has launched an urgent fundraising campaign after severe damage from a neighbouring business’s ram-raid and fire on 7 November.

Read: The West End Electric Powers Up with Global Circus Sensation Strut & Fret

Community hub at risk

Burger Time 69 on Boundary Street, known for its friendly atmosphere and long-serving staff, may face closure without community support. This popular local meeting spot has seen team members Terry, Jess, and Florine serving the community for over seven years.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Burger Time 69 (@burgertime_69)

Owner Nathan Ghanbari is facing significant challenges after discovering his insurance won’t cover the damage. With the neighbouring property also uninsured, his business is left without recourse for the thousands of dollars in lost stock and necessary repairs.

To help maintain staff employment, replace destroyed stock, and fund essential repairs, the restaurant has set up a GoFundMe campaign. It states that even a “couple of dollars … spent on fries” could help this valued community-focused team get back on its feet.

“Without your help, we will lose the great team we all love, and will put the business in dire stress trying to reopen,” Ghanbari explains, emphasising the challenge of starting over so soon after taking ownership two months ago.

Proceeds from the campaign will go towards “restoring any damage, paying staff as so not to lose them until we can re-open, [and] restoring stock,” among other things.

Read: West End Shisha Bar Destroyed in Overnight Ram Raid and Fire

Help Burger Time 69

Community members can support Burger Time 69’s recovery by contributing to their GoFundMe campaign here. The goal is to restore its role as a local gathering spot and preserve its contribution to West End’s vibrant food scene. As of 16 November, the campaign is already 47% of the way towards reaching its $10,000 target.

Published 16-November-2024

The West End Electric Powers Up with Global Circus Sensation Strut & Fret

Brisbane’s cultural landscape is about to get a whole lot fizzier as global production powerhouse Strut & Fret brings their champagne-inspired circus-cabaret spectacular, Blanc de Blanc Encore, to the city’s newest entertainment venue, The West End Electric.

Read: West End Electric: New Theatre Opens with Dazzling LIMBO

The show, which has already intoxicated audiences at the Sydney Opera House, arrives in Brisbane just in time for the festive season, with previews beginning November 14 before the official cork-popping opening night on November 21.

From Local Roots to Global Heights

Strut & Fret — Photo credit: Blanc de Blanc/Facebook

For Creative Director Scott Maidment, bringing the show to Brisbane marks a special homecoming. “Since we opened The West End Electric in September, it’s been a treat to spend more time back home in Brisbane, where Sarah Stewart and I started the company over 20 years ago,” says Maidment, whose directing credits include work with Madonna and successful seasons of the original Blanc de Blanc in London’s West End and Las Vegas.

International Star Power

The production brings together a constellation of international talent, with choreography by Kevin Maher, whose work has graced the stages of pop icons Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, and Madonna. The show’s visual allure is enhanced by James Browne’s costumes, while Danish electronic artist Kenneth Bager provides the pulsating soundtrack.

A World-Class Cast

The ensemble reads like a who’s who of global circus talent, featuring Cirque du Soleil alumni and performers who have shared stages with contemporary music stars like Dua Lipa and Tones and I.

From Canadian comedian-acrobat Felix Pouliot to American aerial innovator Caitlin Tomson-Moylan, the cast brings together diverse talents from across the globe. Local audiences can look forward to seeing Perth’s own Jackie Chambers and Jess Mews alongside international stars like South African vocalist Sasha Lee Saunders and Ukrainian movement artist Misha.

More Than Just Circus

Blanc de Blanc Encore by Strut & Fret promises to transform The West End Electric from a sophisticated French lounge into a high-energy nightclub, combining world-class acrobatics with comedy, music, and plenty of surprises. The show’s previous success at prestigious venues worldwide speaks to its unique appeal, blending classic circus arts with contemporary entertainment.

Practical Details

The show runs Wednesday through Sunday with multiple performance times, making it an ideal choice for both holiday celebrations and group events. With tickets starting from $64 and special options available for group bookings, audiences are encouraged to secure their seats early for what promises to be one of Brisbane’s most talked-about entertainment events of the season.

Read: Inside Cobbler West End, Brisbane’s ‘Hidden’ Cocktail Haven

The West End Electric, located at 125 Boundary Street, adds another jewel to Brisbane’s cultural crown, bringing world-class entertainment to the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant precincts.