Westoria: The Winter Edition Takes West End by Storm with a Magical Vibe

The winter sunshine is beckoning, and the enchanting allure of Westoria: The Winter Edition has arrived in West End, promising a unique and mystical experience like never before. Brace yourselves for a journey into a world of weird and wonderful, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy as you step into the paradox of Westoria.



The debut of Westoria in the winter will be an unforgettable event, starting, Friday, 21 July 2023, and then again on Sunday, 23 July 2023. Prepare to be mesmerized by spooky and effervescent gypsies who will read your fortune, leaving you with chills down your spine. Immersion is the name of the game, and you’re invited to lose yourself in this magical wonderland.

But that’s not all – the fun doesn’t end with the launch. Westoria will be open every Friday from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. and every Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., making sure everyone gets a chance to experience the enchantment. Roving character actors will keep you entertained, and the presence of entertainers like Clara Cupcake, stilt walkers, and fire twirlers will leave you in awe.

Westoria
Photo Credit: Supplied
Photo Credit: Supplied

For those who love music, the dedicated outdoor stage at Westoria will be the perfect spot to relax and groove to the sweet sounds of live musicians. So grab your blanket, find a cozy spot, and enjoy some boujee “grounding” in style. Add some puppy dates and picnic blankets to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for good vibes and unforgettable memories.

The foodies among you are in for a treat too! Every Friday, guests can indulge in freshly shucked oysters at the City Winery Pop-up to pair with the drinks!

Westoria
Photo Credit: Supplied

And on Sundays, City Winery is partnering with Woombye Cheese to bring you the quintessential Westoria Sunday Sessions at Davies Park. The bespoke market, live music, and lush parkland will make West End come alive in a way you’ve never seen before. It’s a sesh that’s sure to beat the rest!

If rolling endlessly in the sunshine makes you stupidly happy, Westoria has just the thing. Rolla Bae are rolling up with their peachy-pink retro 1960s caravan, offering skate hire and roller discos on demand!

Westoria
Photo Credit: Supplied


The fun is set for the whole family with a jumping castle, lawn games like giant jenja, giant connect four, croquet and bocce to name a few.

  • The best food trucks in SE QLD
  • Pop Up Bar
  • Glühwein (authentic mulled wine)
  • Roving character actors
  • Bonfires
  • Live music on the main stage
  • Artisan market stalls
  • Buskers
  • Lawn games
  • Artisan market stalls
  • Dog friendly

WESTORIA
Fridays | 4pm – 10pm
Sundays | 12pm – 8pm
Launching on Friday July 21st 2023
120 Jane St, West End, QLD, 4101
Located next to the home of the Saturday West End Markets

Barber Shop Makes Waves as ‘Best in West End’

Waves Barber Shop (also known as Langanis) has been completely overhauled as a nod to the evolving diversity and popularity of West End.  In an effort to stay true to its roots, Waves will also be the brand’s very own practical hub where apprentice barbers gain experience with the tools before making their way up the ranks as qualified barbers. 

One of them is Jasiah Mackie, an Indigenous Aussie who works as the Store Manager, alongside a host of other young and dissimilar barbers who all have one thing in common – they love what their company is bringing to the local community and they’re proud to be working for the ‘best barber shop in town.’ 



Waves Barbershop West End
Photo Credit: Supplied

“Waves is a great example of how the Langanis brand is growing with their clientele and, as an indigenous Aussie and lead barber, I’m pumped to be a part of it,” barber Jasiah Mackie said. 

Jasiah Mackie, store Manager at Waves Barber Shop
Jasiah at Waves. Photo Credit: Instagram/Waves Barber Shop

Here are Jasiah’s thoughts about what it’s like as a young barber in West End.

How did you get into barbering?

I cut hair at Langanis once a week while I was in high school. I’ve been working with Langanis for four years now so I’m really happy to step up and take the lead at Waves. 

What do you love most about the job?

Every single day is different – you never know what you could be doing or who you might be servicing. West End definitely keeps things interesting. There’s always something going on in the area and the vibes are really high around here lately. It’s a great spot. I also really love meeting new people. A lot of my friendships have been formed while barbering – it’s the best thing in the world. At the core of things though, I’ve always had a passion for art. I love painting, and cutting hair is just another expression of art for me. 

Tell us a bit about the people you work with at Waves? 

They’re a really diverse bunch, which is great. In store we around a dozen staff total, two others are also First Nations. We all get along really well and love what Langanis is doing at Waves and it’s awesome to be a part of it. 

Photo Credit: Waves Barber Shop

What makes Waves different from other barbers? 

We really aren’t your average barbershop. We’re trained by the best to provide the best, and Waves is cool because we can still do what we do but at a lower price point, making our service more available to everyday people. Our company really cares about providing that quality service and haircut for everyone, which I love. 

Waves Barbershop West End
Photo Credit: Supplied


Total Grooming Experience

Photo Credit: Waves Barber Shop

Customers of Waves love the unique Bohemian-Moroccan décor and four different kinds of delicious coffee served whilst they wait. The shop offers a total grooming experience, with loyal customers coming in for the men’s style cut, full facial shave, and eyebrow shaping.

Popular cuts include the razor head shave, buzz cut, undercut, and men’s style cut. Children can get the “Little Man’s Cut” and they also have a special “Student’s Cut”on offer.

Beard trimming and waxing services are available as well.

Located at 173 Boundary Street, the Langanis group services Brisbane via four locations and employs over 30 staff collectively. 

To learn more about Waves you can follow their journey on Instagram at @wavesbarbershop_.

Published 21-July-2023

Kurilpa Plan Moves to Consultation Phase Amidst Controversy

A major development proposal for South Brisbane’s central Kurilpa precinct has entered the consultation phase, in the wake of recent disagreements and opposition to the plan.



The Kurilpa plan aims to transform the riverfront area to provide thousands of new homes whilst preserving the city’s character and lifestyle. However, the Kurilpa planning instrument has been the subject of contention, particularly surrounding the inclusion of affordable housing options. 

Community groups like Kurilpa Futures and the West End Community Association (WECA) recently held a rally to express their opposition to the proposal. They argue that the plan will lead to extensive development in a flood-prone area and lack adequate social infrastructure to support the growing population.

Community groups also question the claim that the plan will increase the supply of affordable housing. They believe that the plan could drive land speculation, leading to even higher housing costs and displacing low to moderate-income residents.

Criticisms, protests from residents

On 17 July 2023, residents in South Brisbane took to the streets in protest this morning, opposing the Council’s plans to raise the height limit in the area to 90 storeys or 274 meters. WECA president Seleneah More criticized the Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) as “densification by stealth.” She argued that developers already had approved projects since 2018 in South Brisbane that would provide 1000 to 1500 new units, questioning the necessity for further height increases.

More further criticised the TLPI for not mandating affordable housing requirements for developers within the area. She pointed out that the Council’s definition of affordable housing meant rental prices only 10% below market rates, which fell short of the State Government’s definition of 30% below market rates.

The protesters also demanded a more extensive public consultation process, including drop-in sessions and opportunities for residents to engage with town planners.

In response, Deputy Mayor Krista Adams accused the protest of being influenced by “the Greens’ radical politicking,” though WECA and Kurilpa Futures have no connections to the Greens or any other political party. Adams argued that the Greens had opposed numerous housing projects, including 10,000 new homes in the Kurilpa Precinct, exacerbating the housing crisis.

State & Council addressing concerns

Last month, Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon wrote to Cr Schrinner, citing public concerns and stating it may block the proposal if it does not include adequate affordable and social housing, whilst also praising the inclusion of green spaces and sustainability initiatives in the Plan.

Kurilpa Plan
Photo Credit: BCC/DSDILGP

Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Steven Miles and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner have decided to proceed with the consultation phase for the proposal, confident that it will address the Minister’s concerns and allowing two weeks for public and industry feedback.

Mr Miles expressed support for enhancing housing supply and reducing urban sprawl in the region but maintained his reservations about the availability of affordable options. He emphasised the need for the proposed temporary local planning instrument to focus on increasing housing supply, affordability, and diversity.

For its part, Brisbane City Council remains confident in the Kurilpa plan’s ability to provide suitable measures to address the points raised by the Housing Minister in her missive and urged the government not to allow any red tape from stopping any new homes being built in the midst of a housing crisis.

“I welcome the State Government’s decision to progress our Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct plan to the next stage,” Cr Schrinner said.

“The Kurilpa plan will deliver thousands of new homes while protecting the character of Brisbane’s suburbs and the lifestyle our residents love.



“In exchange for CBD-style height limits, residential buildings throughout Kurilpa will need to meet higher sustainability standards and deliver community benefits, such as housing diversity and affordability and public facilities.

“Given the area’s incredible existing connectivity to train, bus and active transport infrastructure, Kurilpa will be Brisbane’s most sustainable community, where owning a car really is optional.”

Consultation process opened

The consultation process for the Kurilpa plan aims to collect opinions from various stakeholders, community members, and industry representatives, with a particular emphasis on assessing the potential impact of the Kurilpa plan on housing supply and affordability.

A feedback portal has been set up, where residents can submit their comments and concerns regarding the proposed changes until 26 July 2023.

The feedback from the consultation will be considered along with advice from the Planning Department before a final decision is made. If approved, the Kurilpa plan will undergo an additional public consultation process and take 18 months to two years to be incorporated into the local planning scheme.

Maurice McCallum, a spokesperson for Kurilpa Futures, expressed concerns that South Brisbane was already projected to have an additional 36,000 residents by 2046 under the existing height limits. But he also said that the TLPI’s maximum height would lead to an increase of 120,000 residents, resulting in an overcrowded population density.

Published 19-July-2023

5 Things You May Not Know About Ippin Dining, West End’s New Culinary Gem

Perched on the second floor of the South Pavilion, Ippin Dining is a luxurious venue boasting 140 seats and a stunning view of The Common, the open-air space at West Village in the West End.



Ippin DIning has recently opened in West End, thanks to the restaurateur and owner behind Sydney’s Kuon Omakase, Allta, and Funda restaurants, Kenny Lee, brings. This exciting addition to Brisbane’s culinary scene offers a sophisticated Japanese dining experience that is sure to captivate food enthusiasts. 

Here are five things you may not know about Ippin Dining.

Kenny Lee’s First Brisbane Venture

Ippin is the first foray into the Brisbane market for co-owner Kenny Lee, who already enjoys tremendous success with his popular Korean restaurants in Sydney. Allta and Funda have become go-to destinations for food lovers, and Kuon, a nine-seat Japanese omakase, is renowned for its exclusive dining experience. 

Now, Kenny Lee is ready to make a lasting impression on Brisbane with his latest venture, Ippin Dining. 

Ippin Dining: New Culinary Gem in West End
Photo Credit:  Facebook / Ippin Japanese dining 

A Minimalist and Sophisticated Interior

As visitors ascend a staircase adorned with rocks, they reach the second floor of West Village’s Southern Pavilion, where the hidden gem of Ippin Dining awaits amidst a lush rainforest of greenery. 

Inside, the restaurant’s interior design seamlessly blends minimalist and traditional Japanese elements, offering a respectful nod to its neighbouring historic landmark, Peters Ice Cream Factory. 

The combination of natural timber furnishings, black and white marble tabletops, and polished concrete pillars exudes an air of refined elegance. To enhance the cosy and inviting atmosphere, tan banquet seating and plush blue circular booths grace the space, while overhead, curved neon lights cast a warm and intimate glow.

Open Kitchen and Private-Dining Spaces

Ippin Dining:New Culinary Gem in West End
Photo Credit:  Facebook / Ippin Japanese dining 

As guests savour their meals, they can catch a glimpse of the culinary magic happening in the bar and kitchen area. Complete with a breathtaking glass-encased yakitori grill, this section runs along one side of the restaurant, providing an enticing view of culinary craftsmanship. . 

For Kenny Lee, the owner, the kitchen stands out as the highlight of the entire space, radiating an inviting and open atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience.

At the rear of the restaurant, Ippin presents two charming private-dining areas, capable of accommodating ten and twelve guests, respectively. These intimate spaces offer a warm and secluded ambience, perfect for those seeking an exclusive setting for memorable gatherings. 

Upscale Dining with Luxurious Japanese Cuisine

Ippin has set its sights on raising the bar for dining experiences, not just within West Village but across the entire West End community. Acknowledging the absence of a truly exceptional Japanese restaurant in the area, Kenny Lee and his dedicated team embarked on a mission to deliver a truly upscale culinary affair.

Ippin Dining:New Culinary Gem in West End
Photo Credit:  Facebook / Ippin Japanese dining 

Originally envisioning a concept that exceeded the ordinary, they ultimately pushed the boundaries further to offer an extraordinary fine-dining experience featuring the finest Japanese cuisine. The culmination of their efforts is a remarkable eleven-course degustation menu, meticulously crafted to showcase a synergy of exquisite flavours and artfully presented dishes.

Ippin Dining: 5 Things You May Not Know About West End’s New Culinary Gem
Photo Credit: Instagram / ippindining_official

On 27 July, don’t forget to drop by Ippin to experience their Tuna Showcase which starts at 5.30 pm with welcome drinks, leading up to the Live Tuna Cutting Show at 6:00 pm. The event features exclusive auctions of fish parts showcased during the show, lucky draw, and sake tasting for an additional $30.

Additionally, Ippin presents an unforgettable Happy Hour affair featuring Yakitori every Wednesday and Thursday, starting from 3 pm.

The Unforgettable Eleven-Course Degustation Menu

Diners at Ippin have the opportunity to embark on an extraordinary gastronomic adventure through their delectable eleven-course degustation menu. 

Each course is carefully crafted to delight the taste buds and ignite the senses. From the luxurious Bluefin Tuna Toro-taku accompanied by sea urchin and caviar to the mouthwatering Robata Grilled Tooth-fish infused with Saikyo Miso, every dish is a testament to culinary artistry. 

The menu also boasts culinary delights such as Barramundi wasabi leaf san boy chow, Wagyu Tartare, Chawanmushi, Tempura Moreton Bay Bug, Truffle Savoy Cabbage, Chazuke, and concludes with the delightful finale of Roasted Green Tea Warabi Mochi. 



To experience the culinary wonders of Ippin Dining, head to South Pavilion, West Village, 2/97 Boundary St, West End.

Published 13-July-2023

Landmark Barber Honours NAIDOC As They Reveal New Look

Waves Barber Shop, one of Brisbane’s best, is celebrating in pairs this week, offering FREE services to First Nation’s peoples for NAIDOC Week whilst also revealing a vibrant new hub that’s meant to be a melting pot for youth and culture. 



In true West End style, the new Waves Barber Shop has been designed solely to be more accessible for younger and more diverse demographics and they’re kicking things off this Saturday, 8 July, with FREE haircuts for all National Aboriginals and Islanders. 

Located at 173 Boundary Street, Waves occupies the previous Langanis Barber storefront and will be the brand’s very own practical hub where apprentice barbers gain experience on the tools while bringing the latest in styling trends to the people of West End. 

Waves Barber West End
Photo Credit: Supplied

Waves Barber Jasiah Mackie said that as an Indigenous Australian, he can’t wait to see the hype throughout the community as this innovative new space comes alive this weekend. 

“It’s cool to be a part of a brand that’s really staying true to its roots,” Jasiah Mackie said. 

Waves Barber West End NAIDOC
Photo Credit: Supplied

“This weekend will be an opportunity for us to introduce Waves and to show our fellow NAIDOC’s the respect they deserve in our own unique way.”

Waves NAIDOC barbers

Twenty-eight-year-old Director Michael Langanis said that this location has received immense support from locals since it opened in 2016, welcoming 30,000 people through the doors over the past seven years. 

“We’ve got such loyal customers here in West End so we wanted to give the shop an overhaul while staying true to our customers and giving something back,” Michael said.  

Servicing Brisbane via four locations and employing over 30 staff collectively, the Langanis brand also launched On the Rocks late last year – a city-based barbershop designed for gentlemen to gather, enjoy a glass of whiskey and get a haircut. 



  • WHAT: Free haircuts for all First Nation’s peoples in celebration of NAIDOC Week and Waves launch
  • WHEN: Saturday, 8 July. 9 am – 4 pm
  • WHERE: 173 Boundary Street, West End

You can also follow the journey of Waves on Instagram at @_wavesbarbershop.

West End, Brisbane’s Bohemian Heartland, Becomes Battleground in Housing Shortage

Once a vibrant hub of artists and working-class residents, West End now finds itself at the forefront of a housing shortage. 



The neighbourhood, known for its rich cultural heritage, has transformed dramatically over the years, with high-end apartment complexes and luxury shopping centers dominating the landscape. But as the area undergoes urban renewal, long-time residents, small traders, and community organisations have raised concerns about displacement, rising rents, and the impact of exclusive developments.

According to data from CoreLogic, the average weekly rent for a house in West End now exceeds $900, while units demand nearly $700 per week. The local community association has criticised a plan by Council to allow mega-buildings in the flood-prone peninsula of Kurilpa, arguing that the area is already over-developed. Critics contend that such developments have pushed people to the fringes of the city, disrupting the fabric of the community.

Mama Saba Abraham, a former freedom fighter from Eritrea who runs a social enterprise training African refugee women at her West End restaurant, Mu’ooz, feels the impact of the crisis. Mama Saba’s kitchen has provided training and full-time employment for over 400 women, but the skyrocketing rent, estimated to be more than $100,000 per year, is pushing the restaurant to the brink of collapse.

With the opening of a new luxury shopping complex across the street, Mama Saba’s business struggles to retain customers and faces fierce competition from new eateries in the area.

Seleneah More, of the West End Community Association and former urban planner, highlights the challenges posed by rapid development. She notes that since 2010, West End has undergone dense development, putting pressure on infrastructure, schools, and increasing traffic congestion.

More laments the loss of affordable housing, resulting in many people being unable to afford to stay in the neighbourhood. With rent prices far exceeding the affordability threshold, even key workers such as nurses and teachers struggle to find suitable housing.

The challenges faced by Mama Saba’s restaurant and the concerns raised by the West End Community Association underscore the urgent need for a thoughtful and balanced approach to development that takes into account the affordability and sustainability of the suburb.



Published 4-July-2023

Film Student Receives Creative First Nations Scholarship, Finds Inspiration From Her Indigenous Heritage

Chloe Bowen, an 18-year-old Film student at SAE Creative Media Institute in West End has always been fascinated and inspired by the life of her great-grandfather, James Hunham Noade, who was taken from his Indigenous family as part of The Stolen Generations in 1909. 

As one of the recipients of a 2023 Creative First Nations Scholarship, Chloe is making use of film as her medium to tell authentic stories, starting with The Stolen Generations and the Indigenous People.


Read: Homeless Man Shares His Passion for Piano Outside QPAC


‘The Stolen Generations’ encompasses a significant chapter in Australia’s past, a time when Aboriginal children were forcefully separated from their families due to government policies. Spanning from the mid-1800s to the 1970s, this dark period in history had a profound and lasting impact on Indigenous communities across the country.

Stolen Generation children at the Kahlin Compound in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia in 1921 (Photo credit: Public Domain/Peter Spillett Collection/Wikimedia Commons)

Tracing her people’s history wasn’t easy for Chloe. She encountered numerous dead ends in her quest for information. Her great-grandfather was an orphan and the facility that housed physical records about him and other children had unfortunately been destroyed by fire.

Chloe also faced other hardships. In February 2022, South East Queensland experienced devastating floods that left over 500,000 people affected, including Chloe and her parents. 

“I lived in my family’s house, in the granny flat, and we had to move out because I was coughing so much. I couldn’t breathe due to the mold,” she said. “When we moved, we didn’t have anything. Not even a pillow.”

Flooding on the banks of the Brisbane River, February 2022 (Photo credit: CC BY-SA 4.0/Universal Deus/Wikimedia Commons)

Despite being in her final year of high school, Chloe took on casual work to support her family and replace the belongings they had lost in the floods. Balancing the demands of work and education was no easy feat, but Chloe persevered, driven by her unwavering determination to help her family rebuild their lives.

It was around this time that Chloe’s passion for film opened unexpected doors for her. She had the opportunity to collaborate as Assistant Director with renowned Director Josh Hale, who quickly recognised her talent and potential. 

Hale chose Chloe to join him at the prestigious Gold Coast Film Festival in 2022, giving her valuable experience on the set of his upcoming film, Blue Horizon.

“I was eternally grateful for the experience Josh gave me, it was amazing to still be in high school and be involved in that – it certainly helped give me a flavour for what I’m doing now at SAE,” Chloe said.

“I’d love to carve a future career in the film industry as a director or producer. I’m extremely passionate about creating authentic storylines, which inspire audiences.”

SAE Creative Media Institute in West End (Photo credit: Google Street View)

Recognising the significance of supporting Indigenous creatives like Chloe, SAE Australasia General Manager, Dr Luke McMillan, praised Chloe’s talent and determination while emphasising the importance of cross-cultural enrichment within the curriculum of SAE Creative Media Institute.

“SAE is committed to advancing reconciliation in Australia and recognizing outstanding students, like Chloe, through the Creative First Nations Scholarship,” Dr McMillan said.

“SAE has partnered with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to provide SAE students with access to QUT’s Oodgeroo Unit and all associated cultural events. This relationship gives our students a cultural space to study, build connections and community,” he added.


Read: How Boundary St Building Evolved From Tristram Soft Drink Factory To West End Shopping Centre


“I try to keep reminding myself that I’m still young. A lot of people don’t find out about their heritage until much later in life, and they regret having missed so much,” Chloe said.

A big believer in “hunting down” one’s dream, Chloe is optimistic about the future despite past challenges.

“Bad things happen but you have to look at the life lessons that it’s teaching you. Your only limits are the ones you put on yourself.”

Published 3-July-2023 using materials provided by and sourced from SAE Creative Media Institute.

Old West End Police Station to be Converted as a Community Centre

To address the critical need for health, housing, and legal services in Brisbane, the old West End Police Station, built in 1884, is set to be transformed into a comprehensive community centre. 



Located in one of South East Queensland’s homelessness hotspots, the site encompasses Musgrave Park, the Go Between Bridge, and various hostels offering emergency and temporary accommodation. For years, this area has been grappling with significant shortfalls in essential services and the renovation of the West End Police Station aims to directly tackle these challenges.

The Queensland Government, in collaboration with multifaceted housing agency Micah Projects, has allocated a $1.9 million grant for the renovation project, announced Communities Minister Leeanne Enoch. The Queenslander has been vacant since the police station moved to Vulture St in 2021. 





Ms Enoch acknowledged the increasing reliance on support services in the area and emphasized the necessity of providing adequate space to cater to the growing demand. The renovated community centre will offer health services, housing support, dentistry facilities, and legal referrals. Micah Projects‘ Karyn Walsh said that a medical respite could be built at the back of the property. 

“We desperately need something that is a medical ‘step down’ for when people are discharged early or walk out of the hospital,” she said



The conversion of the heritage-listed Queenslander into a community hub is expected to be completed by the end of the year, following minor modifications. Furthermore, the state is actively considering other properties to be repurposed as community hubs to address the growing demand for essential services across Brisbane. 

Published 30-June-2023

Major Developer Aims to Bring High-Rise Living to West End with 10-18 Storey Residential Tower

West End may soon be home to a 10-18 storey residential tower if a proposal by a renowned developer gets approved.


Read: Art Deco Marvel on Vulture Street Hits the Market


The proposed tower, which would be developed by Unison Projects, the development and property investment company owned by billionaire John Van Lieshout, aims to provide luxurious living spaces for residents.

Mr Van Lieshout, who is also the founder of the successful retail furniture store Super A-mart, brings his expertise and vision to this project.

Photo credit: Rothelowman

The subject site for the proposed tower is located at 15-17 Mollison Street and 35-39 Bank Street, covering an area of almost 2,000 sqm.

Photo credit: Rothelowman

With a total of 101 apartments, it will offer a variety of options to cater to different lifestyles and preferences. It will consist of 24 two-bedroom apartments, 76 three-bedroom apartments, and one opulent four-bedroom apartment. 

Alongside a 100 sqm retail space that can double as a community area, the tower, designed by Rothelowman will feature a range of luxurious amenities. These include a gym, treatment room, outdoor gym, wellness lawn, cold plunge, magnesium spa, pool, pool deck, lounge, dining areas, private dining spaces, and BBQ areas.

To accommodate residents’ parking needs and promote sustainable transportation, the 10-18 storey residential tower will also provide 193 car parking spaces and 127 bike parking spaces.


Read: Why These West End Couples Wouldn’t Want to Live Anywhere Else


“The development proposes a 10-18 storey multiple dwelling outcome, which will diversify the housing product within West End, together with creating a very liveable and sub-tropical outcome for residents. The proposed building height is in keeping with the existing, emerging and anticipated building height outcomes for the immediate area,” planners at Mewing Planning Consultants said. 

To learn more about the plans, visit Brisbane City Council’s PD Online, with the reference A006248439.

Published 26-June-2023

Art Deco Marvel on Vulture Street Hits the Market

The Costa brothers stumbled upon this remarkable Art Deco complex more than a decade ago whilst exploring the vibrant streets of West End. Now this hidden gem comprising eight apartment units on Vulture Street goes under the hammer this July, creating an unprecedented opportunity for buyers to own part of South Brisbane’s fascinating history.



A rare Art Deco apartment complex with a spectacular 1930s facade has just been offered for sale. The stunning building, which will be put up for sale on 8 July 2023, is located at 185 Vulture Street and comprises eight beautifully restored apartments that seamlessly blend the historical charm of the past with modern elegance to display the appeal of art deco architecture.

During their exploration of the charming streets of the West End, brothers Shaun and Shane Costa, who had experience in construction and design, discovered this remarkable architectural gem more than ten years ago. 

Originally known as ‘Musgrave Court,’ it was converted into a boarding house and apartment until the brothers undertook an extensive renovation project that ultimately led to the construction of Betty Joan apartments.

Inspired by their grandmother, whom the property is named after, the Costa brothers poured their passion for design and construction into restoring this neglected piece of history. 

There is a timeless and elegant feel about the apartments in this complex. It’s decorated with gleaming wood floors, ceiling heights, authentic Art Deco lamps from all over the world, beautiful wall paintings and elaborate plasterwork. The exterior of the building is also dazzling, with a classic stucco facade, white awnings and geometric gates.



‘185 Vulture Street’ is located in the heart of vibrant South Brisbane, which provides a great location close to the city’s core business district and many other facilities. In the vicinity of Grey Street’s famous restaurants, cafes and cultural sites, residents can be a short walk away.


Published 19-June-2023