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52 Apartment Projects Stalled as Oversupply Looms over West End and Other Inner City Suburbs

The desirability of West End and other inner-city suburbs did little to prevent an oversupply situation in the apartment sector. This has resulted in some 52 apartment projects being stalled or completely abandoned in the past year.

With projects being stalled, it means that around 10,000 units will be removed from the market.

A recent report from economic analysis and forecasting group, BIS Oxford Economics, indicates that rapid completion of apartment buildings in West End and other inner-city suburbs has brought the market into saturation.

The oversupply, which is predicted to last until 2025, has left nearly 20% of apartments in the area unoccupied.

Overdevelopment Taking Its Toll

Some developers have backed out from project development due to factors such as declining investor demand, and restrictions on interest-only loans. Adding to the issue are growing development costs and lower income from rent.

The saturation of the apartment market in the inner city is a result of what is seen as overdevelopment in the inner-city.

In recent years, the area has experienced rapid and record growth in terms of apartment building development. During the 2017-2018 financial year, an estimated 8,300 units will be completed, an increase from the 5,700 units built in the previous year. In 2019, some 5,000 units are expected to be built.

West End, CBD, Spring Hill and Toowong and Hamilton are ahead of other Brisbane suburbs when it comes to the number of apartments coming to the market.

West End was seen to lead the rest of the Queensland in the property market. However, the rapid development of high-rise and large-scale projects posed a negative effect on investor income.

Read: West End Seen to Lead Growth in Queensland Property Market in 2018

The growing number of high-rise residential projects in the area has left many units unoccupied. With supply drastically overcoming demand, rent prices eventually plummeted.

Concerned locals have voiced out concerns over the growing number of high-rise developments in the area. Among the more vocal critics is Councillor Jonathan Sri (The Gabba), who believes that the focus should be on making dwellings affordable and not large apartment projects.

Read: Subtropical River Garden or Madness? New 12-Storey Building Proposed for West End

Market Correction

Despite the shelving of 10,000 apartments, some industry experts are not worried. They see the situation simply as the market correcting itself.

Developers are reacting to the saturation in an effort to limit supply. But optimists still think that eventually, the market will boom again and will see those 10,000 units completed in a few years.

Eritrean Restaurant in West End – More Than Just Tasty African Food, It’s an Enterprise for Refugees

On Mollison Street in West End, an extraordinary restaurant is bringing the colours and flavours of African food to Brisbane locals. But underneath the tasteful culinary experience, Mu’ooz Restaurant & Catering is empowering African women refugees in the city.

Fittingly situated in the culturally diverse suburb of West End, Mu’ooz is a not-for-profit offering traditional Eritrean cuisine. The restaurant’s name is literally translated as ‘tasty and healthy’ in Tigrinya, the language of Eritrea and some parts of Ethiopia.

Mu’ooz serves traditional African food that’s best for sharing with family and friends.

All dishes are served with Enjera bread, a pancake-like sourdough that is a staple of the Eritrean diet. The eating experience involves tearing off a piece of enjera and wrapping in it a portion of food and eating the whole thing without using cutlery. Guests can, of course, request to use cutlery, but for the full African food experience, it is best to eat without them.

Mu’ooz menu

Remarkable Founder

Behind the success of the restaurant is a strong and remarkable woman who has spent a great part of her life fighting for the disadvantaged. Saba Abraham, a women’s rights activist in Eritrea, fled her home country due to war and for fear of persecution.

After moving from Sudan, Kenya and Egypt, she finally came to Australia in the early 1990s. She feels lucky to be living in a peaceful country that respects human rights. But at the same time, she feels guilt and sadness for losing loved ones due to the conflict in her home country.

Saba made it her purpose to assist other women refugees who are trying to fit in their new environment in Australia. That purpose is the very essence of Mu’ooz.

Get to know more Saba Abraham in this special documentary.

Social Enterprise

The restaurant is a social enterprise that provides African refugee women with jobs and traineeship to help them stand on their own. Most refugees come to the country with very little to zero education. They struggle to learn the language, making it difficult for them to find a job.

Through Mu’ooz, these refugees get a chance at finding the kind of life they wish to live in Australia. It becomes their training ground where they learn to speak English and transition to other areas of society.

10 Years of Mu’ooz

In 2018, Mu’ooz celebrates ten years of empowering African women refugees. Since 2008, it has employed and trained more than 160 women.

Photo credit: Mu’ooz Eritrean Restaurant & Catering/Facebook

To mark its 10th year, the restaurant is hosting an event called, An Evening in Africa – A Celebration of 10 Years of Mu’ooz.

The event is set on Friday 20 April 2018, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The road to 10 years wasn’t all smooth-sailing. Economic downturns affected its operation and at one point it nearly closed sometime in 2015. Thanks to the volunteerism of its staff and board members, it managed to stay open up to present time.

This year, the restaurant hopes to further expand its traineeship by 20%. It is also pursuing engaging events that suit the interest of the community. Aside from the usual African cooking classes, it now offers vegan cooking classes in response to clamour from the vegan community.

African Cooking Classes – Mixed Dishes

African Cooking Classes – Vegan

There is so much to celebrate for the Eritrea restaurant, which has succeeded throughout the years through the dedication of its founder and its staff. It has become popular among locals, not only for its delicious food but also for its unique social endeavour.

Find out more about Mu’ooz by visiting their website at www.muooz.com.au, or follow them on Facebook for updates.

Address: 54 Mollison Street, West End

Hang Out with the Community on Neighbour Day in West End

The annual Neighbour Day is happening in West End on the 25th of March 2018 and it will be a perfect time to spend time and chill out with members of the community.

The event will be held at Bunyapa Park in West End starting at 10:30 in the morning. Expect sausage sizzle, exciting activities and entertainment for the whole family.

Event Details

What:

West End Neighbour Day 2018

When:

Sunday 25 March 2018
10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Where:

Bunyapa Park
Thomas Street, West End

Visit Event Page

basket weaving, Neighbour Day West End — Photo credit: Footprints in Brisbane Inc./Facebook

Organised by Footprints in Brisbane Inc, West End Neighbour Day will also feature a basket weaving session.

Kim Ah Sam will be at Bunyapa Park on Sunday to demonstrate how to weave a basket.

Check out the visual arts of Kim Ah Sam.

About Neighbour Day

This year’s theme is: The importance of a supportive neighbourhood for children and young people. It is held on the last Sunday of March each year.

Aside from West End, other neighbourhoods across Brisbane will also be hosting their own Neighbour Day gathering on the day.

The main aim of the community gathering is to enhance relationships among neighbours. This is especially important for the elderly and the vulnerable.

The social connection activity will help counter loneliness, isolation and depression as it brings together like-minded individuals and organisations.

Learn more about Neighbour Day.

All You Can Eat Gelato is Coming to West End

It’s a gelato lover’s dream come true.

On Sunday 25 March 2018, it will be a gelato feast in West End as La Macelleria presents the first-ever All You Can Eat Gelato event in Australia. For $10, ticket holders can delight in all the sweet gelato flavours they can devour.

The all-you-can-eat event will be a whole day affair, starting at 11:00 in the morning and continuing until 9:30 in the evening, so there’s plenty of time to try all the flavours on hand.

Event Details

What:	All You Can Eat Gelato
When:	Sunday 25 March 2018
Where:	La Macelleria Gelateria 321 Montague Road, West End
	Buy Tickets on Eventbrite

La Macelleria Gelateria will be serving its usual favourites, including chocolate gelato, coffee and pistachio. On the day, however, there will be five flavours that will be available exclusively during the event. These include Matcha, Maple Pecan Pie, Earl Grey & Yuzu Sorbet, Coconut White Chocolate & Line, and Strawberry & Balsamic Vinegar Sorbet.

The All You Can Eat tickets are valid only cups and cones.

Interested in this ultimate gelato immersion? Buy tickets online at Eventbrite or purchase tickets on the day.

About La Macelleria Gelateria

La Macelleria is a specialist in artisan gelato and boasts using only premium and local ingredients. It prides itself on bringing only natural and “clean” gelato, free from colourants, preservatives, additives or hydrogenate fats.

Find out more about La Macelleria.

Brewsvegas 2018: Celebrate Local Beer in West End

West End is the place to be in March as the biggest beer festival returns to Brisbane.

From Friday 9 March up to Sunday 18 March, Brewsvegas 2018 will quench the thirst of Brisbanites for great local beer. Now in its fifth year, Brewsvegas promises to bring pleasant surprises as it features the originality and personality of the different beer venues in the city.

West End bars, breweries and eating places will play host to many of the events during the beer festival.

Here are some of the Brewsvegas events happening in West End.

Friday 9 March
	Brewsvegas Launch Party by Beer InCider The Joinery on Montague Road will host the launch party of Brewsvegas, bringing a Beer InCider Experience to every beer lover. Expect lots of great music, food cider and beer as well as collaboration brews made for the night.Venue: The Joinery, 244 Montague Rd, West End Time: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Buy Tickets $25
Saturday 10 March
	Living the Dream – So You Want to be a Brewer The Catchment Brewing Co will open its doors and give the crowd a behind-the-scenes experience of what it is like to be a brewer. The event is perfect for aspiring brewers and beer geeks.Become a brewer for a day, decide what should be brewed and get a typical brewer’s lunch, pizza. Attendees will also do heaps of quality control, that is, drinking beer.Venue: The Catchment Brewing Co, 150 Boundary Street, West End Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Buy Tickets $49
	Tipsy with the Gypsy with Brisbane Beer Barons Brisbane Brewing Co is hosting some of the best ‘gypsy’ brewers who have figured out how to bring their brews to the public without shelling out millions of dollars in investment.The gypsy brewers will be challenged to brew a one-off 50-litre keg. Expect the new and limited brews at the event.Venue: Brisbane Brewing Co, 124 Boundary Street, West End Time: 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. FREE ENTRY
Sunday 11 March
	Not in My Back Yard (Party) Come to The Burrow and celebrate the best New Zealand brews. West End’s favourite cottage will be serving Kiwi-theme lamb pizza and Kiwi beers from 8 Wired and Garage Project.Venue: The Burrow, 52 Russell St, West End Time: 3:00 p.m. until late FREE ENTRY
	Beyond a Brew Beers can be more than just a brew. The event at The End Bar aims to bring people together to start a conversation over a beer. There will be a food truck, talks, merchandise and local vinyl DJs at the event.Venue: The End Bar, 73 Vulture St, West End Time: 3:00 p.m. – 12:00 midnight FREE EVENT
Wednesday 14 March
	West End Progressive Dinner This event will show why West End is the best side. Hope to Bosc for the first course, then to Catchment, Brisbane Brewing Co and finish at Archive Beer Boutique.Venue: Archive Beer Boutique Time: 6:30 p.m. until late Buy Tickets $80
Thursday 15 March
	The Fluster Cluck It’s collaboration night at Brisbane Brewing Co. The craft brewery and bar will have double collaboration brews from Dainton and Kaiju and a one-off batch with Thirsty Merchants.Venue: Brisbane Brewing Co Time: 4:00 p.m. – 12:00 midnight FREE EVENT
	Northern Rivers Producers Dinner Archive Beer Boutique is teaming up with Stone & Wood to bring the best of the Northern Rivers and Byron Bay area. Expect a banquet-style feast with a broad range of organic produce, wine, spirits and fantastic beer.Venue: Archive Beer Boutique, 100 Boundary St, West End Time: 7:00 p.m. until late Buy Tickets $80

More Brewsvegas will happen in other parts of Brisbane. Check out the Brewsvegas website to see the complete list of events during the beer festival.

Vibrant Endless Summer Markets Happening in West End

Summer may be ending, but in West End, the vibrant pop up Endless Summer Markets is set to capture West End in March.

Presented by The Sunday Girl, Endless Summer Markets will feature the best of pre-loved items, top quality vintage pieces and artisan goods created by local craft makers. The venue will also feature food trucks featuring delectable and healthy eats and sweet treats.

The markets will be on Sunday 11 March 2018 on Montague Road in West End.

Event Details

What:	The Sunday Girl Endless Summer Markets
When:	Sunday 11 March 2018 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where:	204 Montague Road, West End

The Sunday event is perfect for artisans and vintage item makers to feature their work and pre-loved articles. Anyone interested to sell their pre-loved items and original arts and crafts can avail of tickets ranging from $27.46 to $48.56.

Vendor Tickets

Food and Beverage Vendor Ticket	For food trucks and vendors Price: $48.56
Stall Holder Ticket	Ideal for hand-made goods sellers Price: $38.01
Rack Stall – Clothing Ticket	Provides clothing vendors with 2x1m racks to be displayed Price: $38.01
Suitcase Rummage – Clothing Ticket	Second-hand clothing ticket. Suitcase Rummage. Suitcases must be featured as part of the display. Price: $27.46

Vendors can choose to share a stall with their fellow vendors to split the fee and maximise profits.

Among the first to stalls to showcase their vintage treasures is Scouted Design, which should give every girl her fill of boho clothing and chick fashion.

Vendor ticket sale will end on 9 March 2018 at 4:00 p.m.

Interested in a vendor ticket? Buy tickets here.

Follow The Sunday Girl on Facebook for updates.

New Dutton Park School to Help Address School Overcrowding in Inner City

The Dutton Park Ecosciences Precinct has been selected as the site for a new high school, which has been planned to address the growing demand in Brisbane’s inner-south.

Back in 2017, the Queensland Government promised to build two new secondary schools for the inner city as well as expand West End State School. One of the two new schools will be built on Brookes Street in Fortitude Valley to service the inner-north communities. The project is currently in the planning stages and the school is expected to open in 2020.

Read: West End State School to be Expanded, Two New Schools Opening in Inner City

Inner-South School

It took some months for the government to determine the site for the new inner-south school. Initially, they explored the possibilities of Davies Park, Kurilpa Point and Dutton Park for the planned high school.

In the end, Dutton Park proved to be the ideal area for the new school.

The Ecosciences Precinct’s access to existing and future transport networks is one of the reasons why it was seen as the ideal location. It also helped that the government’s partner in the school project, The University of Queensland is also easily accessible via the Eleanor Schonell Bridge. Proximity to UQ will help maximise opportunities for the students to access the university’s resources.

The site, which sits on state-owned land, was also chosen because of its close connection to health sciences precincts and hospital and its capacity to support urban growth and development.

Population Growth Response

The building of the new schools is a response of the government to the growing population in the inner-city.

“As a local parent, I have witnessed first-hand the significant population growth in the inner-south and the corresponding impact on local school populations, like Brisbane State High, which is the largest secondary school across the nation,” said Deputy Premier and Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad.

“That’s why I have fought hard, on behalf of my local community, to secure a new school for the inner-south because I know it is the number one issue for our community, Ms Trad said.

Locals within inner-city Brisbane have expressed dismay at the lack of foresight in planning for schools in the area. Recent reports have indicated overcrowding in schools as a result of more families moving to apartments near Brisbane CBD.

Read: West End Apartment Boom Causing Public School Overcrowding

Read: How the Apartment Industry in West End is Causing Problems for Schools

Future of Inner-City Schools

The new Dutton Park school is expected to open for Year 7 students from the start of 2021. UQ will be actively participating in developing innovative education for the Years 7-12 in the secondary school.

The Queensland Government will seek community feedback on the project. There will be school and community information sessions in February and March 2018.

The construction of the new high schools is part of the government’s $800-million Building Future Schools program.

Get updates on the Building Future Schools program.

Coolest Ice Cream Festival Returns to West End

Following the success of the first-ever Brisbane Ice Cream Festival 2017, West End is all hyped and prepped for this year’s festival happening on Saturday 10 March 2018.

Photo credit: Brisbane Ice Cream Festival/Facebook

This year’s Ice Cream Festival promises to be better and cooler than last year’s festival, which sold out within six hours after tickets were released.

Ice cream enthusiasts should expect tickets to be gone just as fast this year, so it’s best to be first in line when organisers release tickets on Tuesday 13 February at 10:00 a.m.

Event Details

What:

Brisbane Ice Cream Festival 2018

When:

Saturday 10 March 2018

Session Times
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Ticket distribution starts Tuesday 13 February 2018

Where:

Peters Ice Cream Factory
97 Boundary Street, West End

There will be three session times for the festival, starting 11:00 a.m.

Just like last year, only 6,000 tickets will be made available due to logistic considerations. Tickets are free and will grant the holder entry to the event. Guests can then purchase ice cream delights from the vendors at the event.

New Frozen Creations

This year’s Ice Cream Festival promises to be the coolest event yet as top ice cream makers across the country gather at the event to feature frozen treats never before seen in Brisbane.

There a dozen reasons to drool over the cool treats at the event. Think sweet treats created by Ruby the Little Red Ice Cream Van, taking inspiration from the ‘Stranger Things’ TV series. Chop Chop Chang will be concocting a Golden Gaytime bao. There will also be cannoli stuffed with pistachio gelato courtesy of La Macelleria.

Vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free sweet treats will also be available at the festival for those with specific dietary needs.

Expect tickets to sell fast. Be the first to grab tickets to Brisbane Ice Cream Festival 2018.

Find out more about the event.

Single in Brisbane? Find Your Match at Valentine Events in West End

It’s the month of love and it can be the perfect time to find love.

For singles looking for a date, CitySwoon is once again hosting special dating events in West End in February.

Valentine’s MegaParty

Singles ages 21 to 39 years can look forward to a Valentine’s MegaParty event on Friday 9 February 2018 at The Loft. It’s not just another Valentine’s event but promises to be the biggest dating event of the year.

Guests can have a chance to find their Valentine through a series of quick mini-dates.

After the mini-dates, it will be an all-night party with some of the best DJs in Brisbane setting the party mood.

Tickets will include two drinks and the fast-paced mini-dates.

Event Details

What:	Find Your Valentine Singles MEGAParty
When:	Friday 9 February 2018 7:00 p.m.
Where:	Loft West End 100 Boundary Street, West End
Tickets:	Public – $59; Members – $44 Tickets

Post-Valentine First Dates

Singles from 35 to 47 years of age can also participate in a post-Valentine event on Thursday 15 February 2018 at the Archive Beer Boutique.

The Matched Speed Dating event hosted by CitySwoon promises to be a fun night with unlimited drinks, delicious canapes and speed dating. The newly renovated venue should give singles the right atmosphere for the quick first dates.

Based on their profile, participants will be matched in real time with the most compatible person. They will then be sent on a series of quick dates lasting around 12 to 15 minutes.

Event Details

What:	Matched Speed Dating in West End
When:	Thursday 15 February 2018 7:00 p.m.
Where:	Archive Beer Boutique 100 Boundary Street, West End
Tickets:	Public – $89; Member – $59 Tickets

CitySwoon holds regular dating events in Brisbane, sourcing the best night spots and venues in the city. Events are fun and ideal for anyone looking for a relationship or wanting to socialise. It should also suit those who wish to test going back to the dating scene.

See upcoming speed dating events by CitySwoon in Brisbane.

Subtropical River Garden or Madness? New 12-Storey Building Proposed for West End

A new 12-storey residential development is being proposed on Victoria Street in West End, and while the developer is touting it as a future subtropical river-garden, Councillor Jonathan Sri (The Gabba) thinks it would be madness to let such a development push through.

Crown Group has lodged a Development Application for a residential tower with 446 apartment units. These would include 1-bedroom to 3-bedroom apartment units and penthouses. The proposal involves building a 10-storey building with a two-storey podium on a lot area of 10,766 square metres.

Site of the proposed residential development. (Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Riverfront Garden Lifestyle

Architectural firm FJMT, which designed the building, said they drew inspiration from the Brisbane River and the Hinterland beyond when they came up with the gentle and fluid design for the building.

Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The idea was to create homes instead of apartments, with units provided with private gardens and balconies of at least 12 square metres. Residents would also be provided with communal landscaped spaces. The building is U-shaped and turns towards the river to take full advantage of the views.

The design boasts a central garden with an infinity waterfront pool and a communal garden terrace for residents. This subtropical riverfront garden concept is in keeping with the Buildings that Breathe guidelines of the Brisbane City Council.

Death-Trap Intersection

Councillor Jonathan Sri expressed dismay over the proposal. He asserted that it would be madness to approve such a proposal, which does not comply with the neighbourhood plan.

Cr Sri explained that while the proposal states that the plan is for a 12-storey building, the building looks more like a 14 or 15-storey structure.

A vocal fighter for affordable housing, Cr Sri said that what the neighbourhood needs now are safe pedestrian crossings and not luxury penthouses.

“The council can’t cram more people into an area without improving public transport facilities, or traffic congestion will just get worse and worse,” he said.

He also noted that upzoning the area for high-density residential development is based on a premise that the council would first build a new CityCat terminal at the end of Victoria Street. That has not happened yet.

“West End needs more medium-density public housing and affordable community housing – not more,” Cr Sri said.

Find out more about the West End Development Application (A004827228).