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West End Residents Push Back Against 16-Storey Tower Near Primary School

Parents and residents in West End have voiced strong opposition to a proposal for a 16-storey apartment tower directly across from West End State School, warning the project would overwhelm local infrastructure and impact neighbourhood character.

Read: West End State School Celebrates 150 Years with Community Fiesta

Plans for Vulture Street Development

The proposed mixed-use development at 33 Vulture Street includes 132 dwellings, food and drink outlets, shops or offices, and a rooftop garden.

Artist’s impression of proposed mixed-use building for Vulture St (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A006760664)

The design features a three-storey podium that incorporates the preserved facades of an existing commercial character building, with two levels of active frontages facing Vulture Street. Above this, a 13-level tower would house apartments.

Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A006760664

Developers have planned 199 car parking spaces and 165 bicycle spaces for residents and visitors.

Community Concerns

16-storey — Photo credit: West End State School Parents and Citizens Association/Facebook

The proposal, currently on public notification, has already drawn hundreds of submissions to Brisbane, the vast majority of which are opposed. Residents argued the project far exceeds the site’s zoning allowance of eight storeys, raising concerns about its scale and impact on the surrounding community.

Vanessa Bertagnole, the head of West End State School Parents and Citizens Association, has said that while West End is already experiencing heavy development, this tower would sit directly on the school’s doorstep and place further pressure on infrastructure that is already struggling to keep pace.

Safety, liveability, and school impact

Many residents highlighted traffic and safety issues in their submissions. One submission noted the inclusion of 199 car parks would significantly increase vehicle movements in what is already a congested school zone.

“West End State School is a high-footfall zone, with hundreds of children walking, cycling, or scooting to school daily. The influx of vehicles from this development will exacerbate congestion during peak drop-oƯ and pick-up times, increase overflow parking on narrow streets, and pose unacceptable safety risks to children,” one resident said in their submission.

“I support growth but insist it must be balanced, sensitive, and infrastructure-supported. I believe the proposed development is too intense and inconsiderate of local liveability,” one resident wrote.

Concerns raised included the loss of winter sunlight, reduced solar efficiency for nearby homes, increased noise, and the 16-storey tower’s looming presence over the school. Privacy and student wellbeing were also mentioned as key issues.

Read: Stage 2 of West End State School Expansion Now Complete

The development proposal remains open for public comment, with Council to consider the community feedback before making a final decision.

Published 2-September-2025

Artist Jenna Catchpole Shares Grief and Growth in West End Exhibition

This September, West End will host a deeply personal and moving exhibition that blends artistry with memory. Her Flame My Hands marks the first solo show for Brisbane/Meanjin-based ceramic artist Jenna Catchpole (née Thompson), a showcase of vessels shaped not just by clay and fire, but by love, loss, and resilience.

Read: Queensland Ballet’s Newborn Giants Brings Innovation to Thomas Dixon Centre

For Jenna, the exhibition represents a poignant milestone. She was 19 when her mother, Jennene, a talented potter herself, passed away. Now, at 38, Jenna finds herself at the midpoint, 19 years with her mother, 19 years without her. Through ceramics, she honours that bond, holding memory in her hands as tangibly as she holds the clay she shapes.

After her mother’s passing, Jenna stepped away from pottery, but the pull of the wheel eventually brought her back. In 2013 she began studying with Ray Cavill at Clayschool Brisbane, rediscovering her love for the medium. That return sparked a new chapter in her practice, one that soon expanded into woodfiring, a technique that has since become central to her creative life.

Woodfiring, with its long hours and unpredictable results, became a way for her to explore both grief and growth. Over days of stoking kilns, fire and ash leave markings that can never be replicated. Each piece in the exhibition has passed through this process in three different kilns, carrying within it traces of time, labour, and elemental transformation.

The vessels are not just objects. They represent conversations between mother and daughter, memory and presence, permanence and impermanence. Textured carvings and dynamic glaze patterns carry the rhythm of both heritage and discovery, reflecting Jenna’s journey of finding beauty in unpredictability.

Hosted at Vacant Assembly on Montague Road, Her Flame My Hands invites visitors to step into an intimate space of remembrance and creativity. More than an exhibition, it is a meditation on connection — how art allows us to hold on, even as time moves forward.

The exhibition runs from 1st – 14th September 2025, with the opening event on Saturday 6th September from 2:000–5:00 p.m. (official speeches at 3:00 p.m). Visitors can explore the works during gallery hours or by appointment.

For Jenna Catchpole, every vessel is a way of keeping the flame alive. For audiences, it is a chance to witness how art can transform grief into something enduringly beautiful.

📍 Vacant Assembly, 266 Montague Road, West End
🗓 1–14 September 2025
🔗 vacantassembly.com/events/her-flame-my-hands-september

Published 25-August-2025

Davies Park Comes Alive for West End Spring Solstice Twilight Market

As spring arrives in Brisbane, Davies Park is set to transform into a night market filled with street food, live music, and family-friendly entertainment.

Community Comes Together in West End

Davies Park will be transformed into a lively spring celebration as hundreds of stalls, food vendors, and entertainers gather for the West End Spring Solstice Twilight Market. The one-night community event is set to bring together families, friends, and neighbours in a space already known as one of Brisbane’s most popular weekend meeting places.

The twilight market will take place on Friday, 12 September, from 4 to 10 p.m. at the corner of Montague Road and Jane Street in West End. Entry is free. Visitors can explore more than 150 stalls, featuring everything from gourmet street food to artisan crafts.

A Night of Food, Music, and Family Fun

Food highlights include Nigerian dishes from Villa Pot, Japanese yakitori from Get To Bird, soufflé pancakes from Lamun, slow-cooked meats from Mr Pulled, and coconut desserts from Cocoart.

Live music will run throughout the evening, supported by roving performers and family-friendly activities. Entertainment will include a kids’ craft workshop, a children’s disco, a bubble fairy, and stilt walkers. A pop-up bar will be available for those looking to enjoy a drink while soaking in the festival atmosphere.

Linking Back to Local Traditions

Goodwill Projects, which runs the weekly West End Markets at Davies Park, also organises the Spring Solstice Twilight Market. These weekly markets have become a fixture of community life, drawing locals for fresh produce, handmade goods, and live entertainment.

By hosting a one-night seasonal event, organisers aim to expand on that community spirit while marking the arrival of spring in Brisbane.

How to Take Part

Attendees can register online for a free ticket, which also enters them into a draw to win a gourmet market hamper valued at more than $200. They can also RSVP through the official Facebook event page.

get tickets here

For families planning to join the kids’ craft workshop, early sign-ups are available to secure a spot.

Published 20-August-2025

Historic Dixon’s Tannery Redevelopment Approved in West End

Photo Credit: Cottee Parker

A $190 million redevelopment in West End has been approved, with McNab set to transform the historic Dixon’s Tannery into a residential precinct featuring wellness-focused communal spaces.

Heritage Site Redeveloped in West End

Builder-developer McNab has secured approval to redevelop Dixon’s Tannery in West End, a late 19th-century industrial site, into The Tannery Residences. The 10-storey project will deliver 81 two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments on the 4,465-square-metre site at 439 Montague Road.

West End redevelopment — Photo Credit: Cottee Parker

Preserving Industrial History

Dixon’s Tannery was first established by Thomas Coar Dixon in 1869. The original building was destroyed in the 1893 Brisbane floods, and a new tannery was constructed around the same year. After Dixon’s death in 1908, the business continued under his family until it closed in 1970. The preserved structure will be repurposed as the Retreat, a communal wellness centre at the heart of the development.

Wellness and Communal Amenities

The project incorporates more than 1,100 square metres of communal space across the ground level and rooftop. Inside the heritage tannery, facilities will include a sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a gym, and a Pilates and stretch studio. Residents will also have access to a cinema, library, private dining room, and co-working areas.

Rooftop and Outdoor Features

Designed in collaboration with Cottee Parker Architects, Aspect Studios, and Tom Mark Henry, the complex will offer rooftop amenities such as a pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor dining areas, a sunset lawn, and dog-friendly spaces. A mature Hoop Pine at the site entrance will also be preserved following detailed design planning.

Design Approach

Project designers have stated that the interiors aim to merge heritage character with subtropical design principles. The intention is to create a residential environment that respects the site’s past while providing contemporary facilities focused on wellbeing.

Construction Timeline

Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2025, with completion anticipated in late 2027. Earlier reporting also indicated work could begin within two months of approval, reflecting different timelines presented across project updates.

Published 20-Aug-2025

West End Coffee Roaster Wins Trademark Dispute Against Sydney Bakery

Photo Credit: Blackstar Coffee Roasters/Instagram

A West End coffee roaster has secured victory in an eight-year trademark dispute against a Sydney bakery over the use of the “Black Star” name in coffee sales.

Background to the Dispute

Blackstar Coffee Roasters, established in West End in 2007, registered its “Blackstar” trademarks in 2008 and 2009 for coffee-related goods and services. The business began roasting from an old football club shed before opening its first store in a West End back street in 2008, building a local following through wholesale supply and market sales.

Black Star Pastry, launched in Sydney’s Newtown in 2008, initially operated as a bakery but later began selling coffee beverages and branded coffee. In 2018, the business was acquired by a hotelier, leading to expansion into Melbourne, Chatswood, and a flagship store in Shanghai in 2022. All three Melbourne outlets closed in 2024.

West End coffee — Photo Credit: Blackstar Coffee Roasters/Instagram

Court Findings

On 1 August 2025, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) found that Black Star Pastry had infringed two of Blackstar Coffee’s registered trademarks. The court determined the bakery used the “Black Star” name in connection with coffee despite lacking trademark approval for café services and after consent was refused by Blackstar Coffee.

The judgment noted that Black Star Pastry continued to use the name in its coffee-related activities knowing it had failed to secure permission and trademark registration.

Business Standing

Blackstar Coffee Roasters now operates from a roastery in East Brisbane, supplying wholesale clients and maintaining a retail presence. The business focuses on specialty-grade beans, ethical sourcing, and industry training, continuing to expand its wholesale network.

Next Steps

The case will return to court on 11 September 2025 to finalise the terms of an injunction, which is expected to limit Black Star Pastry’s ability to use the “Black Star” name for coffee.

Published 12-Aug-2025

First Details of Brisbane Pride 2025 Revealed in West End

Photo Credit: Brisbane Pride

Brisbane Pride Festival will begin its 2025 celebrations in West End, with the official launch marking the start of a citywide series of LGBTQIA+ events.

Festival Launch in West End

Brisbane Pride Festival’s 2025 program will commence with its official launch on Saturday, 6 September, at Come to Daddy in West End. This event will open a month-long calendar of activities celebrating LGBTQIA+ communities across the city.

West End continues to play a prominent role in Brisbane’s cultural scene, with the launch marking the beginning of September as Pride Month in the city.

Pride March — Photo Credit: Brisbane Pride

Pride Rally and March

The annual Brisbane Pride Rally and March is scheduled for Saturday, 20 September 2025. Participants will begin gathering at Queens Gardens Park in the Brisbane CBD from 9:00 a.m..

The Rally will start at 9:30 a.m., featuring speeches, community updates, personal stories, and a moment of reflection. The March will follow at 10:00 a.m., travelling over Victoria Bridge and ending at Musgrave Park, where Fair Day will be held.

The event will include LGBTQIA+ groups, allies, floats, and performances, with Dykes on Bikes leading the procession and the historic Gilbert Baker Memorial Rainbow Flag featured prominently. Registration for community groups is open online.

LGBTQIA+ festival — Photo Credit: Brisbane Pride

Fair Day Tickets and Participation

Fair Day 2025 will be held at Musgrave Park following the March. Early bird tickets are available at discounted rates until 15 August 2025. Businesses and organisations can register their interest for stalls via the official Brisbane Pride website.

Volunteer opportunities are also open for those wanting to assist with setup, attendee support, and event coordination. Accessibility zones and community group areas will be designated at the starting point in Queens Gardens.

Attendees are advised to use public transport, with several bus, train, and ferry options available nearby. Street closures are expected around the march route.

35-Year Pride March Legacy

The 2025 Brisbane Pride Festival marks the 35th anniversary of the city’s first Pride March, held on 30 June 1990. That march followed the same path that current participants walk today.

The festival has since grown into Queensland’s largest LGBTQIA+ event, expanding each year to include awards, grants programs, and a broad range of cultural celebrations.

Published 15-July-2025
Updated 6-Aug-2025

West End State School Celebrates 150 Years with Community Fiesta

West End State School is turning 150 — and the entire community is invited to join the party. On Saturday, 16 August, the school grounds on Vulture Street will come alive with the sights, sounds and spirit of celebration for a milestone event that pays tribute to the school’s remarkable legacy, vibrant culture, and close-knit neighbourhood ties.

Read: 150th Anniversary Celebrations Underway at West End State School

Dubbed the Fiesta 150, the day-long event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm and promises a jam-packed schedule of family-friendly fun. Carnival rides, live music, roaming performers, and colourful stalls will set the stage for a joyful gathering that reflects the diverse heart of West End.

Visitors can indulge in a wide range of delicious eats from a stellar line-up of food trucks, including Yomigo, This Little Piggy, The Tasty Pocket, and more — serving up everything from frozen treats to flavour-packed savoury options. Younger guests will love the face painting and crazy hair stations, while adults can try their luck in the 150th Mega Raffle. Prizes up for grabs include $1,000 cash, a family getaway to the Gold Coast, and a range of exciting prize packages.

Celebrating the Past, Supporting the Future

But beyond the festivities lies a deeper purpose. The event aims to raise funds for revitalising the school’s beloved Kurilpa Trail heritage area, a project designed to honour the past while creating new outdoor play and learning spaces for future generations.

Organisers are encouraging not just current students and families to attend, but also past pupils, long-time West End locals, and anyone with a connection to the school.

Whether you’re returning to your old school stomping grounds or discovering the community for the first time, Fiesta 150 offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the shared history and bright future of one of Brisbane’s most cherished public schools.

Read: Stage 2 of West End State School Expansion Now Complete

For more details, including raffle tickets and stallholder information, visit the official event site at www.wessfiesta150.com.

Published 15-July-2025
Updated 6-Aug-2025

Kurilpa Derby 2025 Rolls into West End with Wheels and Whimsy

Boundary and Russell Streets in West End will come alive with music, colour, and movement on Sunday, 14 September 2025, as the Kurilpa Derby 2025 rolls into town for another spectacular day of grassroots celebration.

Read: West End State School Celebrates 150 Years with Community Fiesta

Running from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m, the Kurilpa Derby is one of Brisbane’s most beloved community street festivals — a playful tribute to all things wheeled, wild, and wonderful. Since its beginnings in 2007, the Derby has brought together locals of all ages for a car-free, commerce-free day filled with joy and connection.

The event kicks off with its signature street parade beneath the Dornoch Terrace Bridge at 1:30 pm, before gliding into a bustling festival precinct along Boundary and Russell Streets. Expect a full afternoon of quirky races, handmade floats, skate demonstrations, roving performers, live music, and interactive art.

In true West End fashion, the Kurilpa Derby isn’t just a show, it’s an open invitation. Organisers are now calling for bands, street performers, artists, workshop facilitators, roller crews, and food helpers to bring the day to life. Whether you’re a neighbourhood favourite or a fresh new face, there’s room on the program for anyone passionate about performance, play, and participation.

The Derby stays true to its roots: it’s free, volunteer-run, and powered by community donations, with nothing for sale and everything to share. Local residents and creatives are also invited to offer their spaces for pre-event workshops, helping others prepare floats, costumes, and wheels for the big day.

More than a festival, the Kurilpa Derby 2025 is a celebration of community, creativity, and the art of just having fun. As the organisers put it: it’s not about raising money, it’s about raising spirits.

Read: UQ Researchers Say West End Deserves More Market Days

For those who live life on wheels (or just love a great party), this is the day to roll out, dress up, and dive in. Don’t forget to follow them on Facebook for updates.

Published 4-August-2025

50-Year-Old Man Found Dead in Ryan Street Unit Complex

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

A 50-year-old West End man has died following what police describe as a targeted incident at a Ryan Street unit complex in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Emergency services responded to reports of an unconscious man at approximately 4:30am on 2 August, where they found the local resident unresponsive with critical injuries inside his unit. Despite valiant efforts by first responders, the man was declared deceased at the scene.

Detective Inspector Wayne Francis described the scene as traumatic for attending officers and paramedics, praising their efforts to save the man’s life under difficult conditions. The victim has yet to be formally identified, and police expect the investigation to continue for several days.

A crime scene has been established at the government-owned unit complex, with forensic teams conducting detailed examinations of the property and surrounding areas. Police observed a smashed window at the top-storey apartment, which Detective Inspector Francis confirmed forms part of their ongoing investigation.

Investigators believe the incident was targeted, with those involved known to each other. Detective Inspector Francis indicated that police are aware of other occupants being present at the unit the previous evening and are working to identify and speak with all relevant persons.

Local residents have expressed concern about the death occurring so close to their homes. One neighbour, who has lived in the area since 2015, reported previous disturbances at the unit complex, describing occasional street altercations and residents yelling outside the building.

Despite these concerns, police have assured the community there is no ongoing threat to public safety in the West End area. Crime statistics show West End experienced 735 theft cases in 2024, with overall crime increasing by 24.18% from 2023 to 2024 Crime rate in West End (Brisbane – Qld), QLD 4101, Australia – RedSuburbs, though violent offences remain relatively uncommon in the suburb.

A spokesperson for the Department of Housing and Public Works, which owns the Ryan Street complex, expressed sadness at the death occurring at a social housing property. The department has committed to offering support to affected tenants whilst the police investigation continues.

Detective Inspector Francis has appealed for anyone with information, CCTV footage, or dashcam recordings from the Ryan Street vicinity overnight to contact police. The investigation remains active, with officers working to piece together the exact circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

Community members with information can contact Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The incident has highlighted ongoing challenges faced by social housing communities, though authorities stress this appears to be an isolated event between known parties rather than a random act of violence affecting the broader West End community.

Published 2-August-2025

Confidence in West End Solidified with Sale of ‘Greenhouse’ Office Tower

Setting a new standard for sustainable workplaces in Brisbane, the 6-Star Green Star rated Greenhouse office building in West End has officially hit the market, offering investors a stake in the future of environmentally conscious design.

A New Chapter for the Precinct

The sale represents a significant milestone for the multi-award-winning West Village community, cementing its transformation from a historic industrial site into a vibrant, modern hub. Completed in January 2023 by developer Sekisui House, the A-grade office building is being offered for sale via an expressions of interest campaign managed by CBRE and Knight Frank.

The campaign is set to close at 4:00 p.m. next Tuesday, 5 August. This sale offers the chance for a new owner to take a 100% freehold interest in what has become the professional heart of the thriving local area.

The Heart of a Modern Village

More than just a workplace, the $5,874-square-metre building at 9 Wilson Street is deeply integrated into the fabric of West Village. It sits directly above essential retailers like Harris Farm Markets and Woolworths and is surrounded by popular dining spots, creating a seamless flow between work and life for its occupants.

The building was designed by local award-winning architects Blight Rayner to capture the essence of its sub-tropical location, featuring light-filled entrances and a striking foyer with a water feature. Its design encourages interaction, with workers from major tenants like Frasers Property Australia, software firm Ivolve, and co-working provider Workspace365 sharing the precinct with local shoppers and residents. The development thoughtfully overlooks and connects with the repurposed 1928 Peters ice-cream factory, honouring the site’s rich history.

A Blueprint for Future Workplaces

Greenhouse was built with the future of work in mind, providing an environment designed to attract and retain top talent. Beyond its visual appeal, the building incorporates state-of-the-art end-of-trip facilities for cyclists and runners, a rooftop sky garden for relaxation and events, and generously sized floorplates averaging 1,030 square metres.

Its strong green credentials are a core part of its identity, holding a 5.5-star NABERS Energy rating and a 6-Star Green Star Design & As Built rating. Sustainable features include rainwater harvesting, grey-water reticulation for reuse, and an open foyer designed for passive cooling, reflecting a modern demand for healthier and more environmentally responsible workplaces.

Confidence in Brisbane’s Growth

The sale is underpinned by strong confidence in Brisbane’s city-fringe property market. The building offers investors a stable and secure income, with major tenants Frasers Property Australia and Workspace365 committed to initial 10-year leases. This contributes to an impressive Weighted Average Lease Expiry (WALE) of 5.84 years. This listing follows another significant transaction in Fortitude Valley, where Sentinel Property Group acquired an office tower for over $132 million.

According to Adam Woodward of Colliers, that sale highlighted ongoing investor appetite for prime, well-located assets in Brisbane. This confidence is supported by the city’s major infrastructure pipeline and the excitement building for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Published Date 29-July-2025