Davies Park Archives - West End Today

Brisbane Group to Make Trans History With Record-Breaking Flag Unfurling at Davies Park

West End is set to make trans history on March 31. Davies Park on Montague Road will host the unfurling of what is believed to be the world’s largest trans pride flag, just in time for the International Transgender Day of Visibility.

Read: A Year of Pride and Performance at West End Bar Come to Daddy

The flag, created by local advocacy group Trans Justice Meanjin, measures a staggering 20 by 40 metres, totalling 800 square metres of pink, white, and blue fabric.

The project has been months in the making. After running a fundraising campaign to cover the cost of materials, the group held a series of community sewing sessions throughout March, inviting locals to contribute to the creation. The finished product was officially measured last Friday, confirming its dimensions. With the sewing machines now packed away, Trans Justice Meanjin are ready to share it with the world.

Photo credit: Facebook/Trans Justice Meanjin

Group member Jodie Hall said the flag was intended as a physical symbol of trans love, joy, defiance and resistance. She said the group’s intention was to make the trans community impossible to ignore on Trans Day of Visibility, and that by creating the world’s largest trans flag, they aimed to make trans history.

The event is free and open to everyone. The unfurling is scheduled for 3pm at Davies Park, located at 277 Montague Road, West End. Following the main event, local trans artists Worm Girlz and Clover Love will perform a free outdoor concert in the park.

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A post shared by Trans Justice Meanjin (@transjusticemeanjin)

Organisers have said the project is intended as both a celebration of the local trans community and a visible show of solidarity during a challenging time for trans and gender diverse people. Last year, members of Brisbane’s LGBTQIA+ community flew a trans flag from the city’s Victoria Bridge at the start of Trans Awareness Week in November, in a show of solidarity for trans and gender diverse young people affected by the Queensland government’s puberty blocker ban.

Read: Three Residential Towers Proposed for West End Site Near Davies Park

Trans Day of Visibility, held annually on March 31, has been observed internationally since 2009. Unlike the Trans Day of Remembrance in November, which is a day of mourning, TDOV is a day dedicated to recognising and celebrating the lives and achievements of trans, non-binary and gender diverse people around the world. Events are being held across Australia and globally to mark the occasion this year.

If you are free on March 31, head down to Davies Park and be part of the occasion. For more information on Trans Justice Meanjin and their work, visit their website.

Published 30-March-2026

Three Residential Towers Proposed for West End Site Near Davies Park

A development application has been lodged for a three-tower residential complex adjacent to Davies Park, the latest proposal for a site that has seen multiple development iterations.

Read: Montague Road Named One of the Coolest Streets in the World in West End

The proposal targets the site at 281–297 Montague Road, seeking approval for three residential buildings ranging from 16 to 19 storeys. Designed by Rothelowman, the application represents an “Other Change” to existing approvals for the 10,628-square-metre site.

The development would deliver 403 apartments and five townhouses, with a mix that includes 46 one-bedroom, 238 two-bedroom and 114 three-bedroom apartments. Ground-floor retail space totalling 558 square metres would activate the street frontage, while 723 car parking spaces and 512 bicycle spaces would be provided.

Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online/A005608649

A signature element of the proposal is “Davies Lane,” a landscaped pedestrian thoroughfare designed to connect Montague Road directly through to Davies Park. The development also includes 600 square metres of dedicated parkland and 5,476 square metres of communal open space for residents.

Development Vision

davies park — Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online/A005608649

According to planning documents prepared by Urbis, the architectural approach emphasises subtropical design principles suited to Brisbane’s climate. The towers have been conceived as what planners describe as a complementary family of buildings, each contributing to a unified design language while maintaining individual character through orientation and relationship to surrounding context.

The design incorporates deep facades, layered screening and natural ventilation strategies. Features include operable windows and doors for passive airflow, sliding screens for solar protection, and greenery embedded throughout the buildings’ vertical extent, linking to landscaped areas at ground level.

Construction would proceed in two stages. Stage 1 would see the 19-storey Tower 1 built first, along with the delivery of Davies Lane. Stage 2 would add Towers 2 and 3 at 18 and 16 storeys respectively, completing the retail components and final landscaping works.

Community Concerns

Not everyone in West End welcomes the proposal. Some residents have expressed opposition to further intensification of the area, citing existing pressures on local infrastructure.

“Montague Road and whole of West End area is already full of apartments leading to congestion on the West End roads and schools,” one local resident said.

The concerns echo issues raised by some residents about the pace and scale of development. West End has experienced significant residential growth in recent years, with multiple high-rise developments adding to demands on roads, public transport and community facilities.

The site’s location directly adjacent to Davies Park, which has served as a community gathering place since 1901, has contributed to community interest in the proposal. The park hosts the popular Saturday markets and serves as an important green space for the suburb.

Read: Function Well Plans Large Wellness Hub For West End

What Happens Next

The application is now under assessment, with the full development plans and supporting documents available for public viewing through the development application portal using reference number A005608649.

Published 9-January-2026

Traders in Purple Lodges New Three-Tower Proposal in West End

Photo Credit: Traders in Purple

Traders in Purple has lodged amended plans for its recently acquired Montague Road site in West End, proposing three residential towers and new green links to Davies Park.

A Site with a Long Design History

The 1.6-hectare landholding at 281–297 Montague Road has seen multiple iterations over recent years. The site was formerly owned by Sydney-based Henroth Group, which in 2020 sought approval for two 24-storey residential towers comprising 470 apartments.

BCC later approved a reduced scheme in 2023 for two towers of 18 and 20 storeys and 345 apartments. Earlier still, Henroth’s original submission featured five buildings between six and twelve storeys with 434 dwellings. The company eventually redirected its attention to another project in New South Wales before selling the West End property to Traders in Purple in May 2025 for an undisclosed amount.

Brisbane development — Photo Credit: Traders in Purple

A New Plan for Montague Road

Under the revised concept, Traders in Purple proposes three slimmer towers rising 19, 18 and 16 storeys, delivering 403 apartments across the 1.6-hectare site. The plan aims to open the previously private land to the public with heavily landscaped walkways connecting Montague Road to Davies Park for the first time.

These green corridors will include seating areas, tropical planting, and active retail spaces suited to cafés, restaurants, and local services. About 15 per cent of the site will be allocated for public use, including an extension to Davies Park and provisions for future widening of Montague Road.

Architecture Rooted in Local Character

Rothelowman Architects has designed the project to echo the features of classic Queenslander homes. The tower facing Davies Park will include a rotunda at ground level with decorative screening reminiscent of traditional timber façades.

The design introduces a green pedestrian spine through the centre of the development, extending the vibrancy of Vulture Street into Davies Park and towards the Brisbane River. The proposal focuses on connecting residents and visitors through open, shaded pathways and landscaped gathering areas.

Meeting Demand for Diverse Housing

The proposed dwellings will range from one to three bedrooms, targeting a broad spectrum of buyers including first home seekers, working couples, families and downsizers. The development also plans to incorporate shared resident amenities to support social connection within the precinct.

Traders in Purple noted that West End’s median house price, now around $1.86 million, has created barriers to entry for many. The apartment mix is expected to provide a more attainable option for those wanting to live close to the inner city while still enjoying the suburb’s established community and riverside setting.

Strengthening the West End Precinct

This proposal marks Traders in Purple’s sixteenth project in Queensland and its second in West End, following the launch of Rivara earlier this year, where strong early sales reflected continuing demand for local apartment living.

The Montague Road site’s proximity to the CBD, riverfront, and public transport positions it as a key infill location supporting sustainable urban growth. The emphasis on green links and public access aligns with broader renewal efforts occurring throughout the inner south.

What Happens Next

The amended development application is under assessment by BCC. If approved, the three-tower scheme will transform the former Henroth site into a mixed-use residential precinct integrating public green space, retail activity, and enhanced pedestrian connections to Davies Park.

Published 5-Nov-2025

Davies Park to Host Over 150 Stalls for West End Spring Market

The sights and sounds of live music, roving performers, and more than 150 bustling market stalls will fill Davies Park for a special one-night festival celebrating the arrival of spring in West End.

The special one-night-only event, the West End Spring Solstice Twilight Market, will take place next Friday, 12th September. The community gathering will run from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m., and entry is completely free for all who wish to attend.

A Spotlight on Community Talent

The market is designed as a vibrant showcase for local small businesses and creatives. With more than 150 stalls expected, visitors will have the chance to connect directly with the makers, artists, and chefs from their own neighbourhood.

Organisers have arranged a diverse lineup of gourmet food stalls, offering everything from European pierogis and crispy fried sandwiches to Japanese-style souffle pancakes and refreshing iced tea.

A pop-up bar will also be on-site, serving local drinks and the popular Aperol Spritz.

The event gives residents an opportunity to support the local economy while enjoying a unique evening out.

An Evening of Entertainment for All Ages

Beyond the food and shopping, the park will be filled with a festival atmosphere. Live music from bands like Soul Cutz and acoustic performers will provide a soundtrack for the evening.

Families are encouraged to attend, with a dedicated kids’ disco and a craft workshop planned to keep younger visitors entertained. Adding to the colourful scene will be themed decorations and roving performers, including stilt walkers and a bubble fairy, creating a lively experience for everyone.

Planning Your Visit

The market is located at Davies Park, on the corner of Montague Road and Jane Street in West End. While entry is free, attendees can register online for a ticket to go into a draw for a gourmet hamper.

Organisers are also running competitions for a $200 bar tab and a dinner for four, with details available on the event’s social media page. The evening is shaped to be an ideal way for the community to come together, explore local creativity, and welcome the new season.

Published Date 04-September-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

Spring Solstice Market Set to Light Up West End with Food, Music, and Fun

West End’s beloved community spirit will shine even brighter this spring as the Spring Solstice Twilight Market rolls into Davies Park on Friday, 12 September, promising an evening packed with flavour, music, and festive flair.

Read: 5 of the Best Spring Buys at Harris Farm Markets West End

Running from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the seasonal market will bring together over 150 specialty stalls, transforming the riverside park into a buzzing hub of gourmet eats, artisan goods, and lively entertainment, all under the glow of the spring night sky.

From sizzling street eats to handmade treasures, the market is set to be a feast for all the senses. Food lovers can indulge in a global selection of dishes. Think smoky barbecue, fragrant curries, sweet pastries and more, while browsers can meander through stalls offering locally made art, crafts, and boutique products.

The event is more than just a market; it’s a celebration of West End’s creative energy and community spirit. Visitors can expect live music throughout the evening, with performances from local musicians and energetic roving acts creating a festival-style atmosphere. A pop-up bar will serve drinks for those keen to relax and soak up the vibes, while kids’ activities and family-friendly entertainment will keep younger visitors smiling.

Organisers from Goodwill Projects say the Spring Solstice Market will capture the essence of the changing season — fresh, fun, and full of colour. Entry is free, but those who register for tickets will go into the draw to win a Gourmet Market Hamper, packed with goodies from the night’s stallholders.

Read: Sip & Socialise: Power Moves Brings Wellness to the Streets of West End

Whether you’re a regular at the Saturday West End Markets or a first-time visitor, this special twilight edition is shaping up to be a must-do event for locals. Bring your picnic rug, gather your mates, and enjoy an unforgettable night by the river.

Event Details
Date: Friday, 12 September
Time: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location:: Davies Park, Corner of Montague Road and Jane Street, West End
Free Entry – Register online through West End Markets’ Facebook Page.

Published 25-July-2025

Winter Solstice Twilight Market Returns to West End

Photo Credit: West End Markets/Facebook

A winter-themed night market will bring live music, bonfires, and street food to West End as part of an annual solstice celebration hosted at Davies Park.

Twilight Market to Light Up West End

More than 150 stalls, fire performances, roving entertainers, and family workshops will activate Davies Park in West End for a one-night-only winter market on Friday, 20 June from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Winter Solstice Twilight Market — *Photo Credit: West End Markets/Facebook*

Seasonal Festivities Return

The event marks the return of the West End Solstice Twilight Market, a community event celebrating the winter solstice with an extended evening of food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Entry is free, and those who register online are eligible to win a gourmet market hamper.

Stalls will offer a variety of global street eats, including grilled Thai chicken skewers, Japanese snacks, and KL-style char kway teow. Notable vendors include Barbie On Charcoal, Tako Tako, and Cocoart, with dessert and drink offerings such as fresh coconut treats and mango-based drinks.

Bonfires and a pop-up bar will be available on-site, with mulled wine and craft beer served throughout the night.

Twilight Market — *Photo Credit: West End Markets/Facebook*

Activities for All Ages

Live music is scheduled across the six-hour program, featuring acts such as the Aaron West Band and Dave’s Acoustic Music. Roving fire performers, stilt walkers, and bubble entertainers will provide additional atmosphere across the venue.

Interactive activities include children’s lantern-making and a charm bracelet workshop hosted by Get Charmed by Winnie, with limited paid bookings required for both adult and kids’ sessions. A selection of handmade goods, organic skincare, and winter-themed items will also be on offer.

Community and Market Background

The West End Markets, typically held on Saturday mornings, are operated by Goodwill Projects, a Queensland-based events company. The Solstice Twilight Market is operated by the same organisers behind the regular West End Markets held at Davies Park on Saturdays. Unlike the regular Saturday markets, the Solstice event is held in the evening and includes additional live performances and themed activities.

Organisers have encouraged locals to register via event links and mark themselves as attending via social media to stay updated.

Published 6-June-2025

Fashion Extravaganza in West End: A Shopper’s Paradise Awaits

Photo Credit: Elisha Edwards/ Facebook

The West End’s Davies Park is set to transform into a bustling hub of fashion and bargains. Shoppers are encouraged to mark their calendars and bring a gold coin for entry to this eagerly anticipated event.

Fashion enthusiasts in West End have a treat in store this Sunday, 14th of July, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. as Davies Park hosts a one-of-a-kind clothing market this weekend. With a myriad of clothing options for all occasions and sizes, including an extensive selection of plus-size apparel, this event promises to cater to every fashion need.

The market aims to offer something for everyone, ensuring a diverse range of styles and trends are available. From casual wear to formal attire, shoppers can expect to find an array of options to suit their tastes and requirements. The focus on inclusivity is particularly noteworthy, as the event highlights a vast collection of plus-size clothing, addressing a significant demand in the market.

This event not only offers a fantastic opportunity for fashion lovers to update their wardrobes but also provides a platform for local vendors to showcase their unique collections. By supporting these vendors, attendees will contribute to the growth of small businesses and the local economy.

Davies Park, known for its vibrant community events, is the ideal backdrop for this fashion market. Attendees can look forward to a lively atmosphere, complete with friendly vendors and an array of fashion finds. With the promise of snagging a bargain, it’s an event that appeals to both fashion enthusiasts and those simply looking for great deals.

In addition to the shopping experience, the market will also foster a sense of community among West End residents. Events like these play a crucial role in bringing people together, enhancing community spirit, and supporting local initiatives.

Remember to mark your calendars and head to Davies Park this Sunday. Whether you’re hunting for a new outfit or just looking to enjoy a day out in West End, this clothing market is not to be missed.

Published Date 02-July-2024

West End Welcomes Winter with Solstice Market Extravaganza

Photo Credit: Facebook/ West End Markets

As the days grow shorter and the evening chill descends, the West End community is gearing up to celebrate the winter solstice with a one-night-only transformation of their beloved markets.

On Friday, the 14th of June 2024, Davies Park will become a vibrant hub of festive activity, featuring over 120 food, drink, and artisan stalls, two stages of live music, mesmerising fire twirlers, and cosy bonfires.

*Photo Credit: Facebook/ West End Markets*

This special edition of the West End Markets promises a unique experience for visitors of all ages.

Foodies can indulge in an array of culinary delights from local favourites like Best of the Wurst, Street Eatz, Choco Bliss, and Tea & Pearls. Meanwhile, craft enthusiasts can browse a diverse selection of artisanal wares while enjoying live music and captivating performances.

For those seeking warmth and cheer, the Stone & Wood pop-up bars will be serving glühwein, a traditional spiced wine perfect for a chilly winter’s night.

With free entry and parking, the West End Solstice Market offers an accessible and enchanting way to embrace the changing season.

The festivities will kick off at 4:00 p.m. and continue until 10:00 p.m., providing ample opportunity for attendees to explore the market’s offerings, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, and celebrate the longest night of the year in true West End style.

GET TICKETS

Published Date 14-May-2024

A Fresh Take on The West End Towers

Photo Credit: Development.i / Application no. A005608649

A breath of fresh air is sweeping through the West End Towers. The city has given the nod to two residential towers, each featuring three concave facades enveloped in ‘green’ exoskeletons, for a site adjacent to Davies Park at 281-297 Montague Road.

This new development replaces a previous scheme, which was approved in 2017. The original plan, described as “five stumpy towers” of up to 12 storeys, has been reimagined by Manley Properties, a subsidiary of Sydney-based developer Henroth Group. The revised proposal aims to create an “exemplar response to key urban design” and enhance community benefit.

The new design by Noel Robinson Architects reduces the initially planned 470-apartment development to two towers of 16 and 19 storeys, housing 345 apartments. This revision allows the site to offer a vastly improved public realm, enhanced visual amenity, and better connectivity for West End residents.

Despite significant community opposition to both proposals, primarily concerning the buildings’ height and additional traffic, principal architect Noel Robinson believes the original vision would have resulted in “a terrible outcome”. The new plans open up 77% of the site’s ground plane as public space, a 73% increase from the previous approval.

Photo Credit: Development.i / Application no. A005608649

The proposed public plaza and park lands provide a sky view from Montague Road and Vulture Street, offering shade and relief from summer heat for various recreational activities. The revised plans will deliver two 5-star Green Star rated residential buildings, both with unique landscaped exoskeletal sunshades wrapping their concave facades.

**View from Vulture Street**
Photo Credit: Development.i / Application no. A005608649

Robinson stated that the revised tower designs “open up a new paradigm in terms of a green building”. The buildings feature green atria throughout, replacing traditional corridors. Biophilia filters at the ends of the open landscaped corridors provide vertical greenery up the facades, acting as fresh air filters to the open upper-level apartment walkways.

**South Tower – East Wing Elevation**
Photo Credit: Development.i / Application no. A005608649

While Robinson stopped short of claiming these would be the greenest buildings in Brisbane, he did assert they would be unique and among the city’s greenest. The development’s north tower will comprise 156 apartments, and its south tower will house 189 apartments, each including a mix of one, two, three bedrooms, and a level of four-bedroom penthouse suites.

The residents of both towers will have access to a variety of amenities. Landscaped rooftop recreation decks will feature ‘wet edge’ swimming pools, communal gardens, edible landscapes, beehives, barbecue facilities, gyms, and both indoor and outdoor dining areas.

An alfresco terrace on the first level of each building has been designed as an outdoor study and work area. It will feature enclosed glass pods, providing residents with private spaces for podcasts or online meetings.

The development also takes into account the need for parking, with two basement levels providing 482 spaces. This is a reduction of 117 spaces from the previous approval, aligning with the overall design rethink.

On the ground level, a retail plaza spanning 1626 square meters will be a key feature. In line with the design’s focus on public space, 8130 square meters of public realm will connect Montague Road to the centre of Davies Park. This connection is a crucial element of the overall design rethink, further enhancing the community-centric approach of the development.

Published 08-February-2024