West End Archives - West End Today

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

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

Final Piece of $1.2B West Village Masterplan Under Construction in West End

West End has reached a defining milestone with the start of construction on Callista on Park — the final piece of the $1.2-billion West Village urban renewal masterplan. The 14-storey tower beside Mollison Park completes a decade of work transforming the historic Peters Ice Cream site into a mixed community of almost 1,000 apartments, townhouses, retail and dining spaces, and a new commercial centre in the inner city.

Completing a Decade of Renewal

The West Village project began more than 10 years ago with a vision to blend heritage, housing and green space in one of Brisbane’s oldest neighbourhoods. Now, with Callista on Park under construction beside Mollison Park, that vision is nearing completion.

Callista on Park, West Village, West End — Photo Credit: Supplied

Developed by Sekisui House Australia, Callista on Park brings 96 new residences to West End and finalises the masterplan that introduced new green areas and more than 35 retail, dining and health operators to the precinct. Project Director Taku Hashimoto said the final stage reflects the company’s long-held commitment to sustainability, design quality and community connection — values that have guided every phase of the redevelopment.

Generations of Building in West End

Hutchinson Builders, one of Australia’s oldest family-owned construction companies, is leading the build. The company worked on the original Peters Ice Cream factory in 1943 and has been involved in every stage of West Village since 2015. Chairman Scott Hutchinson described the project as a proud continuation of the company’s presence in West End, where it first operated a yard on Montague Road in the 1920s.

This partnership has anchored the redevelopment in local history, linking the area’s industrial past to its new role as a connected inner-city neighbourhood. The precinct sits about 800 metres from Brisbane’s CBD, with a 99/100 walk score and direct access to South Bank via the River Walk — features that have helped make it a practical hub for residents, workers and visitors alike.

Design for Urban Living

Callista on Park has been designed by architecture firm Rothelowman, with apartments positioned to maximise natural light and capture northern and eastern views across the Brisbane CBD. Plans include a rooftop conservatory where wildflowers will grow among grassed areas, along with an infinity pool, spa, BBQ zones, a lounge and a private dining room with a chef’s kitchen.

Apartments are oriented to suit Brisbane’s subtropical lifestyle, and West Village has received 59 local and national awards for its approach to urban renewal and community design.

The Final Chapter of the Masterplan

Construction on Callista on Park is expected to finish in late 2027. Prices start at about $2.4 million for three-bedroom homes, with penthouses reaching around $9 million. A display suite has opened on site in collaboration with Rothelowman.

For Sekisui House, this final stage represents the completion of the entire West Village masterplan — a decade-long, $1.2 billion redevelopment that turned a former industrial block into a connected, walkable community that will continue to serve Brisbane for generations to come.

Published 7-Oct-2025

A Decade of Coffee and Connection: Morning After in West End Marks Ten Years with Style

In a suburb known for its coffee and creative energy, Morning After is widely regarded by locals as a beloved café. The West End favourite is celebrating ten years, a milestone that reflects both its loyal community and its focus on quality coffee.

What began as a family venture between Yianni and Soula Passaris has become a long-running fixture in the neighbourhood. When they opened Morning After on the corner of Vulture and Cambridge Streets, the café scene in Brisbane was still evolving.

The owners drew on fine-dining experience to bring restaurant-standard service to a casual brunch setting, at a time when specialty coffee culture was still growing locally. With a sleek interior by designer Alexander Lotersztain of Derlot and a focus on balanced, all-day fare, Morning After quickly drew attention. Its menu offered a thoughtful mix of wholesome, fun and indulgent dishes, while coffee by Five Senses became a defining feature.

morning after — Photo credit: Facebook/Morning After

A decade on, the café continues to be noted for its attention to food and coffee. To mark the anniversary, the team has launched a limited-edition range of merchandise and coffee collaborations that highlight its partnerships and playful spirit. The line-up includes a T-shirt designed with Breakfast Shirts, a classic cap crafted by Worktones, the team behind Morning After’s aprons, and a reusable Fressko cup.

Coffee fans can also enjoy the special 10-Year Celebration Coffee, created with Five Senses Coffee. The espresso blend, available both in-store and for home brewing, features tasting notes of blueberry cobbler and semi-sweet chocolate. The filter roast lists jasmine tea, blueberry and citrus notes, and both blends feature blueberry highlights.

On Wednesday 15 October, the café will offer 150 free coffees from 7:00 am as a thank-you to the community. In a Facebook post, the team shared their gratitude, writing: “Thank you to everyone who has supported our cafe for 10 years and we cannot wait to celebrate another 10 years with you all.”

Read: Beefing Up the Menu: West End’s Grown Cafe Goes Omni

A decade in, the café continues to combine new offerings with community-focused service, a fitting reflection of how far West End’s coffee culture has come.

Published 9-October-2025

E-scooter Rider in Critical Condition After Rogers Street Incident

Photo Credit: Pixabay

An e-scooter rider is in critical condition at Princess Alexandra Hospital after being found injured on Rogers Street, West End, late Friday night.

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 11pm on October 18, where a member of the public discovered the man, aged in his 40s, lying on the road near an e-scooter.

Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics treated the man for life-threatening head injuries before transporting him to Princess Alexandra Hospital.

The incident occurred during a particularly busy night for emergency services across Brisbane, with crews responding to multiple serious crashes throughout the evening.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information to come forward.

Rogers Street is a residential area in West End, located near local amenities and transport routes.

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Queensland Police.

Published 18-October-2025

Kayaker Dies Following Medical Emergency on Brisbane River at West End

Photo Credit: Google Maps / Juan Carlos Ponce Campuzano

A kayaker has died following a medical emergency on the Brisbane River at West End early this morning.

Emergency services were called to Hill End Terrace near the South Brisbane Sailing Club at approximately 5.40am on 15 October, where they found a man in his 50s who had fallen into the water.

Queensland Ambulance confirmed the man had suffered a medical episode and was submerged for a period of time before being pulled from the riverbank around 6.30am. Despite CPR being administered, he could not be revived.

The incident has deeply affected the local water sports community, with witnesses gathering outside the South Brisbane Sailing Club in the aftermath. One person at the scene confirmed they had lost a friend.

Multiple emergency services crews attended the incident, with police transporting a kayak from the scene. Queensland Police have classified the death as non-suspicious and will prepare a report for the coroner.

The tragedy serves as a reminder of the risks associated with solo water activities, even for experienced paddlers in familiar waters.

Published 15-October-2025

West End Site Earmarked for 1,100 New Homes, Parks and Laneways

A $2-billion proposal is set to reshape West End, where developer ICD Property has lodged plans for a six-tower riverfront precinct that will introduce more than 1,100 new homes, parks and public spaces along Donkin and Buchanan streets.

The project site covers more than 16,800 square metres of former industrial land, stretching across four street frontages and 200 metres of direct frontage to Riverside Drive. Under the design by Plus Studio, the plan features five towers of 30 storeys and one tower of 12 storeys.

Donkin and Buchanan streets West End — Photo Credit: DA A006867661

The masterplan responds to the city’s demand for housing as population growth continues to outpace supply, with vacancy rates at historic lows.

ICD Property has confirmed the development will be staged, with the first two towers containing more than 400 apartments expected to be completed by 2030. This schedule places the first stage ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, aligning the delivery of new housing with a period of significant urban change.

Community and Public Spaces

The scheme includes laneways lined with restaurants, cafes and market spaces, with two new public parks forming part of the community setting. More than 5,000 square metres of open space will be accessible to residents and the wider public, including subtropical boulevards and landscaped connections to the river.

Several mature fig trees, some older than 200 years, will be retained on the site. These trees have been incorporated into the design as central features of the open space network, reflecting the suburb’s established natural character and ecological history.

Housing Diversity and Design Features

In addition to high-rise apartments, the development incorporates townhouse-style homes. Sixteen two-storey townhouses will face Riverside Drive, with a further 11 located along a laneway between Donkin Street and Hockings Street, and two facing Buchanan Street.

The rooftop and podium levels will include shared amenities such as a lap pool, spa, sauna, gym, amphitheatre, coworking areas and exercise studios. Bridges will connect Towers One and Three over the laneway, increasing access and reinforcing the sense of a unified neighbourhood.

Planning Pathway

The planning application, DA A006867661, is currently before Council, with a decision anticipated in early to mid-2026. If approved, the project will proceed in four stages, providing a long-term contribution to Brisbane’s inner-south housing supply and community infrastructure.

ICD Property has emphasised that the development seeks to extend West End’s tradition of connection to culture, community and the Brisbane River. Plus Studio has described the opportunity as a chance to transform an underutilised industrial site into a residential and community-focused landmark.

Published 7-Oct-2025

West End Man in Hospital After Early Morning Home Invasion Attack

Photo Credit: myPolice Brisbane North

A West End man remains in hospital following a shocking early morning home invasion that has left the tight-knit community reeling.

Queensland Police have charged a 25-year-old Camira man with attempted murder after he allegedly broke into a home on Mollison Street during the early hours of Saturday morning.

The incident unfolded at approximately 5:15am when the accused allegedly entered the residence and attacked a 27-year-old man whilst he slept, inflicting stab wounds to his torso.

In a disturbing escalation, police allege the attacker then began dousing his victim with petrol before being interrupted by another person present in the home. The interruption prompted the alleged offender to flee the scene on foot.

Emergency services, including police and paramedics, responded promptly to the incident. The victim was transported to hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

The swift police investigation led to the arrest of the suspect near a Morayfield shopping centre at 9:30am on Sunday – just over 28 hours after the alleged attack occurred.

A police spokesperson confirmed that the two men were known to each other, though the exact nature of their relationship has not been disclosed as investigations continue.

The 25-year-old has been charged with one count of attempted murder and enter dwelling with intent. He faced Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning.

The incident has shocked residents of the usually vibrant and peaceful inner-city suburb. West End, which neighbours South Bank and hugs the Brisbane River, is known for its eclectic mix of cafés, galleries and community spaces.

Mollison Street runs through the heart of the West Village precinct, an area that has seen significant residential development in recent years.

Police have declared the Mollison Street property a crime scene as investigations continue. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact police.

Published 16-September-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

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