West End Archives - Page 13 of 25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published 4-July-2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published 30-June-2023

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

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

Read: Art Deco Marvel on Vulture Street Hits the Market

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published 26-June-2023

West End Solstice Markets Are Back!

The shortest day of the year definitely won’t feel that way if you spend it at the West End Solstice Markets, when it returns this June to herald the beginning of winter in true Brisbane fashion!

As Brisbane’s cultural hub, West End is a fitting venue for the Solstice Markets and its eclectic mix of entertainment, health and wellness, arts, crafts, and culture.

Here’s a sneak peek into the activities to expect:

Mala bead-making workshops with Earthly Magic Studio – Limited spaces available (heavily discounted price of $55 – was $175)
Free yoga with Wild Peace
Free Community garden workshops with Jane Street Community Gardens
Free Circus workshops for all ages [incl. fire twirling and plate spinning]

West End Solstice Markets — Photo Credit: Supplied

Visitors will also get the chance to explore the Indigenous Art Gallery Walk, which includes artists Paul Bong & Jenny Pineapple at the gallery laneway.

There will also be not one, not two, but EIGHT bonfires, a great way to ward off the winter chill and receive the light and warmth of the solstice.

Roving fire twirlers & height-defying stilt walkers will put up a mesmerising show, as they too embrace the symbolism of fire and light. Live music on two stages, roving local musicians, gourmet street food, and mulled wine at the Stone & Wood pop-up bar all conspire to make this Friday event a fitting end to the work week and a warm hello to the beginning of winter.

West End Solstice Market
120 Jane Street, West End
(Corner of Montague Rd and Jane St)
Friday 16th June, 4pm to 10pm
Corner of Montague Rd and Jane St.
FREE Entry | FREE Parking

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/808892406798404/

Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/west-end-solstice-market

Yoga Class Registration: https://bit.ly/3oUNUxO

Mala Workshop Registration: https://bit.ly/43ub90H

About West End Markets and Goodwill Projects:

The West End Markets are one of Brisbane’s most vibrant community markets. Held every Saturday morning, in the iconic Davies Park along the Brisbane River, they’re a celebration of eclectic diversity, independence, and lifestyle.

Goodwill Projects is one of Queensland’s most dynamic markets, events and venues companies. Curating flawless events and memorable experiences.

Published 12-June-2023

QPS Race to Alert Neighbours as ‘Suspicious’ Fire Consumes West End Queenslander

A Queenslander in West End was engulfed in chaos and flames as a massive fire tore through the property, prompting an emergency response from firefighters and police officers.

Extraordinary bodycam footage released by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) captured the harrowing scene as officers rushed to the Archibald St location, where the house was already fully ablaze.

The fire broke out shortly before 4 a.m. on Wednesday, 31 May 2023, quickly spreading to a neighbouring property and causing panic among residents. Terrified inhabitants were forced to flee as the blaze intensified, with dozens of firefighters battling the inferno for two hours before finally extinguishing it around 6 a.m.

In the bodycam video, a female officer can be heard asking a resident standing in the street, “No one’s in the house? What about the house up the road?” Concerned for everyone’s well-being, the officers swiftly moved to evacuate the neighbouring home at risk of being devoured by the intense fire.

The sound of blaring sirens grew louder as fire trucks arrived at the scene, joining the efforts to control the raging blaze. Evacuated residents gathered in the street, watching in shock as the flames consumed the house. Fortunately, no one was present inside the residence at the time, averting potential injuries or casualties.

The destruction caused by the fire was extensive, reducing the West End home to ruins. Additionally, a neighboring property suffered significant damage. As a result, investigators have declared the site a crime scene, suspecting foul play in the blaze. Authorities are treating the incident as suspicious and have initiated a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

Throughout Wednesday morning, investigators meticulously examined the crime scene, searching for any evidence that could shed light on the origins of the massive blaze. Fire crews remained on-site to address hot spots and conduct atmospheric testing at the damaged neighboring property, allowing residents to retrieve their belongings.

Authorities are urging anyone with information or access to CCTV or dashcam footage from the vicinity to come forward and contact PoliceLink or Crime Stoppers. The shared footage or information may prove crucial in uncovering the truth behind this devastating incident.

As the investigation continues, the affected community is left grappling with the aftermath of the destructive fire. The resilient spirit of Brisbane’s West End will undoubtedly prevail as residents come together to support one another during this challenging time.

Paniyiri Greek Festival to Go Ahead Amidst Musgrave Park’s Rough Sleepers

Photo Credit: Paniyiri Greek Festival/Facebook

It’s all systems go for the annual Paniyiri Greek Festival, which has attracted over 60,000 people in recent years, amidst fears of a cancellation due to the presence of rough sleepers at Musgrave Park.

The biggest cultural event in Brisbane will take place as planned on 20 and 21 May 2023 to showcase the rich history of the Greek community.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner confirmed that the 47-year-old festival will not be cancelled but they have taken measures to ensure that the homeless people temporarily setting up camp in Musgrave Park will not be displaced.

Speaking with Neil Breen at 4B, the mayor acknowledges the challenging conundrum of keeping the festival enjoyable for the attendees but also safe for the rough sleepers.

A section of the park will be cordoned off to allow the homeless to stay. The Council’s team has been discussing with people in the park for a number of weeks leading up to the Greek community’s event to move them to a different section of the park.

Musgrave Park Homeless — Photo Credit: Oksana Stepanova/Facebook

“[We have been] working with Paniyiri and the State Government to make sure that the event can go ahead but also to make sure that people aren’t being displaced,” said Mr Schrinner.

“We’ve come up with what we believe is a good workable solution. So, no one is going to be evicted from the park. That’s certainly not what we want to see happen. But we’re working with the State Government to make sure housing options are provided to the people that are living in Musgrave Park. There are 15 accommodation options and we’re working through there.”

The mayor also acknowledges that the number of homeless is growing progressively due to the cost of living crisis and the housing crisis. Many renters are now forced to sleep in their cars, under bridges, or in tents in parks like Musgrave Park because landlords stockpile housing for financial gain.

Mr Schrinner has been pushing to open the Pinkenba facility for the homeless.

Meanwhile, the organisers of the Paniyiri Greek Festival have also released this statement to confirm that the event will not be cancelled:

“For Paniyiri 2023, GOC St George has been in contact with all levels of Government to chart a path forward with the running of the Festival. Brisbane City Council has worked closely in support of both Paniyiri Greek Festival and those living in the Park to ensure the Festival can continue in a co-ordinated and cohesive way. Our planning with Brisbane City Council puts the needs of those living in the Park as a key consideration for the Festival and a range of community initiatives will support the welfare of all involved.”

Tickets to the Paniyiri Greek Festival

Published 9-May-2023

West End’s Parched Brewery Seeks New Ownership Opportunity Through Voluntary Administration Process

Popular West End craft brewery Parched Brewery is looking for new owners after entering voluntary administration due to the ‘extra challenges’ brought by the pandemic.

Read: Quinn Hotels Acquires Archive Beer, Its First Venture in Queensland

When Parched Brewery opened at Montague Road in West End in December 2021, they encountered some trials and difficulties.

They opened during a challenging time for the hospitality industry due to the pandemic. Additionally, within months of the brewery’s opening, the lower level of the venue was submerged underwater during floods.

Despite these trials, the brewery made a name for its high-quality beers that celebrate the unique flavors and ingredients of the region. The brewery’s unique and flavorful beers have earned it a strong reputation in the local craft beer scene.

Besides a selection of beers, they have a range of snacks including burgers, nachos, and bites such as tempura prawns, fries, and spring rolls. They also have vegan and vegetarian options available.

In March 2023, head brewer and owner Carl Hallion thought it’s time to find a new person to run the business.

Bankruptcy and insolvency firm SV Partners will help manage its financial affairs, review contracts, and create a viable plan for moving forward. Mr Hallion is working with SV Partners’ Anne Meagher and David Stimpson as the business continues trading as normal.

Read: California Tacos To Open First Brisbane Location In West End

Potential buyers would have the opportunity to take over an established business with a loyal customer base, a strong brand reputation, and a talented team of brewers and staff. For anyone looking to enter the craft beer industry, this is a unique opportunity to acquire an established business with a loyal following and a reputation for brewing exceptional beer.

Published 6-April-2023

Espresso XO Now Serving Specialty Coffee At Davies Park

From its humble beginnings as a mobile cafe serving specialty coffee to events, Espresso XO West End has opened a permanent kiosk at Davies Park in West End.

Read: Renovated West End Cafe Offers Immersive, Full-Service Dining Experience

Espresso XO was established by PJ Morrison in 2015, starting off as a professional coffee cart dishing up coffee to corporate settings and events. It still caters to private events nowadays, but Morrison has always wanted to have a permanent kiosk for his mobile cafe.

Finally, after some time, he found Davies Park as the right venue for his coffee cart. Located on the corner of Jane and Montague Streets, Davies Park is also home to the West End Markets and the South’s League Club.

Photo credit: espresso XO – West End/Google Maps

It’s perfect for coffee lovers who want to get their caffeine craving fixed after shopping at the West End Markets on Saturdays or whilst simply enjoying the green space at the park.

Grab a cup of brewed, mocha or their popular flat white coffee. Or have tea, juices, chai, and cold brew.

The owner loves how coffee connects people. Regardless of people’s beliefs, status, or background, it’s something that can bring them together and this is what keeps him going after almost eight years since starting his venture.

Espresso XO West End serves coffee from Kai Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster based in Sunshine Coast. Kai Coffee is known for its delicious coffee, since they have stayed committed to their goal of bringing the beans from the best farms and cooperatives from around the world.

Read: Cinnamon & Co in West End Now Serving Vegan Brunch and Dinner

Espresso XO is located at Davies Park South’s Leagues Club Kiosk, 120 Jane St, West End. They serve coffee as early as 5:00 a.m. and until 12:00 p.m.

Actually the best coffee in West End
Fabs

Brilliant. Nice and wonderful coffee. Happy vibe. Beautiful surrounds. Clean.
Intuitive di

My husband said “best coffee I’ve had in ages”
Melissa Kerr

Published 31-March-2023

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

Did you know that The Soda Factory in West End was named in honour of the Tristram soft drink factory that once operated on the site for decades? Here’s a look back at the history of Brisbane’s now-defunct soft drink manufacturing company, a well-known brand in the city up to the 1970s.

Read: See The Stunning Mural At Soda Factory In West End

Thomas Tristram founded the company as T Tristram Essences in 1875, almost a decade after arriving in Brisbane. Two years later, he partnered with Owen Gardiner who helped him open a factory at the rear of his family home on the corner of Grey and Hope Street.

Tristram Soft Drink Factory — Thomas Tristram (Photo credit: triscofoods.com.au)

T Tristam was forced to vacate the property at Hope St after Council took it for a road improvement project.

T Tristram later acquired a property at 69 Boundary St, West End and commissioned Atkinson, Powell and Conrad to design a new factory. The factory building had a Spanish Mission style design, which is quite unusual in Brisbane during those times.

When T Tristam Aerated Waters and Brewed Beverages opened at Boundary St in 1930, a write-up on The Architectural and Building Journal described the building as “thoroughly modern in every aspect, with a well laid out garden and lawns occupying the front of the site.”

Queueing for a take-away meal and a Tristram’s soft drink at the RNA Exhibition in 1949 (Photo credit: Brisbane John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)

Tristram produced different variants of their products, such as Ginger Beer, Lime Rickey, Sarsaparilla, TriCola, Lemonade, Indian Tonic, Soda Water, and Ginger Ale.

When T Tristram passed away at the turn of the century, his wife Emily Constance Tristram took over the business, along with their two sons and three daughters.

Tristram’s became the soft drink of choice for generations, until the factory was sold in 1979 to Cadbury Schweppes.

The Markets

Photo credit: https://heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au/

The former soft drink factory was converted into West End Market Shopping Centre during the 1980s, based on designs of late architect Gary Georgeson.

Heritage Pacific acquired the shopping centre, also known as The Markets, and redeveloped the iconic building in 2001 to incorporate a mixed use major retail facility and apartments.

Soda Factory West End

The site is now home to Soda Factory West End, a neigbourhood centre with a newly refurbished Coles Supermarket and 22 specialty retailers. It’s being run by the SCA Property Group, who purchased the property in 2014 for $32 million.

Whilst the building underwent major renovations, its main facade was retained, as part of the group’s vision to preserve its historical value.

Meanwhile, the Tristram soft drink factory may be gone but the business continues to thrive as Trisco Foods, which is currently being managed by the fifth generation of the family.

Read: How Boundary Street in West End and Spring Hill Got Its Name

Trisco Foods, now with an established factory at Carole Park, focuses on manufacturing ingredients such as syrups and sundaes. The company was named Queensland’s Exporter of the Year in 2019.

California Tacos To Open First Brisbane Location In West End

California Tacos, a taco chain known for its massive burritos and awesome cocktails, is coming to Brisbane with a new location set to open in West End.

Read: New Meat-Free Wine Bar Set to Open in West End

The menu, highlighted by what California Tacos refers to as “the #1 largest plate of nachos in Australia” will be similar to its other locations in the country–expect nachos, tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and fries in generous servings.

Slated to open in late January or February 2023, the new taco spot in West End will be located at 120 Boundary St, in a space formerly occupied by Indian restaurant Kulcha’d. Here, guests will be greeted by a tequila-inspired mural, which leads to a large courtyard and a dining space for up to 120 guests.

California Tacos — Photo credit: Ty Yturralde/Google Maps

One of the highlights on the menu is the nacho, served with fresh corn chips, cheese, black beans, avo-peño crema, sour cream, baja aioli, guacamole, salsa fresca, and your choice of protein.

The chain, founded by Mexico-born Ty Yturralde in 2013, makes tacos inspired directly from the beach suburbs in Southern California and Mexico. They proudly use 100 percent homemade, preservative-free corn and flour tortillas.

Aside from giving guests a seriously epic Mexican feast, owners are also planning to introduce live music on Thursday nights and on Sundays. Guests can enjoy a wide range of beverages, including a margarita menu with six varieties, cocktails, local craft beers, wines, and softdrinks, whilst listening to live music.

Read: Dalchini West End Now Back in Business After Flood-Damage Repairs

Besides the one soon to open in Brisbane, California Tacos also has locations in Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, Caloundra, and Townsville. Stay tuned on California Tacos’ Facebook page for updates on the West End location’s opening.