West End Archives - Page 20 of 21

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

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

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

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

Riverfront Garden Lifestyle

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

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

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

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

Death-Trap Intersection

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

West End’s Grown Hosts Degustation Dinners to Lure People to Vegan Eating

The latest vegan café in West End is luring non-vegans into trying plant-based eating with delightful degustation dinners prepared by Alejandro Cancino.

Chef Cancino is the man behind the highly rated degustation menu at Urbane in Brisbane CBD. The plant-based degustation expert is expected to bring elegant dishes that would arouse the interest not only of vegans but the omnivores as well.

Grown will feature the pop-up vegan degustation dinners on Tuesday and Wednesday nights in January and February.

Event Details

What:	Pop-Up Vegan Degustation
When:	Every Tuesday and Wednesday 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where:	Grown 21 Buchanan Street, West End
Cost:	$120 per person

Gone are the days when vegan living is identified with bland cooking. The plant-based restaurant scene is booming in Brisbane and Grown is one of the new hip places created for vegans.

Through the degustation events, Grown owner Sacha Muchall and Cancino aim to introduce more people to the vegan way of living.

The pop-up degustation dinners feature seven-course plant-based menu, with an option of matched alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairings. The dinners can only accommodate 16 people each night and bookings are essential.

To book a seat at the Pop-Up Degustation Dinners, call 3036 7213 or email Grown at hello@grownbne.com.

Check out the Grown website for more details about the degustation dinners.

West End Project to Get More Green Space as Developer Fulfils Conditions for Approval

In a bid to fulfil conditions to full approval of the West Village project in West End, the developer has submitted plans to double the green space accessible to the public.

The increase of publicly accessible green space is one of the conditions set by Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jackie Trad when she approved the development application in November 2016. This was after Ms Trad called in the development back in September 2016 after it was met by strong public opposition.

After review of the project, the development was eventually approved, provided that they meet certain conditions. Conditions include providing at least 30% of the site area as publicly accessible open space. The approval also called for the developer to bring down the maximum number of multiple dwelling on site to 1,250 units. Initially, the developer planned for 1,350 apartment units.

The West Village project is currently under construction, with Stage 1 expected to be completed by the end of 2018. Once completed, the Boundary Street development would boast four laneways: Mollison Lane, Peters Lane, Wilson Lane and Factory Lane and a common green park.

Read: Four Green Laneways Planned for West Village in West End

Proposed Changes

On 21 December 2017, the developer lodged a development application to meet certain conditions of the approval.

The plans posted on the Brisbane City Council website on 3 January 2018 address the conditions covering the open areas open to the public. These include plans for The Common and the laneways.

The Common space proposal to meet approval condition. (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Under the plan, West Village would provide 1,532 square metres of publicly accessible area through The Common space. The Common space would be available for public access 24 hours a day.

The Common would include a water play area as well as space for public performances. Through the plan, the developer also aims to fulfil requirements for unimpeded and safe 24-hour public pedestrian access and crime prevention through environmental design principles.

The plans for Factory Lane and Wilson Lane are also included in the recent proposal. Factory Lane would be a green laneway leading to The Common space. Wilson Lane would be right next to the existing factory and would provide 10 bike racks and vehicular access bollards.

Plan for Wilson Lane includes bike racks. (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

The proposal also aims to address the condition covering community focused land uses. This involves adding at least one child care centre, providing a minimum of 500 square metres of the gross floor area for community space and 100 square metres of the gross floor area for knowledge space or co-working hub.

Other Conditions

Approval of the development also depends on the fulfilment of other conditions. These include provision for car and bicycle parking spaces for non-residents, traffic management prepared by a qualified traffic engineer, and deep planting for 10% of the site area.

See details of the proposed changes under Development Application A004827055.

All-Ages Live Music Venue Catches West End Vibe

With music venues popping up all over inner-city Brisbane, there is seemingly one gap that remains to be filled – the all-ages music scene.

Photo credit: Live From Outer Space/Facebook

Outer Space Artist Run Initiative, an artist-run initiative, is filling that void as it presents Live From Outer Space. The music program is an all-ages live music event specifically tailored to the local West End community.

A special introductory run of Live From Outer Space is happening in January 2018. The events will feature local musicians that are sure to capture the vibe of Westenders.

From February 2018, Outer Space will host the all-ages live music event on the last Friday and Saturday of each month at its warehouse on Montague Road in West End.

Since it is an all-ages music event, Live From Outer Space is drug-free and alcohol-free.

Event Details

Dates:	Last Friday and Saturday of the month starting February 2018
Time:	7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Tickets:	$10
Venue:	1/170 Montague Road, West End

January is extra special as there will be three live music events. This is as Outer Space makes the most of its empty warehouse, which is currently undergoing renovation.

The gallery’s first major exhibition is also still in the works, so it is the perfect time to launch the music program.

January Schedule:

Friday 12 January 2018	Spirit Bunny // Ultra Material // Slumlawwd
Saturday 20 January 2018	Rivermouth // Accomplice Collective // ARIG
Saturday 27 January 2018	The Delicates // Requin // Gooby Jim

Outer Space Expansion

Live From Outer Space is part of Outer Space’s expansion, thanks to ongoing support from the Brisbane City Council. The main focus of the non-for-profit gallery and studio is to educate and engage the community through the arts.

Aside from the all-ages music program, Outer Space is also expanding to include an affordable studio residency program, an annual exhibition and a community space dedicated to alternative education.

Find out more about the Outer Space programs.

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

Queensland’s property market is expected to continue its growth in 2018, with suburbs such as West End and Carina leading the pack.

Brisbane is expected to see price increases in the housing sector this year, after a slowdown towards the end of 2017. The slowdown was apparent across the country, particularly in Sydney.

CoreLogic, a top source of property market data, indicates that prices would grow much faster in 2018 than in the previous year in Brisbane. Growth would be primarily buoyed by improvements in the job generation and continuous migrant influx.

While Brisbane trailed Sydney and Melbourne in recent years in terms of dwelling values, the outlook remains strong for Brisbane. CoreLogic revealed that Brisbane dwelling prices were 46% lower than those in Sydney and 32% than in Melbourne. This price difference gives Brisbane the affordability advantage.

CoreLogic reviews Brisbane’s Housing Market in 2017. (Credit: CoreLogic Australia/YouTube)

Growth Areas

Brisbane suburbs that are predicted to do well in the property market are West End and Carina. West End has always been a favourite in Brisbane’s property sector. This is mainly because of its proximity to the CBD and the Brisbane State High School catchment.

Property buyers may have to get into the action quickly if they are interested in the attractive West End market. That’s because the supply is not as high due to strong demand. Houses typically sell quick, so many people tend to miss out on the opportunity.

Another bright spot in the market is Carina, which has had consistent growth in the last five years but dwindled in 2017. Property experts predict strong investment opportunities in the suburb, thanks to quality schools and sound road infrastructure.

Other areas expected to become more popular among investors are Mount Gravatt East, Kenmore and Cannon Hill.

Loft West End to Host Free-Entry New Year’s Eve Party

While everybody else is lining up to get in a crowded party to end the year, Loft West End is teaming up with Sofi Spritz to throw a free-entry New Year’s Eve party at its Boundary Street venue in West End.

Aside from being a free event, the NYE Summer Spritz Party has heaps of fun prizes and giveaways in store for party goers. Two of the top DJs in Brisbane will also be there to make sure that everyone will have an amazing New Year’s Eve.

Event Details

What:	NYE Summer Spritz Party
When:	Sunday 31 December 2017 – Monday 1 January 2018 10:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.
Where:	Loft West End 100 Boundary Street, West End

Launch Party

The Loft West End event will also be the official launch party of Sofi Spritz as it introduces its new White Peach & Ginger Spritz.

The first 100 people at the party will take home a New Year’s Eve Party pack, which includes Sofi Spritz product, merchandise and other goodies.

Sofi Spritz is also giving away a $500 NYE Food and Beverage Package. Check their Event page to learn how to enter.

The new flavour is all-Australian and all-natural, perfectly blending the white peach and ginger with white wine and a dash of soda water.

Sofi Spritz is known for creating premium quality Australian wine using locally sourced ingredients. Its flavours drew inspiration from Mediterranean heritage, bringing some Italian style to Australia’s relaxed outdoor lifestyle.

Best of Urban Art on the Spotlight at West End Street Art Festival

All the best in urban art and design will be the highlight at this year’s West End Street Art Festival.

Brisbane has a habit of holding a festival for all things that locals love, so it is just fitting that West End is the venue for a festivity putting the spotlight on street art.

The event, which will be on Sunday 22 October 2017, will bring together all the top street artworks by some of the best artists from Brisbane and the rest of Australia.

Since early October, artists have been painting large murals on Boundary Street and Russell Street. They will be celebrated at the end of the festival on 22 October.

Among the artworks to be featured are murals by Drapl, Leans, Treas, David Hougton, Mr Mupz, the Brightsiders, Kate Hallen and many more.

Event Details

What:	West End Street Art Festival
When:	Sunday 22 October 2017 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where:	Russell Street, West End
Tickets:	$10 at the door, $5 pre-sale Pre-sale tickets will go to a raffle to win any of the following prizes: 10 x $50 WESAF shopping vouchers 10 x double passes to New Farm cinema values at $32 each 3 x $100 Archive vouchers 3 x $50 Catchment Brewing Co vouchers Buy Tickets

What to Expect

The festival will be filled with art and design, murals, street food, live music and interactive workshops. There will be live painting sessions that will benefit charitable organisations and three clay workshops by Jade Tree Ceramics.

Digital walking tours will help attendees as they explore the street murals at the festival.

More than 100 market stalls will line up the street to showcase the best handcrafted items and art pieces. Over 30 food stalls will offer delightful eats to art enthusiasts, while special festival brew will be at pubs in the festival zone.

Some of Brisbane’s up and coming musicians will be at the event to provide live entertainment for the festival.

Learn more about West End Street Art Festival.

Ducks Race to Fight Cancer at West End’s Summertime Riverfest

The biggest duck race in Australia is all set and it’s all for a good cause. The ducks are psyched up and ready to battle cancer at this year’s Summertime Riverfest.

Photo credit: Give Cancer the Quack/Facebook

Summertime Riverfest promises to be one quacking day filled with live entertainment, great food and rubber duckies racing over the Brisbane River. The event will be on Saturday 21 October 2017 at Riverside Drive in West End.

The duck race event will benefit cancer research at the PA Research Foundation.

Event Details

What:

Summertime Riverfest

When:

Saturday 21 October 2017
12:00 noon – 8:00 p.m.

Where:

Riverside Drive, West End

Get Duck Tickets

Main Race

The main race will be at 4:00 p.m. and will see thousands of rubber ducks sailing into the Brisbane River for a 100-metre race.

Winners of the race will win the following prices:

First prize: A Motor Vehicle Valued at $45,000.
Second prize: $15,000 Travel Voucher.
Third prize: A Stessco 389 Squire Boat with 2 Stroke Suzuki Outboard Valued at $10,000.
Fourth prize: $4,200 Travel Voucher

The miniature ducks will be racing within a barricaded area. Event staff will collect them afterwards so that there are no rubber duckies left wandering around the river.

Quacking Fun Time

Giant ducks will also race at the Celebrity Duck Race, which will feature celebrities racing to the finish of a 50-metre course.

Food at the venue will not disappoint as the Regatta Hotel prepares a one-of-a-kind line up of delectable food at the Regatta Gourmet Street.

Holistic Hospitality also prepared Riverfest hampers for those who wish to do a picnic at the festival. A picnic hamper will include plates, cutlery, napkins as well as picnic blankets, which will be collected after the event. Part of the proceeds will go to Give Cancer the Quack!

Order a picnic hamper here.

Kids can play all day at the St George Gone Quackers Kids Zone. The kids’ zone will have face painting, tea cup rides, jumping castles and the St George Queensland Reds Inflatable Football Field.

It will be a fun-filled festival with entertainment from Network TEN celebrities live on stage. Ollie and Elly from Toasted TV will also be at the event.

Heading entertainment at the Pradella River Stage is the Antipodean Rock ‘n’ Roll Collective (ARC). The group features Kram from Spiderbat, Mark Wilson from Jet, Davey Lane from You Am I, and Darren Middleton from Powderfinger. They will be performing their hits from their respective bands.

Other performers include CKNU, Screamfeeder, Louise Adams, LSPhilosophy, The Hi-Boys and We All Want To.

Ducks Against Cancer

Summertime Riverfest is organised and sponsored by Give Cancer the Quack, which aims to support cancer research at the PA Research Foundation.

Various prizes are up for grabs. Anyone can also make a donation to PA Research Foundation any time.

View the program.

Find out more about Summertime Riverfest.

Four Green Laneways Planned for West Village in West End

The love for laneways is strong in the inner city Brisbane area. In West End, four new green laneways will be developed as part of the West Village project.

Developer Sekisui House intends to provide walking and cycling spaces to the $800-million West Village precinct. Mollison Lane, Peters Lane, Wilson Lane and Factory Lane will be different from the usual laneways that are predominantly concrete.

Artist’s impression of Peters Lane. (Photo credit: westvillage.com.au)

The four laneways will have a total length of more than 250 metres if fully landscaped lanes.

Each laneway will have its distinct character and set of amenities, but they will all provide a sub-tropical atmosphere to West Village.

The West Village laneways capitalise on the success of laneways in the inner city. Laneway development has become an excellent way of revitalising what could have been a forgotten lane. Fish Lane in South Brisbane and Winn Lane in Fortitude Valley are two of the top success stories of laneway culture in Brisbane.

Laneway Design

The design of the four laneways represents the demand for green spaces in West End. Wilson Lane, which will be an extension of Wilson Street, will provide a fresh sub-tropical feel to the area. Peters Lane will feature all the colours culture and aroma of cosmopolitan West End in one intimate and buzzing laneway.

Mollison Green is envisioned to be an open space that would allow the family to enjoy the retail space while the kids explore the play area. Factory Lane is planned to provide residents and visitors the lure of the historic charm of West End.

Uniting all the laneways is the common green park where anyone can simply relax, sit on the lawn and grab a drink. Providing the backdrop is the heritage-listed Peters Ice Cream factory.

The Peters Square will be turned into an experiential open-air market with a fusion of culinary and urban culture.

Green Movement

The local clamour for more green spaces in the suburb is a huge consideration in the design for the West Village open space. Currently, West Village has a GoGet car sharing service. In the near future, West Village will provide 1,600 bicycle spaces and end-of-trip services for residents and visitors.

The 2.6-hectare West Village project is a mixed residential and retail precinct with 192 apartments, restaurants, boutiques, galleries, shops, parks and squares. Development of the first stage of the project is currently ongoing and will be completed by the end of 2018.

Thirty-percent of the precinct will be accessible to the public. Included in the public areas are the four laneways and almost one hectare of open spaces in two new parks.

Find out more about the West Village project.

Event:	Sunset Social
Date:	Fortnightly 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Venue:	Davies Park 120 Jane Street, West End
Cost:	FREE