West End Archives - Page 4 of 25

West End Homeowners and Architects Join Forces for Open Talk on Building Smart

If you’re thinking about building or renovating in West End, a group of Brisbane architects and their clients are coming together to explain why working with a designer from the start could save you time, stress and money.

The panel discussion, The Benefits of Engaging an Architect, will take place on Sunday, 20 July 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Flying Colours on Vulture Street in West End. The free community event is part of the Brisbane Open House program and encourages locals to explore how architectural support can lead to more thoughtful, functional and personalised homes.

The Benefits of Engaging an Architect, West End — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Inside the Design Process

Three Brisbane-based architects—Aaron Peters from Vokes and Peters, Melody Chen from Atelier Chen Hung, and Rebecca Caldwell from Maytree Studios—will lead the session. Each of them has designed homes across different suburbs in Brisbane and will be joined by some of their past clients to speak about real-life renovations and builds.

The goal of the discussion is to share how professional design input early on can help homeowners make better-informed decisions, particularly around layout, liveability, council approvals and managing complex builds.

Rebecca Caldwell, Creative Director at Maytree Studios, has seen first-hand how guidance through the process can turn a daunting project into a rewarding one. She noted that when her studio helps manage the project, homeowners often feel more confident and enjoy the experience, rather than finding it overwhelming.

Architects Share What Matters Most

Each architect brings a unique approach to the conversation. Aaron Peters, whose practice is based in West End, believes good design starts with understanding the day-to-day lives of the people living in the home. His focus is on enhancing the character of each site to suit how people actually use the space.

Melody Chen, also based in West End, adds that architects provide spatial insight that helps turn complex site limitations into design strengths. Her studio aims to design homes that feel uplifting and intuitive, tailored to individual needs.

Together, the speakers will share what questions they ask, how their design processes work, and why homeowners should expect more from the spaces they live in.

Local Impact and Broader Invitation

While the event will be held in West End, the conversation is relevant to residents across Brisbane considering a build or renovation. Suburbs mentioned in connection with the speakers’ past work include Paddington, South Brisbane, St Lucia and Indooroopilly.

Lindy Johnson Creative, which supports architects with communications and business development, is co-presenting the panel along with Flying Colours, the West End venue hosting the event.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions to the panel, which includes a live Q&A. The discussion aims to be open, informative and community-focused—offering practical takeaways for anyone feeling unsure about where to begin with a home project.

Published 14-July-2025

New Kappo Restaurant +81 Set to Open in West End

Photo Credit: Plus Eight One/Instagram

A new Japanese kappo-style restaurant, +81, is preparing to open in West End, offering an intimate dining experience shaped by traditional techniques and reimagined for the modern table.

Background and Development

+81 Kappo is the latest addition to West End’s dining scene, following the earlier launch of +81 Aizome Bar. The new restaurant continues the concept introduced by the bar, expanding from a focus on cocktails to a complete kappo dining experience.

Located on Montague Road, the venue reflects a connection to Japan’s culinary philosophy, with its name referencing the country’s international dial code.

Kappo Dining Explained

The kappo style at +81 highlights precise methods including cutting, simmering and grilling, with careful attention to seasonality and presentation. The venue aims to honour this tradition through an authentic multi-course offering adapted for a modern dining experience.

Japanese dining — *Photo Credit: Plus Eight One/Instagram*

Design and Concept

+81 Kappo is expected to feature a minimalist aesthetic inspired by Japanese design principles, using natural materials and refined detailing to support the intimate and focused nature of kappo dining.

Connection to +81 Aizome Bar

The restaurant builds on the success of +81 Aizome Bar, which opened next door in late 2024. The ten-seat bar has already gained attention in West End for its neo cocktail creations and Japanese-inspired small plates. The new restaurant will complement the bar, creating a cohesive hospitality destination.

Japanese cuisine Brisbane — *Photo Credit: Plus Eight One/Instagram*

Community Expectations

Local interest in +81 Kappo has been strong. A waitlist is already open for early reservations. Food enthusiasts have shown anticipation for this new Japanese dining option in West End.

What Comes Next

+81 Kappo is on track to open in 2025. Further updates are expected as the opening approaches. Priority reservations are offered to those on the waitlist.

Published 27-June-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

One of West End’s Last Original Queenslanders Sells in Heated Auction

One of West End’s few remaining untouched Queenslanders has changed hands for $2.5 million after a competitive auction that drew over 100 onlookers and 15 registered bidders.

Read: West End Apartment Smashes Price Expectations in Strong Brisbane Auction Week

The three-bedroom, one-bathroom home at 22 Sussex Street had been held by the same family since the 1950s. After decades of accumulation, it took six months to clear out belongings and prepare the property for sale, with only essential updates made to meet compliance standards.

Queenslanders — Photo credit: Leo Tsimpikas Real Estate

Despite its age and the need for extensive renovations, the home’s elevated position, city views, and generous 536-square-metre flood-free block made it a highly sought-after offering.

Its appeal was further heightened by its location within the prized Brisbane State High School catchment—a key factor for many buyers eyeing the tightly held suburb. Most blocks in West End range between 250 and 300 square metres and offer limited or no off-street parking, giving this property a distinct edge in size, liveability, and future potential.

Bidding began at $1.6 million and escalated rapidly, narrowing down to a battle between two determined buyers who drove the final price up in large increments. The winning bidders, West End locals, had long been searching for a classic Queenslander to restore and make their own.

Whilst the home remains largely original, a high-end renovation could cost up to $1.5 million, but the investment is unlikely to deter buyers in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held and character-rich suburbs.

The sale stands out as a rare example of an unrenovated Queenslander still standing in inner-city West End—a suburb where gentrification and redevelopment have steadily reduced the number of original homes. Its result reflects the enduring appeal of character housing in premium inner-Brisbane locations, especially those offering land size, elevation, and strong school zoning.

Read: Luxury Property Developer Deepens West End Presence with Second Mega Site Acquisition

The auction was part of a broader weekend of activity across Brisbane, with 144 properties scheduled to go under the hammer. Preliminary figures showed a clearance rate of 44 per cent from reported results, highlighting the selective but still strong interest in unique, high-potential properties.

Published 6-June-2025

Popular West End GoodGood Cafe Undergoes Big Change with New Deli Focus

Photo Credit: GoodGood/ Instagram

A well-loved coffee spot in West End has surprised locals by getting a fresh new look and completely changing what it offers to the community. GoodGood on Beesley Street, a familiar name to many, has reopened after a renovation with a brand-new focus as a deli.

The people behind this change are Lachlan Geraghty and Josh Power, who first became known in West End when they opened the small coffee shop Little Peaches in 2021.

They always planned to grow their business in a way that would benefit the community and keep things interesting for themselves. This latest step is a big one for the pair.

From Cafe to Deli

GoodGood first opened next door to Little Peaches in a much bigger space. They had done much of the work to create a stylish and open feel. At first, it was a cafe during the day and a wine bar at night, hoping to become a central meeting place in West End. However, the owners felt that their design didn’t truly show who they were and what they wanted GoodGood to become.

Mr Geraghty explained that while they thought the original space was beautiful, they designed it without really thinking about their own identity and what they wanted to achieve. He added that he wanted to bring back some of the feeling of Little Peaches into the new space.

So, they decided to make a change. They moved their coffee gear back into Little Peaches for a few months while the inside of GoodGood was redone. This time, they aimed to create a warmer, more inviting space with better sound quality.

Mr Geraghty said that the original GoodGood felt too plain, so they intentionally went in the opposite direction by adding lots of different textures while keeping a simple colour scheme.

The New Space and Menu

When you walk into GoodGood, you’ll see timber walls, terracotta-coloured tiles, and textured surfaces, with plants adding some greenery. The layout is mostly the same, but the kitchen has been made bigger and better equipped.

The large concrete counter has been replaced with a lighter, floating counter to make serving customers easier. The front of the cafe has also been changed to create a small outdoor area where people can sit with their dogs, although Mr Geraghty mentioned that this area still needs a bit more work.

While the new look was important, the change mainly aimed to focus on a business idea that better matched what the owners wanted. Because of this, they are also changing the name from GoodGood West End to GoodGood Deli. Mr Geraghty stated that they have started the process of changing their business name and that their aim now is to operate as a deli.

GoodGood will still be open in the mornings, serving coffee from Sunshine Coast roaster Tim Adams and a smaller breakfast menu. However, they will now focus more on providing lunch options, which Mr Geraghty believes is lacking in their part of West End.

He noticed many office workers were going to the supermarket to buy lunch because there weren’t many other choices nearby. He also mentioned talking to customers who said the same thing.

To address this, GoodGood Deli will soon launch a new lunch menu featuring a range of deli-style sandwiches. Mr Power has been in charge of creating these recipes, taking inspiration from his family history in baking. Mr Geraghty explained that Mr Power’s grandfather owned a successful bakery in New South Wales many years ago and that Mr Power has spent the last six to eight months working on different bread recipes.

The sandwiches will be made with a soft focaccia bread and filled with high-quality meats and cheeses, all prepared in-house. The lunch menu will also include a daily salad and a house-made lasagne, but the owners plan to keep the menu flexible, with items changing regularly. Mr Geraghty also noted that they have stopped their evening service but plan to bring back a nighttime offering.

Looking ahead, Mr Geraghty expressed his appreciation for the support they have received from both new and regular customers since Little Peaches’s earliest days. He acknowledged that it is a privilege to be able to make such significant changes, especially at a time when many hospitality businesses are facing challenges.

He said that the renovation wasn’t done because the community asked for it, but because it was something they wanted to do. He feels it’s great that they have been able to adapt and grow with the support of their customers. Mr Geraghty believes they are now finally ready to launch the kind of business they had always envisioned.

Published Date 20-May-2025

Much-Loved West End Music Venue, The Bearded Lady, Announces Permanent Closure

Photo Credit: The Bearded Lady/ Facebook

In a significant blow to Brisbane’s live music scene, West End’s cherished venue, The Bearded Lady, has announced it will permanently close its doors, impacting local artists and the community that has supported it.

The popular spot, known for its diverse range of performances beyond just music, will cease operating on Friday, 23 May 2025.

Sudden End to a Community Hub

*Photo Credit:* *The Bearded Lady/ Facebook*

The closure news was shared via social media, with the venue expressing deep sadness over the decision. Despite recent community efforts to financially support The Bearded Lady, which included a successful fundraising campaign that brought in $27,000, the closure is reportedly due to unforeseen issues arising from negotiations with the landlord.

According to the venue, key individuals within the local music community had stepped forward and were willing to take over the lease. Still, at the last minute, the landlords communicated their decision to withdraw from the hospitality sector altogether. This unexpected turn of events has left the venue management and its supporters feeling devastated and frustrated.

More Than Just a Music Venue

For the West End community, The Bearded Lady was more than just a place to see bands. The 120-capacity venue had cultivated a reputation as a welcoming space that hosted various cultural events, including poetry readings, burlesque and cabaret shows, theatre performances, and art classes. Its closure signifies a loss of a valuable cultural hub in the increasingly gentrified suburb.

A Sign of Wider Challenges

The demise of The Bearded Lady is not an isolated incident. It follows the recent closures of other independent Brisbane venues like Season Three, which faced eviction, and It’s Still A Secret, whose owner, Emily Dennis, highlighted that a concerning number of small to medium-sized Australian live music venues – over a third – have permanently shut down in the past three years.

Nick Smethurst, the owner of Season Three, had previously urged the community to actively support local art and venues to combat the industry’s top-down pressures. The situation underscores live music venues’ ongoing challenges in Brisbane and across Australia.

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A post shared by The Bearded Lady (@thebeardedladywestend)

Community Left Reeling

The Bearded Lady management conveyed their heartfelt gratitude for their support, acknowledging the disappointment felt by the bands and the wider music community. They assured their supporters that their frustrations were understood.

The closure marks a significant loss for Brisbane’s cultural landscape, leaving a void for artists and patrons who valued the West End institution’s unique atmosphere and diverse offerings.

Published Date 16-May-2025

West End Stores Forced to Close in Sudden Tobacco Raid

Photo Credit: Bernard Mitchelson/Facebook

Several tobacco shops in Brisbane’s West End were shut down without warning this week after authorities found they were likely selling illegal nicotine and tobacco products.

Premises Shut Down Under State Law

On Tuesday, 13 May, Queensland Health officers and police raided five businesses in the inner-south suburb. Four of them were served with interim closure orders, forcing them to stop trading for 72 hours. The action came under Section 209A of the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998.

One of the stores, A1 Convenience on Vulture Street, had two official notices taped to its front door. The warnings were sealed with bright green tape marked “SEIZED,” showing that products may have been confiscated. Another store, West End Tobacconist on Boundary Street, was also closed. Both shops were accused of supplying smoking products without a licence.

Officials Acted After Warnings Went Ignored

Authorities said they had inspected the businesses several times in the past and given warnings about illegal sales. However, the shops allegedly continued to sell banned items such as nicotine vapes and unlicensed tobacco.

Queensland Health stated there was reasonable suspicion that the stores were trading in a way that broke the law. Under the Act, supplying or being involved in the supply of smoking products without a proper licence can result in fines of up to $322,600.

Community Concerns Rising

The West End community has seen an increase in small shops selling vapes and tobacco in recent years. Local residents have raised concerns about how easy it is for young people to access these products.

Health officers are using new powers to issue rapid closure orders and conduct surprise inspections. These temporary closures are one way the state is trying to deal with a growing illegal market.

Crackdown Linked To Broader Effort

This action is part of a state-wide push to crack down on the illegal tobacco trade, which authorities say is linked to organised crime and costing millions in lost tax revenue.

While Queensland Health has not named the other shops involved, it is clear that more enforcement efforts are underway. The government has flagged the possibility of tougher penalties in the future, including longer closures and even jail time for serious breaches.

Published 14-May-2025

Tiger Burger Launches on Boundary Street in West End

Photo Credit: Tiger Burger/Instagram

A new burger venue combining Korean-inspired flavours with American-style classics has officially opened its doors in West End.

Korean-Influenced Menu Arrives in West End

Tiger Burger has opened at 2/173 Boundary Street, West End, bringing a unique twist to the suburb’s growing food landscape. The venue is a sister operation to New Zealand-based Ziggle and offers a menu focused on American-style smash burgers with Korean-inspired flavours.

Signature Offerings and Menu Details

Tiger Burger’s signature items include the Tiger Burger, featuring a smashed beef patty made from chuck and brisket, cheddar cheese, onions, garlic mushrooms, mayonnaise and Korean barbecue sauce. Optional grilled shaved beef can be added.

Other beef-based burgers include the Fiery Bacon, Deluxe and The Cheese. Chicken options include the Gotchu, made with Korean sweet chilli fried chicken, coleslaw, pickles and mayo, and the Hot Nash, a Nashville-style fried chicken burger with dill sour cream. Customers can also order fried chicken by the piece, in varieties such as Southern, Nashville, Hot Nashville, Sweet Chilli and Hot Sweet Chilli.

The venue also offers loaded fries, coleslaw, house-made dipping sauces and combo meals that include chips and a soft drink.

Tiger Burger menu — *Photo Credit: Tiger Burger/Instagram*

Tiger Burger West End — *Photo Credit: Tiger Burger/Instagram*

Launch and Location

The store officially began trading on 13 May 2025. Its opening hours are 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

The shopfront includes retro-styled hand-painted signage, contributing to a traditional aesthetic in line with its menu’s nostalgic influences.

Early Feedback and Customer Response

Initial interest from the local community appears strong, with the Tiger Burger identified as the venue’s top-selling item during the opening period. Customers are able to customise spice levels on items such as the Gotchu and Hot Nash, with both mild and hot versions available.

Published 14-May-2025

Stockwell Proposes Sixteen-Storey Apartment Building for West End

Photo Credit: DA A006760664

Brisbane developer Stockwell has lodged plans for a substantial 16-storey building in West End, aiming to add 132 new apartments to the riverside suburb.

The proposal outlines a mixed-use development at 33 Vulture Street, the former location of the Queensland Can Factory. It includes over 600 square metres of space intended for shops and businesses facing Vulture Street. Property records indicate the 3321-square-metre site was purchased in January last year for $19 million.

Development Details

Stockwell — *Photo Credit:* *DA A006760664*

Architecture firm Mode has designed the project to feature a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom units spread across 13 levels, positioned above a three-level base. A key design element involves keeping the old Queensland Can Factory’s original brick walls, built in the 1920s, along Paris and Turin streets.

These historic fronts will cover the parking levels within the building’s base. Planning documents suggest that the buildings around the site are mostly character homes, and the heritage-listed West End State School is directly opposite. The report highlights an opportunity to respect and improve the area’s feel.

Community Spaces and Amenities

The development plans include 1184 square metres of shared open space for residents. The top of the building is designed as a recreation area with a pool and deck, a spa, a sauna, a gym, barbecue spots, outdoor eating areas, a community garden, and a function room that can be booked.

Additionally, the top of the base structure will feature trees, seating, a herb garden for residents, and an enclosed area for dogs. Below these areas, there will be 199 parking spaces spread over three levels.

Planning Considerations

According to the planning report, while the proposed height of the tower is taller than the usual eight-storey limit for the area, it is argued that the building’s size and overall impact are suitable in this case. The report mentions that a large piece of land at 36-38 Vulture Street, which was zoned for high-density residential development up to 15 storeys, has recently been used to expand West End State School and the West End police station.

The planning report suggests that this new development on the subject site will help compensate for some of the housing that could have been built on the land now used for community services. Stockwell’s website states that they have already invested over $590 million in the West End community, delivering more than 700 apartments.

Key Features

The submitted development application details two levels of retail space along Vulture Street, providing eight separate shop areas. The design aims to maximise views and landscaping in the rooftop and base recreation areas, separating different activities for residents.

The rooftop will include a 16.7-metre pool and spa, while the podium level will host the dog park and herb garden. Stockwell believes this project will contribute positively to the West End area.

Published Date 13-May-2025

Homeless Tents Cleared from Musgrave Park in West End

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Police and city officials have removed homeless residents and tents from Musgrave Park in West End, prompting concerns from community groups and advocacy organisations.

Repeat Clear-Outs Ahead of Festival

Dozens of rough sleepers were displaced from Musgrave Park in West End during an early-morning operation involving police and BCC workers. The move occurred ahead of the Paniyiri Greek Festival, which is scheduled to return to the park next weekend.

Similar operations took place in 2023 and 2024, with over 50 people removed from the park before the festival each year. Council maintains the timing is coincidental and not linked to the event.

Police clear tents in West End — *Photo Credit: Community Union Defence League/Facebook*

Official Stance and Actions

BCC stated the action aligned with its policy to intervene only when accommodation has been offered and declined. Officers affixed notices on Wednesday morning, with removals beginning around 6 a.m. the next day. Reports indicate that people were woken and given 30 minutes to gather their belongings.

The Queensland Police Service confirmed no arrests or move-on directions were issued. Police were present to maintain safety during the operation.

Housing and Data Issues

Local official Sam O’Connor said outreach workers had recently visited Musgrave Park and would continue offering support. He denied any directive from the new state government influenced council actions.

The Department of Housing has faced criticism for relying on outdated census data from 2021. There is no publicly available up-to-date data on how many people are currently sleeping rough in Brisbane.

At the last census, over 2000 people in Queensland were believed to be living without shelter, with about 22,000 classified as having no secure housing.

Tents moved ahead of West End festival — *Photo Credit: Community Union Defence League/Facebook*

Community Reactions and Criticism

Several advocacy groups, including the Community Union Defence League and Anti-Poverty Network, expressed concern over the operation’s execution. Witnesses described the process as abrupt, distressing, and lacking adequate notice or support.

Volunteers reported being threatened with obstruction charges when attempting to assist with packing. Some people relocated tents to another area of the park.

Local officials Trina Massey and Lucy Collier criticised the council’s approach, describing it as coercive and misrepresentative of the actual housing support offered.

BCC officials argued the encampments raised safety issues, citing violence, drug use, and anti-social behaviour. They accused the local officials of resisting housing development while criticising enforcement actions.

West End homelessness — *Photo Credit: Community Union Defence League/Facebook*

Paniyiri Committee Response

The Paniyiri Greek Festival organisers released a statement distancing themselves from the eviction decision. They acknowledged homelessness as a sensitive issue and reiterated that decisions around removals were made by council.

They noted that in 2024, accommodation and alternative spaces were made available for those affected and said they aimed to ensure a similar approach this year.

Outlook

While some residents accepted housing offers, others claimed they were left with limited options. Advocacy groups continue to call for exclusion zones to protect rough sleepers during public events.

The State officials maintain that homelessness outreach will remain in place at Musgrave Park in West End, with longer-term housing strategies still in development.

Published 9-May-2025