The Madison Tower Mill Hotel at 239 Wickham Terrace in Spring Hill has sold for a reported $28.6 million to Samdoo Corporation, the Kim family-owned group behind two Hotel Diana properties in Brisbane.
HTL Property handled the sale on behalf of Madison Hotel Group, with Andrew Jackson, Nic Simarro and Glenn Price managing the campaign.
More than 175 enquiries were received before nine formal offers were submitted. Interest came from local and interstate investors, offshore-backed groups and established pub operators.
Samdoo Corporation owns Hotel Diana properties in Woolloongabba and South Brisbane. The acquisition was supported by private family investment originating from South Korea.
Photo Credit: HTL Property
Circular Spring Hill Hotel Has 70 Rooms
Built in 1966, the nine-storey circular building operates as a 3.5-star hotel and contains 70 guest rooms with private balconies.
The accommodation has recently been refurbished. A hospitality venue on the ground floor includes a sports bar and 14 gaming machines.
The hotel occupies a 1,462 sqm freehold site beside Wickham Park, near the edge of the Brisbane CBD. It is also within walking distance of the Golden Triangle, Suncorp Stadium and Roma Street Parkland.
The site has mixed-use zoning, with the sale listing identifying potential for high-density redevelopment subject to approval. No redevelopment proposal or change of use was confirmed as part of the transaction.
Photo Credit: HTL Property
Madison Tower Mill Hotel Faces Old Windmill
The Madison Tower Mill Hotel stands opposite the Old Windmill, which was built in 1828 and is Brisbane’s oldest surviving building.
When the hotel opened, it included one of Brisbane’s early elevated or rooftop restaurants. Its circular design and rooftop level remain distinguishing features of the Wickham Terrace building.
Photo Credit: HTL Property
The hotel later became associated with the 1971 Tower Mill protests during the South African Springboks rugby union tour.
The all-white Springboks team stayed at the hotel during the tour, prompting protests outside the property. The events ultimately led to a state of emergency being declared in Queensland.
Did you know that St John’s Cathedral on Ann Street was built over three separate stages spanning two centuries? From the laying of its foundation stone in 1901 to the completion of its western towers and spires in 2009, the city’s Anglican cathedral took 108 years to realise its original vision and is one of the few Gothic cathedrals in the world completed using traditional hand-cut stone.
Standing at 405 Ann Street in Brisbane City, on the edge of Fortitude Valley, the cathedral tells a story that extends well beyond its architecture. It reflects more than a century of public support and the commitment of generations of architects, stonemasons, clergy and supporters who worked to complete a design first conceived during the Victorian era.
A Vision That Spanned Generations
Back view of St John’s Cathedral taken from the cutting in Adelaide Street, ca 1910 (Photo credit: Agriculture and Stock Department, Publicity Branch/Queensland State Archives)
The cathedral project began in the 1880s when William Webber, Brisbane’s third Anglican bishop, commissioned English architect John Loughborough Pearson to prepare plans for a new cathedral. The proposal formed part of celebrations marking Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887 and was intended to be funded through public subscriptions.
Financial constraints meant the cathedral could not be completed in a single campaign. Instead, construction unfolded across three major stages over more than a century.
The foundation stone was laid in 1901 by the Duke of Cornwall and York, who later became King George V. The first stage of construction began in 1906 and was completed in 1910, delivering the sanctuary, transepts, choir, Lady Chapel and the first section of the nave.
The apse and crossing in 1927 (Photo credit: Agriculture and Stock Department, Publicity Branch/Queensland State Archives)
Following the Second World War, efforts resumed to complete the cathedral as a war memorial. A new foundation stone was laid in 1947 by Field Marshal Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, although construction did not recommence until 1965. The second stage continued until 1969, extending the nave and laying the groundwork for the final phase.
The third and final stage began in 1989. Supported by public donations, bequests and funding from the Australian, Queensland and Brisbane governments, work continued for two decades before the western towers and copper-clad spires were completed in 2009, bringing Pearson’s original vision to completion 108 years after the foundation stone was laid.
Built Using Traditional Craftsmanship
Photo credit: Google Maps/Alex Hu
What makes St John’s Cathedral distinctive is not only how long it took to build, but also the methods used during its construction.
The cathedral was built using traditional medieval construction techniques with load-bearing stone throughout the structure. Skilled stonemasons shaped and laid much of the stone by hand, preserving the original design and construction methods throughout each stage of the project.
The exterior walls feature Brisbane tuff quarried from the former O’Connelltown quarry at Windsor, giving the cathedral its distinctive brown, pink and mauve appearance. Inside, visitors can find columns carved from Frosterley limestone imported from England, a stone estimated to be around 350 million years old and known for its visible fossilised coral.
The building is also home to the only fully stone-vaulted ceiling in the Southern Hemisphere. Its acoustics produce an echo of around five seconds, complementing the cathedral’s pipe organ, recognised as the largest cathedral organ in Australia.
Beyond its role as a place of worship, St John’s Cathedral is recognised as one of Brisbane’s important heritage landmarks. Its stained-glass windows incorporate Australian wildlife, while carvings throughout the building include details such as whales and a rainbow serpent woven into the Gothic stonework.
The cathedral continues to host regular services, concerts, guided tours and bell tower tours, welcoming visitors throughout the year.
Its completion in 2009 coincided with Queensland’s Q150 celebrations, during which St John’s Cathedral was recognised as one of the state’s Q150 Icons for its role as a structure and engineering feat.
More than a century after construction first began, the cathedral stands as a lasting example of the vision and persistence behind one of Brisbane’s most distinctive historic buildings.
Biang Biang Fresh Noodle has landed in a new Wickham Street address, giving Fortitude Valley’s most dedicated noodle destination more room to breathe — and more room to cook.
The hand-pulled noodle eatery, which has built a loyal following across Brisbane since founder Kieran Zou first opened its doors in Toowong in 2018, is now operating from 6/115 Wickham Street — a noticeably larger space compared to its previous Brunswick Street location, which Zou was forced to vacate earlier this year due to incoming development.
The move is, in many ways, a welcome upgrade. The new venue offers more seating both inside and out, and a significantly bigger kitchen — something Zou says has made a meaningful difference to how he works day-to-day. Where the old kitchen left him cramped, the Wickham Street site gives him an entirely separate prep room, along with the kind of equipment that takes the edge off a busy service.
For the uninitiated, Biang Biang Fresh Noodle specialises in the hand-pulled belt-width noodles of Shaanxi province in northwestern China. The dough is stretched and slapped against the countertop — a process that gives the noodles their distinctive chew and, if you believe the popular explanation, their name. Zou is one of the few operators in Brisbane who has long centred his entire offering around this regional style.
It has taken him the better part of eight years to dial in what he considers the right balance of flavours — a process that has involved gradually weaving together traditional techniques with influences from other culinary traditions. That willingness to adapt, rather than stick rigidly to convention, is what he credits for the restaurant’s staying power.
The menu at Wickham Street carries over everything from Brunswick Street without change. Ten noodle dishes anchor the offering, ranging from the signature biang biang noodle served with pork mince, soy sauce, scrambled egg, tomato and corn, through to tom yum beef, spicy Sichuan dan dan, Xinjiang chilli chicken and Old Beijing Style noodle. Sides include pickled vegetables, vegetable spring rolls, pork wontons with chilli oil and roujiamo — a Shaanxi street food that draws comparisons to a hamburger in its construction.
Looking further down the track, Zou has flagged plans to introduce new dishes — possibilities include black bean beef, black pepper chicken, black pepper beef, satay chicken and a slow-cooked lamb biang biang noodle. For now, though, the focus is on settling into the rhythm of a new space.
Biang Biang Fresh Noodle is located at 6/115 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley, across from Les Bubbles Steakhouse. Phone: 0422 756 802. Find them on Instagram and Facebook.
Harry Wilson had hoped to give Brisbane supporters something to celebrate.
Leading the Wallabies in front of a sold-out Suncorp Stadium, the Queensland captain saw his side produce an encouraging first half before France stormed home with 30 unanswered second-half points to claim a 42-26 victory in Round 2 of the Nations Championship on Saturday night.
Earlier in the week, Wilson had predicted there would be “a few supporters coming on Saturday who need a win after Wednesday night” following Queensland’s State of Origin defeat. For 40 minutes, it looked as though the Wallabies might deliver.
Three days after Suncorp Stadium hosted the State of Origin decider, another capacity crowd turned out hoping to see the Wallabies bounce back from last week’s narrow loss to Ireland.
Wilson, a St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace Old Boy, led a side featuring several Queensland Reds players in front of his home supporters, while McReight was Australia’s standout performer with two tries and Paenga-Amosa made the most of his unexpected opportunity off the bench.
Wallabies Make Their Move
France struck first when Emmanuel Meafou crossed from close range after just two minutes, with Maxime Lucu converting for an early 7-0 lead.
Australia’s plans were disrupted almost immediately when hooker Josh Nasser left the field with a head injury. Brandon Paenga-Amosa entered the contest after only a few minutes and made an instant impact, barging over for the Wallabies’ opening try in the 10th minute. Ryan Lonergan’s conversion reduced the margin to two.
France responded through debutant Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, who gathered a clever Romain Ntamack kick to score in the corner. Lucu missed the conversion, leaving the visitors ahead 12-7.
The momentum shifted midway through the half.
Meafou was shown a yellow card for a high tackle on Rob Valetini, and Australia quickly made the extra player count. Fraser McReight crossed from close range before adding a second from a driving maul seven minutes later. Lonergan converted both tries as the Wallabies took a deserved 21-12 lead into halftime.
France Take Control
France emerged from the break with greater composure.
Lucu narrowed the margin with an early penalty before Australia’s task became harder when Tom Wright was sent to the sin bin.
The visitors capitalised.
Grandidier-Nkanang collected another attacking kick for his second try before Ntamack sliced through the Wallabies’ defence to put France in front.
Further tries to Florian Verhaeghe and Theo Attissogbe, combined with Lucu’s reliable boot, pushed France clear before Jeremy Williams crossed late for Australia after sustained pressure near the line.
The late try reduced the margin, but France had long since taken control.
Australia’s opening 40 minutes showed what the side is capable of. The second half belonged to France, whose clinical finishing and ability to capitalise on key moments secured an impressive away victory in Brisbane.
A recent incident involving an e-scooter rider and a toddler on the shared walkway at Howard Smith Wharves near Fortitude Valley has prompted mixed public reactions and renewed debate over how pedestrians and riders can safely use the same space. The incident comes just days after Queensland introduced updated personal mobility device laws on 1 July.
The shared pathway through Howard Smith Wharves is a key active transport link connecting the Brisbane CBD with the New Farm Riverwalk via Boundary Street. It is regularly used by pedestrians, runners, cyclists and e-scooter riders travelling through one of Brisbane’s busiest riverfront precincts.
The incident occurred near Felons Brewing Co when an e-scooter rider narrowly avoided colliding with a toddler who stepped onto the shared path. A verbal exchange followed between the rider and a nearby diner, with differing opinions over whether the rider’s speed or the child’s unexpected movement was the main factor behind the near miss.
The incident sparked mixed reactions from the public. Some argued that riders should reduce their speed further in busy pedestrian areas, while others said parents and carers also share responsibility for closely supervising young children around shared pathways. The differing views have renewed discussion about balancing the needs of pedestrians and riders in high-traffic public spaces.
Under the new rules, e-scooter and e-bike riders must slow to no more than 12 km/h when passing pedestrians on shared paths. They are also required to travel at a safe speed for the conditions, give way to pedestrians and remain in control of their devices. While bicycle riders are not subject to the same 12 km/h passing limit, they are still expected to ride responsibly around other path users.
State officials said the updated laws are designed to improve safety for both personal mobility device riders and pedestrians. They have indicated the rules are being actively enforced and have reminded riders to exercise extra caution in busy public areas to help reduce the risk of injuries.
Brisbane City Council has also reinforced that shared pathways are intended for all users and that riders should adjust their speed to suit crowded conditions rather than prioritising faster travel through busy precincts.
Ongoing Safety Concerns
Concerns about the Howard Smith Wharves shared pathway have been raised previously. Active transport advocates have questioned whether the current layout provides enough separation between faster-moving riders and pedestrians in one of Brisbane’s busiest hospitality destinations.
The route remains an important connection between Fortitude Valley, the Brisbane CBD and the New Farm Riverwalk, resulting in a high volume of mixed pedestrian and rider traffic.
During planning discussions last year, planning consultancy Urbis opposed proposals to introduce separate pedestrian and cycling paths within the precinct. Its submission stated that since Howard Smith Wharves opened in 2018, there had been 14 reportable incidents, including six involving pedestrians and bicycles or e-scooters. Based on those figures and an estimated five to six million annual visitors, the submission concluded the 500-metre shared route did not present an inherent collision risk.
Council approved an expansion of Howard Smith Wharves in May. The recent near miss has once again drawn attention to the challenge of safely accommodating pedestrians and riders along one of Brisbane’s busiest riverfront shared pathways.
A long-awaited redevelopment of Brisbane’s Wintergarden precinct has moved a step closer, with plans lodged to transform the ageing Queen Street Mall complex while removing one of its most recognisable architectural features.
A development application (DA A007057493) has been lodged with Brisbane City Council for the Wintergarden and adjoining InterContinental Brisbane precinct, outlining extensive upgrades to the retail areas beneath the hotel and improvements to pedestrian connections between Queen Street Mall and Elizabeth Street.
The proposal, designed by global architecture practice Woods Bagot, includes a redesigned retail gallery across two levels, new escalators and lifts, changes to internal layouts and upgraded public spaces. The retail wing between Tattersall’s Arcade and the Embassy Hotel is proposed to remain largely unchanged, while the InterContinental’s Elizabeth Street entrance and porte cochère would also be refurbished. The hotel tower itself is not included in the application.
Butterfly Façade Set To Disappear
One of the most noticeable changes would be the removal of Wintergarden’s distinctive butterfly façade.
Installed in 2012, the sculptural frontage stretches about 86 metres across Queen Street Mall and features approximately 24,000 LED lights. The artwork was created by Melbourne-based architecture firm Studio 505 in collaboration with Canadian lighting designer Bruce Ramus.
Under the redevelopment plans, the butterfly installation would be removed, with the underlying façade proposed to be restored.
Photo Credit: IFM Investors/DA A007057493
From Retail Destination To Underused Space
Wintergarden opened in 1982 ahead of the Brisbane Commonwealth Games with 92 specialty stores and one of Brisbane’s earliest enclosed food courts, quickly becoming a popular destination for shoppers, diners and city workers.
In recent years, however, large sections of the complex have become vacant as retail activity shifted across the CBD. Several major tenants remain, including Strike Bowling, Goodlife Health Clubs, Zara, M.J. Bale, Sheike and Mecca Maxima, but many shopfronts are no longer occupied.
The changing fortunes of the centre have stood in contrast to other busy retail and dining precincts across Brisbane’s CBD.
New Owners Driving Revitalisation
The redevelopment follows the acquisition of the precinct by IFM Investors from property funds manager ISPT.
The proposal continues work previously undertaken for the site by Woods Bagot under its former ownership. Earlier concepts for the precinct envisioned a broader mixed-use destination featuring revitalised retail, improved pedestrian links, landscaped public areas and expanded hospitality offerings.
While the current development application focuses on the existing retail podium and hotel arrival experience, it marks the first formal stage of a broader effort to revitalise one of Brisbane CBD’s best-known commercial addresses.
If approved, the project would modernise the ageing precinct while retaining key parts of the existing complex and strengthening its connection to the surrounding Queen Street Mall.
Brisbane Grammar School is celebrating the selection of alumnus Ed Sommerville (Class of 2022) in Australia’s squad for Glasgow 2026. Fellow Queensland swimmer Tom Neill, a graduate of St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace, has also been named in the national team.
For Neill, the journey to the pool in Glasgow is built upon a foundation of Olympic experience. Having secured back-to-back bronze medals in the 4x200m freestyle relay at the Tokyo and Paris Games, he brings a level of composure that few can match.
Balancing a degree from the University of Queensland with an intensive regimen under coach Damian Jones, he has transformed early potential into sustained international performance.
Sommerville, by contrast, embodies the adrenaline of a sudden breakout. His 2025 campaign turned heads across the country, particularly when he smashed the 200m freestyle in 1:44.73 during the Australian World Championship Trials.
Could this be the spark that redefines the Australian freestyle relay? After capturing a bronze medal at the World Aquatics Championships and sweeping the Queensland Championship and Japan Open, the young swimmer arrives in Scotland carrying significant momentum.
The Australian Dolphins are taking a 60-member group to Glasgow for competition between 23 July and 2 August 2026. This team operates as an ambitious blend of household names and fresh faces, with roughly one-quarter of the group experiencing their first major international meet.
While veterans like Kaylee McKeown prepare for their final campaign, the inclusion of debutants like 14-year-old Mia Hogan ensures that the future of Australian swimming remains firmly in the spotlight. Whether they are seasoned veterans or rising stars, every athlete in the squad is now tasked with building upon a proud record of 25 gold medals.
Mister Zimi will bring its first Brisbane warehouse sale to Fortitude Valley, with shoppers able to pick up samples, archive pieces and unreleased styles for as little as $15.
The idea began with a single leather jacket Zoe had made by a craftsman in Bali, which her Melbourne friends immediately loved and wanted for themselves.
That jacket became a brand, the brand became seven collections a year, and Mister Zimi grew from a Bali dream into one of Australia’s most recognised resort wear labels, now based in Byron Bay with stores across the east coast.
The brand’s permanent Brisbane home is at The Calile Hotel on James Street, where Jimi Paul once described the precinct as “a place we are proud to be part of.” The warehouse sale takes the label somewhere new — a ground floor space in the Valley open to anyone who turns up.
What to expect inside
Stock spans archive styles, sample pieces, seconds and unreleased designs, covering dresses, jumpsuits, swimwear and accessories in the bold prints and relaxed silhouettes the brand is known for.
Prices start from $15 with nothing over $35, and fresh stock arrives daily — so repeat visits across the four days are entirely justified.
Sample pieces will largely be in sample sizes, while archive and seconds styles span Mister Zimi’s standard range of sizes 6 to 16. No two visits will look the same.
Before you go
You won’t need to pay for entry, but keep in mind that all sales are final. Because Arthur Street parking is incredibly tight, organizers suggest taking public transport and bringing your own reusable bags.
Opening hours are 9am to 4pm on Thursday 23, Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July, and 9am to 3pm on Sunday 26 July. To sign up for updates before the sale, click here.
The smell of melting chocolate has replaced the roar of stadium crowds for Gerrard Gosens. The three-time Paralympian has reinvented himself as a Brisbane chocolatier, marking World Chocolate Day with handcrafted creations entirely made without sight at Chocolate Moments, his boutique chocolate shop and café on Albert Street.
Before becoming a chocolatier, Mr Gosens was an international Paralympian.
Born blind, he represented Australia at three Paralympic Games across two sports, making his debut in goalball at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games before switching to athletics. As a T11 middle- and long-distance runner, he competed at the Sydney 2000 and Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.
His sporting achievements extend beyond the Paralympics. Mr Gosens has competed internationally in para-triathlon, represented Australia at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and completed numerous endurance challenges, including long-distance charity runs and open-water swimming projects.
Away from elite sport, he has built a business around another lifelong passion.
As a totally blind chocolatier, Mr Gosens develops many of his recipes by relying on his senses of smell, taste and texture rather than sight, producing premium handmade chocolates from his Brisbane boutique.
Building Chocolate Moments
Opening Chocolate Moments was about more than starting a business. Developed with his wife, Heather, the boutique chocolate shop was designed around the belief that chocolate should be experienced through the senses rather than simply admired.
The couple named the business Chocolate Moments because they believe “there’s a moment for chocolate in everyone’s lives,” whether it’s celebrating a milestone, saying thank you or simply sharing time with friends and family.
His unique career transformation was highlighted as part of 4BC’s World Chocolate Day coverage, where he spoke about making chocolate without sight and the business he operates with his wife, Heather.
A sweet way to celebrate
Last 7 July, Gerrard Gosens marked World Chocolate Day by inviting customers to celebrate with a handcrafted seasonal treat. To coincide with the annual celebration, Chocolate Moments baked a Dark Chocolate, Date, Walnut and Fig loaf, served as thick toasted slices and paired with premium barista coffee or a hot chocolate drink.
The special offering was available at both Chocolate Moments on Albert Street in Brisbane’s CBD and its sister venue, Graceville Moments Café & Catering.
Rather than hosting a large public event, the business marked the occasion by showcasing artisan chocolate through its café experience, where customers can enjoy handcrafted chocolates alongside coffee, hot chocolate and house-made sweet treats.
This year’s celebration centred on a handcrafted seasonal loaf and an invitation for customers to pause and enjoy what the business describes as a “chocolate moment.” For Mr Gosens, it was another opportunity to demonstrate that life after elite sport can take unexpected and delicious directions.
The opening of UniLodge Brisbane City at 41 George Street is being highlighted by industry figures as an example of how adaptive reuse and modular construction could help Brisbane deliver accommodation more efficiently as the city prepares for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Originally completed in 1979, the building served as office accommodation for more than four decades before Dexus acquired the vacant property in 2024. The redevelopment has converted the tower into a 1,180-bed UniLodge student accommodation complex within the Queen’s Wharf precinct. According to Dexus, the project demonstrates the potential for adaptive reuse to accelerate project delivery while reducing environmental impacts.
Delivered by Dexus and Marquette Properties, the redevelopment was completed about five months ahead of schedule, according to Dexus. The project has attracted attention as Brisbane faces increasing pressure to expand housing and accommodation capacity ahead of the Games.
Modular Construction Helps Speed Delivery
Photo credit: Google Maps/UniLodge Brisbane City
Project leaders have credited a combination of adaptive reuse and modular construction techniques for helping shorten the construction program. Rather than relying solely on conventional building methods, the redevelopment incorporated hundreds of prefabricated bathroom pods manufactured off site and transported to Brisbane for installation.
The project also benefited from converting an existing office tower instead of constructing a new building from the ground up. Its layout, including dual lift cores, allowed demolition and construction teams to work across different levels simultaneously, helping maintain construction momentum.
Photo credit: Google Maps/UniLodge Brisbane City
The George Street redevelopment has also renewed discussion about the role modular construction could play in Queensland’s building sector.
Researchers said prefabrication has the potential to reduce construction time, improve efficiency and reduce the number of workers required on site. They also note that modular construction requires much more planning during the early design stage because components must be carefully coordinated before work begins.
Experts said this additional upfront planning can present challenges but believe modular construction will become increasingly important as Brisbane works to deliver major accommodation projects within tight timeframes.
Some developers remain selective about where modular construction is most effective. While transport and installation costs can reduce its financial advantages on some residential developments, projects featuring large numbers of similar rooms, including student accommodation and hotels, are considered better suited to prefabricated building components.
Meeting The Olympic Accommodation Challenge
Photo credit: Google Maps/UniLodge Brisbane City
The redevelopment comes as Brisbane faces significant accommodation demands leading into the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Industry forecasts indicate the city needs to deliver around 8,000 apartments each year through to 2031 and more than 7,100 annually after that to keep pace with demand. However, apartment construction has consistently fallen well below those levels in recent years.
Against that backdrop, the George Street redevelopment has attracted attention as an example of adaptive reuse. Project leaders and industry experts say it illustrates how existing commercial buildings can be repurposed while incorporating construction methods that may help deliver accommodation more quickly.
Project leaders also believe future developments are likely to combine traditional building techniques with modular elements rather than relying exclusively on one approach. The George Street redevelopment has added to industry discussion about how Brisbane could deliver the homes, student accommodation and hotel rooms needed before 2032.
