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Louis Vuitton Moves Into Former NAB Building on Queen St

Louis Vuitton has taken over the former building of the National Australia Bank on Queen St Mall in the CBD. Spanning three levels, the new store offers a women’s and men’s collection of shoes and leather goods, ready-to-wear apparel, fragrances and accessories.

The iconic building has been designed to mimic the same architectural concepts of Louis Vuitton’s store in Place Vendome, Paris. Inside, the store is cleverly arranged to feature the women’s department covering the whole ground floor. Unique lights that accentuate the building’s pilasters are fitted into the interiors whilst the basement, which used to be the bank’s vault, has been transformed into the men’s department.

Louis Vuitton in Paris
Photo Credit: Louis Vuitton

Impressive artworks and furniture designed by Australian artists, such as Edward Linacre, George Hall, Khai Liew, Gustave Xavier and Thomas Lentini, are displayed all around the store, with the main attractive piece located at the staircase leading to the basement. It features a mural of the Gumbaynggirr clan totem, Gaag, designed and created by First Nations artist Otis Hope Carey.

Louis Vuitton on Queen St also houses two salons in the mezzanine area where private appointments are serviced. The mezzanine has art exhibits from several artists featured at the China Heights Gallery.

The news comes as Louis Vuitton will unveil its 2024 cruise collection by May 2023.

Published 28 March 2023

Griffith Uni Considering Tenancy of Myer Centre Location When Retail Chain Leaves

Photo credit: Facebook / The Myer Centre

Griffith University may be considering tenancy of the Myer Centre location in the Brisbane CBD. The retail chain recently announced that it will be leaving its flagship store by the end of July 2023.

The Myer lease will end in July 2023, but it seems that the site could be taken soon after Myer leaves the five-level building with Griffith University emerging as its likely new tenant. The school is reportedly needing up to 15,000 square metres of space as a requirement for a CBD campus and the Myer Centre site could be leased as a stopgap measure whilst a permanent location is being sought.

After 35 years, Myer Centre revealed in mid-March 2023 that it will not be renewing its lease at its 28,000 sqm location in the heart of Brisbane next to Queen Street Mall after failing to “reach appropriate and reasonable commercial terms with the current landlord.”

Myer stressed that it remains committed to keeping its presence in the Brisbane CBD and is now looking for alternative locations. The announcement came as Myer announced that it posted a record half-yearly sales growth of 24 per cent, despite closing many of its stores across Australia

A spokesperson for Vicinity and ISPT said that the co-owners are investigating options for the site including a small-scale department store.

Some experts believe that Myer Centre’s decision not to renew its lease would further impact Brisbane’s CBD vacancy figures which currently has one of the lowest occupancy rates in any Australian CBD.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, however, sees it as an opportunity to reinvigorate the space into a more vibrant retail experience for local residents and visitors alike.

“Myer first opened at its current location just before Expo ‘88 and with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, now is the perfect time for the centre’s owners to reimagine one of Queensland’s premier retail spaces,” he said.

“The Myer Centre once had live music on its lower levels as well as a fun park at the top and has always evolved and moved with the times.

“I think this is a fantastic opportunity for the centre to be reinvigorated into a vibrant, modern retail experience for residents and visitors and I look forward to working with the owners on their future plans.”

Myer said that whilst they explore future CBD options, their Indooroopilly, Chermside, Carindale and Mt Gravatt stores as well as their 24/7 online business will continue to trade. The retail chain is also exploring redeployment options within the business and remaining stores for its team members, wherever possible.

Published 27-March-2023

Former Waltons Department Store Site Hits the Market

The former Waltons department store site in the heart of Fortitude Valley is on the market. The property includes the 1890s-built historic building which is currently “largely underutilised” along with a development opportunity of up to 30 storeys.

The 3,489 sqm site located at 250 Wickham Street has recently been listed which includes the six-storey building that was the former Overells, built for drapery firm, W.J. Overell and Sons in the late 1890s.

WJ Overell & Sons Ltd, Brunswick Street (EJT Barton (ed), Jubilee history of Queensland: a record of political, industrial and social development from the landing of the first explorers to the close of 1909, Brisbane: Diddams, 1910). The appearance of a bend in the building is likely a photographic illusion, as the building was not on a corner site | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au

In February 1904, the premises caught fire and was burned to the ground. It caused the death of one man, knocked out power to the trams and destroyed the next-door Bank of New South Wales.

Fire damaged Overells Department Store in Fortitude Valley, 1904 (JOL, SLQ, image number 9614) | Brisbane City Council / *Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council /* heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au

A new three-storey brick building designed by architects Eaton and Bates was built to replace the fire-damaged building. A further 291.63 sqm of land fronting Wickham Street and with the present-day Overells Lane at the side was purchased from the Bank of New South Wales as part of Overell’s expansion.

Three upper floors were added to the Wickham Street building and were opened in September 1927. The additional storeys made the building one of the tallest in the Valley at the time.

In 1956, Waltons, a large Sydney retailer, acquired the company and the buildings as part of its expansion into Queensland. Thereafter, Waltons made significant alterations to the premises from 1960 to 1975.

Ownership once again exchanged hands after Cathay Pty Ltd bought the building complex in 1984. The Waltons department store building closed down in 1987.

The significant landholding has an existing code assessable application for a 30-storey mixed-use Educational Establishment, Rooming Accommodation and associated Centre Activities development.

Published 23-March-2023

City Botanic Gardens To Transform Into Outdoor Gallery

Did you miss the Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside? On May 2023, the popular art festival will be returning to the City Botanic Gardens to transform the gardens into an outdoor gallery. Here’s what to look forward to in this free and fun event for all ages.

Read: Babylon Gardens: Eagle Street’s Newest Riverfront Spot

Artists and Artworks

This year will see ten large-scale installations, ranging from sculpture and projections to augmented reality and interactive creations.

The theme this year is ‘Tread Softly’ with a focus on sustainability, which considers a millennium of human influence by reflecting on our natural environments.

This year, look forward to the works of local artists such as Phoebe Paradise, Theatre of Thunder and Keemon Williams.

Photo credit: Museum of Brisbane/Facebook

Another artist to watch out for this year is Noa Haim, which will be the event’s first international artist. Ms Haim is the founder of Collective Paper Aesthetics, a studio that designs and develops audience engagement materials and STEAM education resources in the form of pop-up architecture and furnishing.

Her work, Light Lilies, was done in collaboration with fellow designer Adriann de Man. The artwork are interactive and modular structures inspired by the water lilies once in abundance in the lagoons surrounding the City Botanic Gardens.

Activities for all ages

Aside from attending an AfterDark art walk, complete the children’s discovery trail and enjoy performance. Each evening, there will be drinks at the outdoor bar and a selection of food trucks at the venue. You can also bring your own picnic blanket!

Meanwhile, those who want to become a Botanica 2023 volunteer, may submit their expression of interest through Brisbane City Council’s website.

Read: The Candlelight Club Brings an Exclusive Speakeasy Dining Experience to the Valley

Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside is an event presented by the Brisbane City Council and produced by Museum of Brisbane.

Mark your calendars

What	Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside
Where	Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
When	12-21 May 2023, 5:00 ‑10:00 p.m.

Published 20-March-2023

After 35 Years, Myer to Leave Queen St Mall and Look For New Location

Myer will soon be leaving its home for 35 years on Queen St in the CBD and will be looking for a new site for its flagship location.

Myer CEO John King announced the move to close its Brisbane flagship store by the end of July 2023, citing that they could not renegotiate a reasonable term with their landlord, Vicinity Centres and ISPT. However, the department store will still continue to trade online and in its other outlets in Carindale, Chermside, Indooroopilly and Mt Gravatt.

“Whilst we remain committed to the Brisbane market, we have been unable to negotiate a reasonable commercial outcome with the landlord and as such will continue to look for an alternative CBD location,” Mr King said in a statement.

“We thank our team members for their service and will be providing redeployment opportunities at nearby stores.

“For our loyal customers, we will continue to serve the Brisbane area with our surrounding stores and our 24/7 online business while we explore future Brisbane CBD options, and we thank you for your ongoing loyalty.”

Vicinity Centres also released a statement indicating its options for the building once Myer leaves.

“(We’re) investigating a number of options for the centre including a downsized contemporary department store and plans without a department store which we can now progress with certainty,” the company stated.

“We look forward to delivering a re-imagined destination in the heart of Brisbane’s evolving CBD and anticipate sharing our plans shortly.

“In the meantime, the centre will continue to offer the growing number of visitors, locals and CBD workers a diverse mix of retail, dining and entertainment options with no impact to public transport or carpark access.”

Shoppers, especially those with tons of memories at the centre, said that the closure marked an end of an era. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner described the announcement as a “sad day for generations of Brisbane residents” but added that the upcoming changes will be a “fantastic opportunity for the centre to be reinvigorated into a vibrant, modern retail experience for residents and visitors.”

Published 17 March 2023

Art of Banksy Exhibition to Run at Queens Plaza

Photo Credit: Art of Banksy Australia/Instagram

Mark your calendars and get ready to score tickets to the Art of Banksy Exhibition at Queens Plaza in the CBD. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or not, this event is a must-see and a chance to experience the allure and mystery of a famous contemporary artist.

Banksy is widely popular even as no one actually knows his real identity. The exhibition at Queens Plaza will give guests a peak into his big ideas. A total of 150 pieces, collected from all over the world, will be showcased at “The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits.” These includes his photos, sculptures, murals and installations, including exclusives for this event.

“The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” will be divided into four sections: The Infinity Room, Dismaland Experience, Murals, and Louis Michel. Each section details what motivated the artist to create his masterpieces.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by The Art of Banksy Without Limits Australia (@artofbanksy_australia)

Additional displays will include video documentaries and audio guides that will allow the guests to understand the artist even better, except his identity will remain a secret.

“The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” will run from Monday to Sunday beginning 3 May to 8 July 2023. Tickets will go on sale beginning 15 March 2023.

Learn more from the official site. Follow the updates on Instagram.

Published 10 March 2023

Babylon Gardens: Eagle Street’s Newest Riverfront Spot

Photo credit: Facebook / Babylon Gardens

Babylon Gardens, a two-level waterfront bar, has opened on Eagle Street. The new venue offers Middle Eastern and Eastern Mediterranean fare and cocktails on two tiers of outdoor terraces that pair perfectly with its indoor venue, Babylon Brisbane.

The 645-sqm Hogg and Lamb-designed outdoor space accommodates about 500 customers in a space where they can enjoy scrumptious eats whilst sipping a refreshing beverage amid a backdrop of greenery and stunning river views.

The venue features pale brick walls, white timber furniture, green marble table tops, leather banquettes and a 10-metre brass bar with the rest of the space dotted with trees and plants.

Babylon Garden’s two tiers of terraces perfectly complements Babylon Brisbane’s indoor setup where 120 people can enjoy a sitdown meal with a magnificent river view.

Babylon Gardens: Eagle Street's Newest Riverfront Spot — *Photo credit: Facebook / Babylon Gardens*

Babylon Gardens is perfect to unwind after a long day. Enjoy a sip of their signature cocktails whilst admiring the views and feeling the soothing breeze enveloping the space. Cocktail options include Seramis Throne which is an exquisite mix of Tanqueray Sevilla, Mastic Tears, apricot, lemon, falernum and orange blossom); Rosey Lokum with Vanilla vodka, Bombay Citron Presse, rose, lemon and egg white; and Devine Levanthyme, a refreshing concoction of Limoncello, lemon gin, thyme, sugar and egg white.

You may also try their Babylon Twist options: Raki Sour (Lion’s Milk) a mix of lemon, honey, egg white and finger fennel; Babylon Margarita with Ilegal Joven Mezcal, agave, chilli green capsicum, coriander root, lime and Aleppo salt; and Turkish Espresso Martini mix of Turkish coffee and cardamon infused Metaxa 7, chocolate liqueur, orgeat and cold brew.

To complement your drink are savoury snacks dished out by Babylon Brisbane’s Head Chef Ferdinand Sariin and Babylon Sydney’s Head Chef Robert Taylor. Options include Spicy chicken wings with baharat spice, harissa and labneh; Lamb Kofte with iskender sauce and herb yoghurt; and Kadinbudu -spiced beef with kashar cheese and rice balls, and muhammara.

*Gozleme is an ideal street snack in Turkey. Options are potato, lamb or spinach and feta dishes | Photo credit: Facebook / Babylon Gardens*

Meanwhile, Bread options include Lamb gozleme with garlic labneh, iskender sauce and parsley and Beef rump shawarma with pickled chilli, sumac onions, iskender sauce, haloumi, toum and tomato.

Babylon Gardens is located at 145 Eagle Street. You can find the entrance next to 167 Eagle Street Secure Car Park.

For more information and updates, check out their website here.

Published 7 March 2023

Laruche Bids Farewell With a 16-Hour Closing Party

The award-winning venue, Laruche, has announced its closure. The iconic Fortitude Valley bar that has for years been the ultimate party destination this side of Brisbane held its epic 16-hour closing party last 26 February 2023.

“LARUCHE CLOSING PARTY 26.02.23! An iconic Brisbane venue that has meant so much to the underground scene is closing its doors,” Laruche announced on its social media.

“Dragonfruit is proudly hosting a 16-hour project between Bakery Lane and Laruche. An event not to be missed.”

Many users expressed disappointment and sadness that their beloved spot will finally close its doors.

“Another one bites the dust 😥,” comments R. Watt.

“Loved it there when I lived in brissy,” D. O’callaghan wrote.

“Awesome little bar! Sad to hear you’re closing,” comments N. Lambert.

“Devastating, so many memories at this fine establishment 😢 best music in Brisbane by a MILE 😎😎 I will be there to pay my respects and go hard one last time 🙏🙏🙏,” said B. Skerrett.

Laruche Bids Farewell With a 16-Hour Closing Party — Photo credit: Facebook / LarucheBa

Owner Geoffrey Slater took ownership of the venue back in 2019 but pandemic-induced lockdowns and interest rates hikes have proven to be too much for the business. He said that the venue will undergo some renovations for several months but did disclose the plans of the new owners for the space but said that it will be an entirely new and exciting place.

He also gave reassurance that the new operator has the capacity to refurbish and expand the venue and will see to it that much of what we love about it will stay the same.

Laruche opened its doors in 2009 and is split into two levels. Located downstairs are three spaces with a restaurant area, a private dining room and a small cocktail area. Moving upstairs, one will find a luxurious-looking 100-guest space with high chandeliers plus red and gold couches.

It has since become the go-to party destination with its excellent lineup of DJs, both from the local and international scene. The venue is also a popular spot for hosting formal and social events such as birthday bash, corporate events, and engagement parties.

Published 25-February-2023

Lendlease and QuadReal to Build First Build-To-Rent Project in Australia at Brisbane Showgrounds

Lendlease and QuadReal have teamed up to launch first build-to-rent project in Australia to be located at Brisbane’s showgrounds.

The partnership is planning for 443 build-to-rent units comprising studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments across 37 levels. Fully electric and targets a 5-Star Buildings Version 1 rating, the project is set to be located on a corner site at 498 St Pauls Terrace with frontage to Exhibition Street within the Royal National Association (RNA) showgrounds.

Residents will be provided with access to premium amenities and communal spaces including a 25m lap pool with beach edge, podcast/music recording studios, BBQ pavilion, fully equipped gym, co-working facilities, outdoor spa retreat, dog wash facilities, yoga rooms, resident lounges and more.

Lendlease currently has a $28 billion global build-to-rent pipeline and it has delivered more than 2,600 residential-for-rent apartments internationally since 2019. It has another 1,500 in delivery in key cities including Chicago, New York and London.

Lendlease will also act as the project’s development and investment manager.

“We see enormous potential in the emerging build-to-rent sector in Australia with institutional investors attracted to high-quality residential real estate for its resilient income profile,” Dale Connor, CEO of Lendlease Australia said.

“In the Australian market we believe there’s strong demand for long-term, premium rentals in quality locations. Our partnership with QuadReal will bring the best of our shared global experience and capability to deliver one of the finest examples in Australia.”

QuadReal Asia’s Managing Director, Peter Kim said the residential build-to-rent sector has been of the company’s strongest global convictions because it has shown resilience through economic cycles and that the community benefits from the commitment to increase the places for people to live.

The partnership will see QuadReal bringing its extensive experience in managing and developing a global portfolio of 60,000 residential units to the investment, side by side with Lendlease.

“We are excited to be investing in our first build-to-rent project in Australia with Lendlease, a partner with whom we share, amongst other commitments, a fundamental desire to serve our residents and fiduciary responsibility to all our stakeholders,” Mr Kim said.

Construction is expected to commence in early 2023 and residents can take occupancy in late 2025.

Published 22-February-2023

Starlight Super Swim Participants Enjoy Free Access at the Centenary Aquatic Centre

Photo Credit: entenary Aquatic Centre/Facebook

The Starlight Super Swim Challenge is on at Centenary Aquatic Centre in Spring Hill, where participants may enjoy free access to the pool facilities.

For the whole month of February 2023, anyone who wants to join the swim challenge, regardless of age or fitness level, may use the pool without any cost if they are raising $2 million for 50,000 sick children. The initiative will help provide vital hospital services like Captain Starlight and the Starlight Express Rooms.

The Starlight Children’s Foundation, alongside Speedo, the world’s leading swimwear brand, brings this challenge for a fifth year across 23 pools in the country, including the Centenary Aquatic Centre in Spring Hill.

Throughout the challenge, participants may receive training and fundraising tips, as well as rewards and incentives from the sponsors. They may also track the distance they’ve swam via the fitness app Strava, as well as encourage friends and family to show their support and donate to the cause.

They need to complete the challenge by the 28th of February 2023.

Join the super Swim Challege

“We’re delighted to be able to support Starlight’s Super Swim Challenge. Giving Australians free access to some local swimming pools means even those who don’t live by a beach or have a pool at home can participate and help raise vital funds to bring happiness to sick kids,” James Hickman of Speedo said.

“Starlight has a special place in my heart as it’s supported my family during some extremely tough days in the hospital,” Starlight Ambassador Brook Hanson OAM said.

“Whether it’s just a hand on your shoulder to say, ‘it’s okay’ or having a cup of tea in the Starlight Express Room, it really does make a difference and I’ve witnessed it firsthand.

“So, this February I encourage you to grab your Speedos and join me for this year’s Super Swim. Together we can make a difference for sick kids and their families.”

On the other hand, Starlight Louise Baxter said: “Being seriously ill shouldn’t mean missing out on the joy of childhood. Especially when evidence shows happiness makes a difference to a child’s ability to cope and their long-term health outcomes.”

“Starlight has been there for sick kids when they need it most and there are no fewer sick kids who need the fun, joy and laughter Starlight brings.

“Super Swim participants will join a fundraising community of thousands as they attempt to beat their personal swimming goals and replicate the success of last year’s event, which raised over $2 million for Starlight.”

Donate to Team Speedo