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New Plaza Part Of St Patrick’s Church Restoration

The 140-year-old St Patrick’s Church in Fortitude Valley will undergo a much-needed restoration and will feature a new plaza, as part of the recently approved development right next to it.

Read: Plans Revealed For New Torrens University Campus In Fortitude Valley

Brisbane City Council has approved the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane’s application (A005698653) for a new commercial building, sitting next to the heritage-listed church, which will feature a rooftop garden and a space for the parish community to meet. The eight-storey building will also have two levels of basement car parking for 132 cars.

Highlights

The St Patrick Church will be restored as part of the Archdiocese of Brisbane’s proposal for development in the area
The heritage-listed church will have an expansive plaza on the ground floor.

Plans

View between St Patricks Church and proposed development area (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

The restoration will not have a huge impact on the church’s external elements and will retain its iconic Gothic design. Instead, the Archdiocese proposed to establish an expansive plaza on the ground floor, which will provide for increased awareness and visitation of the church.

Artist’s impression of ground floor plaza (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

“The development will allow for the retention of the setting of the place and will not impact on the significant fabric of the church or the significant external elements. The majority of mature trees will be retained through the proposed works, with only a non-significant,” stated Urbis in a planning report.

Designed by BVN, the medium-rise building will have an undercroft “Garden Room” with an integrated landscape, increased lift capacities for office staff, and a wellness room.

“These works will assist in ensuring St Patricks continues to remain as a long-standing form of Gothic Architecture and within suburban Brisbane. Additionally, the limited street presence beyond the immediate view from Morgan Street is to be retained and enhanced as part of the development,” the planning report reads.

A spokesperson from the archdiocese said the driving force behind this project is the need to ensure the parish can financially support its ageing St Patrick’s church. Works for the new commercial building, including the church’s restoration is expected to start in 2022.

About the St Patrick’s Church

St Patrick’s Church is a substantial, Gothic-influenced stone building centrally sited on an interior block accessed via Berwick and Morgan Streets.

It was constructed from 1880-82, to accommodate the growing Catholic population in Fortitude Valley. It replaced an earlier St Patrick’s, erected in Wickham Street, opposite Duncan Street, in 1861, one block from the residence of the first Roman Catholic Bishop of Brisbane, James O’Quinn.

The new St Patrick’s Church was one of the last of the substantial masonry ecclesiastical structures erected under Bishop O’Quinn’s patronage and was the largest church built during his occupancy of the Queensland Bishopric, 1861 to 1881, being at the time of greater seating capacity than St Stephen’s Cathedral.

Fortitude Valley to Welcome First Baby HQ Flagship Store in Brisbane

Baby HQ, a popular Byron Bay retailer of baby products and equipment, is opening its first flagship store in Fortitude Valley, taking over the former Kathmandu site on Ann Street.

Set to open in late October or early November 2021, the new store is going to bring an “immersive experience” for parents who want to shop for the best baby items with ease.

Baby HQ chief financial officer James Byrne said that the Fortitude Valley store will have its own pram testing track to allow parents to test out the equipment on different surfaces. The site will also have display rooms with working baby products so shoppers will immediately have an idea of a functional nursery.

Store demonstrations of car seat installation, which most new parents need, will be a prominent facet of Baby HQ.

The Fortitude Valley site will have a special space for pregnant moms at the lounge, where may take breaks in between shopping. Other Parents can sip a cup of coffee at the lounge as well as their kids enjoy the play area.

Moms who are nursing will appreciate the privacy of the store’s breastfeeding area. Changing nappies will also be very convenient since Baby HQ will also feature this facility.

Founded by parents Stephen Muldoon and Elena Palamara, Baby HQ has been enjoying brisk sales through its e-commerce site since the pandemic. Mr Byrne said that the company’s expansion to Brisbane was precipitated by the move of many young families from Sydney and Melbourne to the Queensland capital.

The prominent location on Ann Street made sense to the owners since it is directly below McWhirters Carpark, which will be very important to parents who drive to the store to buy a car seat. Baby HQ will also benefit from the foot traffic coming from the James Street shopping precinct. The store has secured an eight-year lease on their Fortitude Valley store.

Follow Baby HQ on Facebook for updates on their latest products.

Where to Eat if You’re a Vegan in the Valley

Photo credit: Ella Olsson/Pexels

Whether you’re a committed vegan or someone who just wants to incorporate more plant-based dishes into your diet, these vegan restaurants in Fortitude Valley offer some of the tastiest dishes you can find.

Read: Fortitude Valley’s New Tropical Hideout is Perfect for Hiding Away

Little Digs

This newly opened cafe offers a cosy atmosphere and delicious plant-based eats. Go for kimchi toasties, apple pear and walnut salad, five-spice spring rolls, and round out the meal with macaroons or ‘Croffle,’ a combination of croissant and waffle. They use plant-based milks and Fonzie Abbott beans for their coffee. They serve all-day breakfast and lunch on weekdays and all items on the menu are available for takeaway and delivery.

Little Digs

Phone: 3076 5436

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littledigscafe

Instagram: @littledigscafe

Lord of the Fries

From a mobile chip van rolling around Melbourne in 2004, Lord of the Fries has turned into Australia’s leading vegan fast-food joint. It’s a great choice for people who want to stay vegan during a night out with friends, who are not into complicated diets. Some of the best items on the menu include their vegan Smokey BBQ slathered ribs, chick’n wings, and drumsticks. Open seven days a week, the restaurant also offers delivery and takeaway.

Lord of the Fries

Phone: +61 7 3257 0954

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lordofthefriesfortitudevalley/

Instagram: @lordofthefries1

VeganBurgz

Looking for 100% vegan burgers that can be delivered to your home? VeganBurgz, a restaurant in Brunswick Street gets you covered with their indulgent yet guilt-free menu. Don’t leave without trying RibWich, their signature dish made with smokey BBQ sauce, matcha buns, and house-made mayo and slaw. Dine-in or order via Deliveroo to have the burger delivered straight to you.

Phone: +61 458 322 471

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theburgz/

Instagram: @veganburgz

Netherworld

This arcade diner and bar serves a fusion of American and Asian flavours. All items on the menu are vegan unless dairy or carnivorous options are added. Their burgers are wittingly named, from ‘Huge Jackman,’ to ‘The Beelzebun’ and ‘Burgatory.’ You wouldn’t want to miss Huge Jackman, a vegan burger with BBQ jackfruit, mac & cheese, crispy onions, jalapenos, mayo and lettuce on a bun.

Netherworld

Phone: +61 424 156 667

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/netherworldarcade/

Instagram: @netherworldarcade

Tea Master

This restaurant serves delicious mock meat and they are known for their big servings. In addition to their tasty vegan dishes, such as the radish patty, soy miso ramen, and kung pao mushroom, they also serve some of the best bubble tea in Brisbane. They are open for dine-in Monday to Saturday and offer takeaway and delivery.

Tea Master

Phone: +61 7 3257 0038

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeaMasterVegetarianCafeRestaurant

Instagram: @tea_master_vegetarian_cafe

5Dogs

Established in 2011 in Fortitude Valley, 5Dogs specialises in gourmet hotdogs with vegan options. Now they have a location in Toowong and Mt Gravatt, as well as a soon-to-open one in Hendra. They are open seven days a week for dine-in, takeaways, and delivery until late-night for your hotdog cravings any time of the day.

5Dogs

Phone: 0468855194

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5dogsaustralia

Instagram: @5dogshotdogs

Brisbane’s Blue Tower Hits The Market With An Estimated Value Of $450M

Photo credit: www.commercialrealestate.com.au

Property group Dexus is looking to sell its ‘Blue Tower’ at 12 Creek Street in Brisbane for $450 million as part of its portfolio revamp.

Read: Plans Revealed For New Torrens University Campus In Fortitude Valley

Colloquially known as “Blue Tower” because of its distinctive blue glass facade, the building spans more than 32,227sqm and provides 34 levels of office accommodation with an adjoining annex building.

Situated on the city’s so-called ‘Golden Triangle,’ the tower provides newly fitted suites and over 300 car spaces. The tower was built in 1984 whilst the annex building was completed in 2020.

The company, which has four Sydney properties on the market with a total estimated value of $1.3 billion, is expected to sell on a yield of between 5.25 per cent and 5.5 per cent with the sale of the Blue Tower.

Dexus acquired the building in 2012 for $241.6 million from the Australian Property Growth Fund marketed by Bill Tucker and Rick Butler of CBRE and Geoff McIntyre and Ben McGrath from Jones Lang LaSalle. It was their second Brisbane office tower, after opening its 26-level ‘Rio Tinto’ tower along Albert St in 2011.

CBRE is once again appointed to sell the Blue Tower, this time through agents and Bruce Baker and Flint Davidson and with the help of Justin Bond and Paul Roberts from Knight Frank.

“In a challenging operating environment, we maintained our focus on maximising property portfolio income and performance, while also supporting our small business customers impacted by the lockdowns and growing and diversifying the funds management business,” said Darren Steinberg, Chief Executive Officer at Dexus.

The Dexus portfolio in Brisbane includes the Eagle Street Pier, the AM60 at Albert St and the Waterfront Place at Eagle St.

Fortitude Valley’s New Tropical Hideout is Perfect for Hiding Away

Tucked away in Fortitude Valley’s urban jungle is a tropical-inspired haven that’s perfect for enjoying a quiet and pleasurable mealtime. Hideout, a cafe, bar, and private function space on Wickham Street, may just be your new secret hideaway.

Serving Bear Bones Coffee Roasters throughout the week, Hideout entices patrons with its generous breakfast choices, including a flavourful avocado on Turkish toast sprinkled with dukkah or a satisfying Breaky Burger with bacon and eggs.

Lunch fares include pecking duck spring rolls with sweet chilli sauce, pulled pork bao with carrots, mint, hoisin, cucumber and crushed peanuts, charred chorizo with lime and aioli, and choices of homemade pizza and the absolute must-try — The Hideout Burger with its special sauce!

Photo Credit: HideoutFortitudeValley/Facebook

On Fridays, Hideout extends its trading hours until the early evening for dinner and booze, when the owners turn on the fairy lights to create a relaxing vibe meant for chilling out. The cafe turns into a bar with a carefully curated wine list, cocktails, and craft beer.

During the weekends, Hideout caters to private functions like birthdays, engagement parties, weddings and other events. Owners Victoria and Tim have built this space with private gatherings in mind, especially with the changing pandemic restrictions.

Situated inside A. E. Griffiths’ former battery and service station in the 1940s, Hideout’s location also used to be a brothel and a function space over the years. Victoria and Tim were eyeing this post-war era site for its unique architecture for years.

“We took this enormous leap when this property became available,” the owners said, adding that they also incorporated their love for greenery in the cafe’s design when they opened shop in late 2020. They were specific about the kinds of plants that are around Hideout’s tropical hideaway.

Browse the menu and book for a table via the official site or contact the staff on their Facebook page. You may also phone the team at (07) 3180 3825 for reservations.

“An awesome bar and cafe hidden in the middle of the Valley in what used to be an old mechanic years ago… not that you would know it. The new owners have done an insane renovation and it now has the best laidback jungle vibe. I had beers and a burger the first night and liked it so much I went back for coffee and breakfast the next day while I was still in Brisbane. Burger was on point, beers icy cold and coffee excellent. There is a beautiful tropical garden courtyard hidden out the back – it’s like an oasis full of lush plants. Didn’t want to leave.”
Kaity Michael

“A fresh new go-to in the Valley. If you love good beer, great service and an Instagram worthy backdrop, this place is a must!”
Tess Malcombe

“Honestly, the best muffins in the game right now. This place is terrific and the Baristas are very friendly. Highly recommend.”
Thomas Bowen

Plans Revealed For New Torrens University Campus In Fortitude Valley

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

Torrens University is planning to establish yet another campus in Fortitude Valley, which will sit adjacent to a proposed 29-storey student accommodation tower.

Read: Fortitude Valley Apartment Demand Spikes in Early 2021

A development application (A005787848) submitted by Mount Cathay Pty Ltd to Brisbane City Council revealed the entire project will be done in two stages, with the first one for the redevelopment of the former Waltons department store (also known as the Overell building) to accommodate the new campus; and the second one for the student housing tower.

Aerial view of subject site (Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

The new campus and tower have been mooted since 2019, but internal issues delayed the entire development. Torrens University has a 12-year lease deal on the property as the anchor tenant of the university component.

Brunswick Street frontage (Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

The original facade of the heritage building will be retained, but it will undergo extensive internal demolition to proceed with the development of a new Torrens University campus. A public open-air plaza on the former Braggs site is being planned to provide a connection to the site. There is also a proposal to include a link at the end of the laneway connecting to Brunswick Street and the Valley train station.

Meanwhile, the 3,489 sqm complex will include a 29-storey student accommodation tower, though it will not be operated by the university. It would feature an associated office, shop and café uses as well as some basement car parking.

If approved, it will be built at the site of the heritage Waltons department store, which ceased trading in the 1980s and has largely remained in a dilapidated state for decades. Some smaller retail tenancies are accommodated in the buildings currently but to Brunswick Street only.

At present, Torrens University has two campuses in Brisbane –one in Lower Bowen Tce, Fortitude Valley and another in Gotha Street, Fortitude Valley. The main campus is located at the heritage-listed Torrens Building on Victoria Square in Adelaide. If given the go-ahead, the new campus will begin accepting students in 2023.

About the Overell Building

The heritage-listed building was built in 1883 as a small drapery store, owned by business partners William James Overell and Thomas White. When White left the business in 1889, his shares were all transferred to Overell, who expanded the business by adding premises in Queen Street and other stores around southern Queensland.

When Overell’s business grew in 1899, he bought 729.2sqm of land near the corner of Brunswick and Wickham Streets and hired Addison and Corrie to design the site. However, the new premises were destroyed by fire in 1900. Overell hired architects Eaton and Bates to design a replacement building, which featured more light and ventilation, larger departments, three entrances, with shopping on the ground level, furniture and delivery departments in the basement, and a workshop on the upper floor.

The success of Overells continued well into the 1930s and 1940s. In 1953 Overell’s was replaced by Sydney department store Walton-Sears, one of four branches opened in November 1953 as the company expanded into Queensland. Title passed to Waltons in 1956, and the company made significant internal alterations in 1960s and 1970s.

Donna Dyson Nominated For Air Awards 2021

There are people in this world who have chosen to rise above their disability and go on to achieve amazing things in life. One of them is Brisbane’s Donna Dyson, the genius behind Spotty Kites, which has been nominated for Best Independent Children’s Album at Australian Independent Record (AIR) Awards of 2021.

Read: Historic Schonell Theatre In St Lucia Spared From Demolition

Ms Dyson was not born blind. When she was two years old, she tripped over and fell onto a cacti, with the thorn going into her left eye giving her a traumatic cataract. That incident left her completely blind in that eye. However, she grew up with her other eye functioning just fine and she was able to do everything that anyone else could, including driving a car.

Then in 2012, whilst she was wrapping presents, everything just went black. It turned out she had a stroke and that left her with legal blindness. Around ten months later, her doctors found an inoperable brain tumour, which has been the cause of her sight loss.

But suffering from legal blindness did not stop Ms Dyson from doing what she loves, which is writing children’s songs. This passion led her to become an international award-winning composer and songwriter. Ms Dyson has written almost 90 music singles with 41 going straight to number one. She has two music labels: Spotty Kites and Dyson & Young, which are both signed globally to MGM distribution.

“After the first stroke I realised I couldn’t speak straight away, but I could sing, create and compose. It just connected me even more with the people for who I write music – kids,” Ms Dyson said.

Her success and talent come from her research-based knowledge and deep understanding that children sing before they speak or read.

Many people may not know it, but Ms Dyson spent the first two decades of her life as a teacher, educator, university academic and lecturer and significantly published author. Specialising in pedagogy, literacy, literature and the arts, she has worked with many organisations as both advisor and advocate.

Her label Spotty Kites, one of the most popular children’s music labels in Australia is one of the five finalists for the Independent Children’s Album category at 2021 Air Awards.

“The songs are much more than fun tunes. Spotty Kites’ is composed to focus upon LITERACY THROUGH MUSIC and STORIES THROUGH SONGS. Every track is developing language, forging neuro links and bringing extensive learning, early childhood literacy development and joy,” she said.

The AIR Awards is known as the Golden Globes of the Australian music industry. This year’s awards night was held virtually, streamed live from AIR’s YouTube channel on 5 August 2021 at 8:00 p.m. Adelaide time. See the results from AIR’s website.

Why You Need to Drive to CJ’s Pasta in Fortitude Valley This Lockdown

To continue serving its customers during Brisbane’s snap lockdown this August 2021, CJ’s Pasta is bringing back last autumn’s massively successful, contact-less lasagna drive-thru service with the new Lasagna Slide-Thru initiative.

CJ’s Pasta Slide-Thru was established to help hospitality workers who lost their income 18 months into the pandemic. Every Saturday at 5:30 p.m., the restaurant will provide free meals to these workers until the supplies last.

The owners said that they have provisions for 100 to 150 meals per week. However, they are hoping to increase the number of meals to give away and this is where members of the community can help.

“All we ask is a $5.00 donation when you come by CJ’s Lasagne Drive-Thru,” the owners said.

CJ’s Lasagne Drive-Thru has resumed as of 4 Aug 2021 with choices of beef ragu, sand crab, and the new item on the drive-thru menu — the black truffle lasagna. All orders come with CJ’s famous focaccia bread. Aside from the pasta, customers may also order the Salumi Box good for two people, which comes with choices of cured meats from Saison Small Goods.

“By providing a free meal, we’re hoping to free up a small amount of cash in the pockets of our community and to raise awareness of the reality that is afflicting thousands of hospitality workers.”

“We understand that a meal is but a drop in the ocean of financial despair, though we’re doing what we can, whilst still keeping our own businesses afloat and our team employed.”

The drive-thru opens at 2:00 p.m. but the restaurant recommends placing a pre-order by phoning 0404 219 757. Follow the Instagram page of CJ’s Pasta for updates.

‘A Midnight Visit’ At Fortitude Valley Promises Thrilling Twists And Turns

Dive into the pink ball pit (Photo credit: A Midnight Visit/Facebook)

Fans of all things spooky and thrilling are sure to love A Midnight Visit, a new immersive theatre coming to Fortitude Valley this month.

Read: Wishart Travel Buff Joins Exclusive 100 Club

Tucked inside an abandoned warehouse called The House of Usher at Robertson Street, this 36-room theatrical playground will tantalise all your senses including the sixth sense as you explore the rooms where the actors play different scenes.

Doors will lead you to surreal environments, including a bloody playground, a sound world, a film set, or a room with a pink ball pit where you can dive in. For the more adventurous, there’s also a creepy hotel in one of the rooms.

The concept is new to Brisbane, but has taken over Sydney, Melbourne and Perth prior to the pandemic and has received positive reviews from audiences and theatre critics alike. All the scenes are inspired by the work of American writer Edgar Allan Poe.

This event will only run for a month starting 27 July 2021. If you don’t want to miss this event, book now at Eventbrite or visit their Facebook page for further updates. Prices of tickets start at $49.

Just a reminder, you must be aged 15+ to attend A Midnight Visit. Audiences aged 15-17 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Fortitude Valley Apartment Demand Spikes in Early 2021

Apartments in the inner-city suburbs of Brisbane, such as Fortitude Valley, have seen a spike in demand in the first four months of 2021, according to new figures revealed by the National Australia Bank.

The financial institution said that lending activities for first home buyers in Australia’s metro markets rose to 13 percent, slowly making city-dwelling popular again.

In Fortitude Valley, the change in lending activities was at a whopping 486 percent. Median prices for an apartment unit in this inner city have landed at around $433,000 for the first quarter. It has risen to $444,225 by 25 June.

According to NAB, city apartments have always been appealing because it’s easy to get around various essentials just by walking. But NAB Executive of Home Ownership, Andy Kerr, said “record low-interest rates and government incentives” have also pushed first home buyers to invest in inner cities.

However, it’s still spacious homes in the outer suburbs that are driving demand in the country’s overall housing market. Regional activity across Australia has risen to an outstanding 84 percent compared to demands for dwelling in the city.

Incidentally, the bank has started accepting applications for its next batches of the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme as of 1 July 2021.

Meanwhile, despite the recent snap lockdown affecting Brisbane from July 1 to 3, Fortitude Valley’s market achieved a record sale of the “ugliest house” in the inner-city suburb for $1.535 million.

The home on 43 Arthur Street once belonged to a family for 25 years but the owners have moved to Coffs Harbour to retire. Four buyers were interested in the property, which stands in a great location but the owners closed the deal with the buyer offering the best price before the house was supposed to be auctioned.