Expected to reopen in the first quarter of 2023 after its ongoing renovation, the iconic General Post Office building in Fortitude Valley, otherwise known as the GPO Hotel, will soon have a new, ‘fine dining’ venue as part of a $7-million makeover.
Hospitality group Artesian announced that the 135-year-old site will feature a new restaurant once it opens next year. Although details about the upcoming new venue are yet to be revealed, it seems that Executive Chef Richard Ousby and sommelier and former OTTO Brisbane General Manager Alan Hunter will be joining forces to deliver a whole new dining experience to the Brisbane scene.
Ousby was at one time with Michelin three-star Waterside Inn in England and was also a former Sous Chef at Quay Restaurant in Sydney and Executive Chef at Stokehouse restaurants in Melbourne and Brisbane.
Meanwhile, Hunter’s impressive resume includes a Pol Roger 2013 Sommelier of the Year award as well as being part of the OTTO Brisbane team that took home Good Food Guide’s 2019 Wine List of the Year award.
GPO Hotel was built in 1887 at a 2,000-sqm site located at 740 Ann Street in Fortitude Valley. After operating as a nightclub, it remained idle for two years during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, it was sold to an investment arm helmed by Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis. Artesian Hospitality later signed a 25-year lease on the multi-building site.
The project comes on the heels of Cali Beach Club’s successful 2021 opening. The new $ 10-million precinct features poolside cabanas, two world-class restaurants, bars, sports facilities, and four large pools.
Artesian’s growing portfolio also includes Surfers Pavilion, White Rhino, Saké Sisters, and Havana RnB.
Also earmarked to be turned into a multi-venue precinct is the Surfers Paradise site, where Cali Beach is also located, and later as Artesian’s new corporate headquarters.
St Joseph’s College in Gregory Terrace, Spring Hill has unveiled its final masterplan for a major expansion which will take place in the next 15 years.
The Catholic school lodged a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation to be assessed by the Queensland Government and decided by the planning minister, following submissions received during community consultation.
St Joseph’s College revised their plans in response to feedback received by the community and the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning during the consultation stage.
The amended plans cover the existing buildings located on the Main Campus, Westcourt and Waterford Place 1, and a new building – Waterford Place 2 located at 184 St Pauls Tce.
For the main campus, St Joseph’s College is planning to build new STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) classrooms and a new indoor sports facility.
Planned to be completed in 10 years, the five-storey building will feature Manual Arts Centre classrooms. It will have formal frontage to Water Street and connection to Tony White Building.
It will provide up to 69 car parking spaces in the basement and new Waters pedestrian entry.
The new eight-storey building will be completed in two stages, which could take up to 15 years. For the initial stage, works will start in 2022 and be completed by 2024. To facilitate the development, the school has proposed to demolish the existing car parking and earthworks.
To be completed in 10+ years, plans include adding an additional storey (second floor) spanning 227 sqm of gross floor area for the school’s new administration and office level.
Also part of the proposal is the demolition of the existing QLD Health Building facing Quarry Street and retrofitting the car park for storage, car parking and HPE facility for students.
The major expansion has been proposed to meet the demand for students in the next five years, which is expected to increase by up to 50 students for every year level.
Stage 2 of the expansion of Fortitude Valley State Secondary College has been completed, adding classrooms and a new sports centre to Queensland’s first-ever vertical school.
The completed second stage of the $143 million investment that will deliver inner Brisbane’s first secondary school in more than 50 years has recently been unveiled at a ceremony held on 18 November 2022.
This expansion has supported more than 300 secure jobs for Queenslanders.
Stage 2 cost $43 million to build and adds a state-of-the-art senior learning precinct to the school for the first cohort of Year 10 students next year.
“Fortitude Valley State Secondary College represents a $143 million Palaszczuk Government investment in the local community that has supported good jobs and provided better services in the inner city,” Education Minister and local Member for McConnel Grace Grace said.
Stage 2 features 13 classrooms for use by students in Years 10 to 12 plus a Sports Centre. The learning spaces are air-conditioned and include two industrial technology labs, two industry-standard kitchens, three senior science labs, one textiles studio, two visual arts studios and three breakout spaces for independent and group learning.
“These classrooms have been built above an enclosed sports facility with two multi-purpose courts,” Minister Grace adds.
Vertical schools are a recent phenomenon in Australian state education. High land prices and a scarcity of suitable sites make vertical schools an economic alternative to our longstanding cultural preference for low-rise schools.
New vertical schools, ranging in height from four to seventeen storeys, are now starting to be commissioned across all Australian mainland states. Peter Goss from the Grattan Institute wrote that Australia can anticipate an increase of around 650,000 students in the decade to 2026. This number would require the construction of seven new twenty-five-student classrooms every day for ten years.
“Around 450 students in Years 7 to 9 are currently receiving a world-class education at Fortitude Valley State Secondary College, and the school will continue to add a year level every year until the first Year 12 cohort starts in 2025.
“Fortitude Valley State Secondary College is one of 21 new schools the Palaszczuk Government has opened since 2015, and we’ll open another four next year.”
The State Government continues to invest in building, upgrading and expanding schools under its 2022-23 budget with almost $2 billion allocated to education infrastructure investment supporting almost 4,200 jobs for Queenslanders.
The venue is the second location in Brisbane for the Scottish-born brand, which first opened in Murarrie in 2019. Brewdog Fortitude Valley currently offers 20 taps across three levels of craft beer heaven, shuffleboards, pinball and farm-to-table food.
Photo credit: DogTap Brisbane/Facebook
Around 50 percent of their menu covers gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, so guests can choose from their selection of burgers, wings, pizzas, and big bowl salads minus the guilt.
As for the drinks, guests can guarantee that all the beers they offer are 100 percent carbon negative, which means it’s good for the planet. Aside from craft beer they are best known for, they also have a range of spirits and non-alcoholic options.
Photo credit: DogTap Brisbane/Facebook
The ground level bar can have around 130 people and includes a dedicated patio area outside. On the top level, there’s access to the small outdoor balcony, which is a mix of seating, high tables, and booths plus their epic shuffleboards.
One of the highlights of this place is the beer hall, an events place that can accommodate around 130 people seated. It features exposed ceilings, feature walls, comfy lounges, and a huge yellow bar.
BrewDog Fortitude Valley will employ around 35 new staff. The brand aims to set the bar higher for hospitality workers everywhere and their team will benefit from this initiative, which involves sharing half of their profits with their crew.
“By sharing 50% of profits with our crew, we’re setting the bar higher for hospitality workers everywhere, and democratising the benefits of working here. When BrewDog succeeds, all of our people succeed with it,” the brand stated in its website.
The newly opened venue in Brisbane is part of the brand’s expansion in Australia, with plans to open two more locations –one in Melbourne and another one in Sydney.
Fellow gym-goers rushed to save the man who was crushed by a barbell for 33 minutes early Thursday morning on 17 November 2022 at the unstaffed Snap Fitness gym on Turbot Street, Spring Hill.
Emergency services were called at around 5.47 am and paramedics who rushed to the scene said the man’s injuries to the head and chest were “very severe.”
Queensland Ambulance Critical Director Lachlan Parker said that it’s not known what happened exactly but said that the man appears to have been “struck by a weight” that severely injured his head and chest. The man, aged between 25-35, was resuscitated and anaesthetised before being taken to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital where he is in critical condition.
Queensland Ambulance Critical Director Lachlan Parker thanked the other gym-goers at the scene who with the help of triple-zero operators immediately performed first aid whilst waiting for emergency crews to arrive.
Whilst Snap Fitness is a 24-hour gym, it is only staffed between 10 am and 7 pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 9 am to 2 pm on Fridays.
Snap Fitness said that it is already aware of what happened at its gym in Spring Hill and that they were saddened to learn about the condition of the man. They added that they have provided the gym members who witnessed and those who assisted access to counselling services and support.
Roma Street Parklands illuminate as The Enchanted Garden returns for another season of dazzling visitors with an immersive light-and-sound spectacularfeaturing the parkland’s smallest resident, the Eastern Water Dragon.
The Eastern Water Dragon and other Dragons guard and protect the park and its visitors by day. And as night falls, they transform into their true magical selves, taking on the colours and characteristics of the park’s natural elements: water, trees, rocks and flowers.
The Water Guardian is brought to life by rippling sheets of lasers, reminiscent of the ebb and flow of water, embodying its calm aquatic wonderland.
The other Guardians of the Park:
Rock Guardian – presides over dazzling textural lighting and projections that bathe its rocky realm in warm, earthy tones.
Tree Guardian – the magnificent trees that line the Parkland’s Weeping Fig Avenue take on a new canvas of colour under the watchful eye of the Tree Guardian.
Flower Guardian – moving into the Spectacle Garden, the Flower Guardian welcomes visitors to its realm with thousands of delicate lights and illuminated sculptures.
These Guardians of the Park appear as giant holograms, revealing the secrets and stories of The Enchanted Garden as visitors explore the stunning illuminated and immersive experience before uniting in a spectacular Shadow Sculpture. A fitting finale to delight all ages.
This Christmas, let your loved ones feel extra special with handmade gifts. If you’re wondering where to buy beautiful handmade creations near Fortitude Valley, don’t forget to check out these upcoming Christmas markets in the city.
The Soul Nook Collective has partnered with Discover Ipswich for their annual Christmas market, which will take place on the last Saturday of November, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m at Queen Street in Marburg.
You can find many boutique stalls featuring handcrafted goodies including Mae and Me Designs, where you can buy macrame plant hangers, wall decors, and tote bags; and A Stitch of Hope, known for its adorable bags and clutches.
Home fragrance store Little Coastal Co will be joining, alongside local olives growers Watercress Creek Olives and Limes, and engraved gifts maker Fletcher and Albert Designs.
Imbibis Craft Distillery, the first artisan distillery in the Ipswich region, will also be at the markets to showcase their gins.
Shop ‘til you drop at King George Square this December, because this market will be featuring over 60 local designers of handmade goods. Now in its 12th year, the BrisStyle Twilight Christmas Market showcases all sorts of goodies, right from cleverly crafted ceramics to all-natural skincare.
Non-profit organisation BrisStyle is under the direction of Operations Manager Belinda Harris, who leads the group’s initiative in providing Brisbane makers with meaningful opportunities to connect with their audiences.
“Our creative minds were among the first to be negatively impacted by COVID 19. By shopping with Brisbane-based designers and buying directly from the maker there is no better way to give much-needed support to the local creative economy as we start to recover in 2022,” said Ms Harris.
Shopping at Christmas markets does not only let you support small businesses. It’s also a fun experience which keeps the whole family entertained with live music and food trucks to fill you up with yummy treats.
The good times are back at the annual Valley Fiesta in Fortitude Valley! This year’s party will be extra special because it’s the festival’s 25th year!
Happening from the 25th to the 27th of November 2022, creatives and musicians will once again showcase their talents during the three-day extravaganza. This free event, described as “a street festival like no other,” is mounted by QMusic to help aspiring individuals get their foot at the door of the industry. More than 45 homegrown talents will be performing for the crowd.
Friday, 25 November 2022
On opening night, the whole stretch of King St will support live musicians who will play at various stages by serving tasty dishes at affordable prices in a fun food fair on the street. The King Street Food Fair will run from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Photo Credit: Valleyfiesta.com.au
Saturday, 26 November 2022
Saturday’s activities will include the Hidden Lanes Festivals featuring buskers, artists, face painters, and heaps of market stalls for the whole family to enjoy. Look for some treasures to enjoy with the entertainment along Winn Lane, Bakery Lane and California Lane from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Photo Credit: Valleyfiesta.com.au
At night, various Fortitude Valley venues for ages 18 and above will run live events at these times and locations, including the debut of an astounding burlesque show!
TIME
SHOW
LOCATION
7:15 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.
ACCESS ALL AREAS – VALLEY FIESTA LIVE!
The Sound Garden with Voli K
6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
HOLY HOLY – VALLEY FIESTA LIVE!
Fortitude Music Hall with WIIGZ AND Alter Boy
8:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
GORDI – VALLEY FIESTA LIVE!
The Brightside (Outdoors) with Jess Day and Cloe Terare
7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
KIAN – VALLEY FIESTA LIVE!
Wolly Mammoth with Dean Brady and Ash Lune
6:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.
DULCIE – VALLEY FIESTA LIVE!
Ric’s Backyard With DANCINGWATER and Andy Martin
8:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
SCRAPS
EC Venue With I Was Eros, Arig, Guppy and Doggie Heaven
8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
MOSS
Kickons
8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
SIREN AT STRANDED
unique and alluring night of voice, circus, burlesque, and drag artists
Sunday, 27 November 2022
The last day’s activities will feature art, jazz, and a cultural celebration to keep the party vibe alive with a series of workshops as well as an initiative for social change.
After recently sharing the stage with world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli, the Brisbane Chorale is all set for another epic performance at the Brisbane City Hall, presenting Franz Joseph Haydn’s masterpiece ‘The Creation’ together with the Sunshine Coast Oriana Choir and the Sinfonia of St Andrew’s this November.
Formed in 1983, the Brisbane Chorale has earned for itself a reputation for excellence in choral performance. Performing with the great Andrea Bocelli, his children (son Matteo and 10-year-old daughter Virginia) and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra was a magical choir experience for the nearly four-decade-old symphonic choir. Asked about their experience at the Bocelli concert that wowed 13,000 enthusiastic fans at Boondall Entertainment Centre, Music Director Emily Cox AM said that there was plenty of behind-the-scenes excitement.
“Once our involvement in the performance was fully confirmed, we’ve been preparing the Bocelli pieces whilst simultaneously working on our August performances of ‘Mahler 3’ with Queensland Youth Symphony Orchestra and our two September concerts of ‘Stabat Mater’ with Brisbane Symphony Orchestra, not to mention The Creation,” she said.
Music Director Emily Cox AM | Photo credit: Supplied
“As you can imagine with a project the size of the Bocelli concert, there were lots of logistics to sort out from how many people could physically fit into the space on stage to the repertoire we would be performing.”
But in the end, Emily said, that with the adaptability that’s become part of Chorale’s DNA since the start of the COVID era, the choir was able to handle all the complexities with grace and aplomb.
‘The Creation’ Featuring 3 Soloists
Emily is now putting the finishing touches on preparations for Brisbane Chorale and Oriana Choir’s joint performances of Joseph Haydn’s marvellous oratorio “The Creation.” Their upcoming project is a musical partnership between Brisbane Chorale and Sunshine Coast Oriana Choir, a first for the two choirs.
Brisbane Chorale will be performing with Sunshine Coast Oriana Choir, Sinfonia of St Andrew’s and their soloists Leanne Kenneally (soprano), Tobias Merz (tenor) and Jason Barry-Smith (bass).
There will be two performances, the first will be in Bokarina and the second will be in Brisbane at the Brisbane City Hall.
Why ‘The Creation’?
During Emily and Fay’s initial discussion regarding a joint performance by the two choirs, “The Creation” quickly appeared on their radar. They said that they want something which would be nurturing for the choirs, both musically and emotionally, and which would bring joy to their listeners after the challenges everyone has faced in the last couple of years.
And “The Creation” ticks all the boxes.
“With ‘Creation’ not being frequently performed in Brisbane, but being one of the greats, it jumped out as an obvious choice!” exclaims Emily.
“Collaborating with Fay and Oriana was always something I wanted to do,” said Emily about Fay Baker OAM, the Artistic Director of Oriana Choir and her vocal accompanist when she was a student at the “Con”.
“I’ve long admired Oriana’s work, and I consider Fay a very important part of my musical growth. She was also a major mentor of Justine Favell, Brisbane Chorale’s fabulous accompanist,” she continues.
“Haydn really broke the mould with this one,” Emily explains. “The orchestra does much more than just accompany. There’s tremendous drama in the orchestral writing, dramatic changes of mood and picturesque imagery, ahead of its time, all making the orchestra an equal partner in bringing this story to life. I can’t wait to work with the wonderful players of Sinfonia on this project.”
“The greatest joys of making music are the communities with which you work. The community that’s been brought together for ‘The Creation’ is a mixture of people I’ve known all of my performing life, and new friends, all of whom are brilliant at what they do. I’ve also loved the piece since I was a teenager, and this is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to perform it. What a joy!” Jason Barry-Smith said when asked about the things he is looking forward to most about the upcoming performances.
And Tenor Tobias Merz’s reply: “There are so many things I’m looking forward to. Singing this work is a rare pleasure but the real treat will be listening to the thunderous sound of a double choir!”
‘The Creation’ by Franz Joseph Haydn conducted by Emily Cox AM Brisbane Chorale and Oriana Choir Sinfonia of St Andrew’s Leanne Kenneally, soprano Tobias Merz, tenor Jason Barry-Smith, bass
Brisbane Chorale is a symphonic choir formed in 1983. The group comprises more than 100 voices and was an amalgamation of existing choirs back then at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. They will be celebrating their 40th anniversary year in 2023, also the year that Emily will be celebrating her 20th year as Music Director.
Photo credit: Supplied
Oriana Choir, meanwhile, was formed in 2005 when Daniel Calder established The Oriana Concert Choir on the Sunshine Coast. This fledgling choir very quickly proved its credentials when in July 2006 they competed in ABC Classic FM’s National Choir of the Year competition, placing second in the Queensland finals.
The controversial organisation, which has many Hollywood celebrity followers like Tom Cruise and John Travolta, bought the property to complement its existing base on George St at the CBD.
A spokesperson has confirmed the purchase of the 1,965-square-metre site with dual street frontage but did not indicate the price. Reports, however, indicated that the Church of Scientology paid $9 million for the property and will use the building for its religious, community and humanitarian programs.
Photo Credit: Google MapsPhoto Credit: DA A005640986
The Fortitude Valley address was the former home of the Australian Institute of Fitness until June 2021. The site has an approved development application (DA A005640986) for a childcare centre, which was lodged by FDC Construction And Fitout (Qld) Pty Ltd in January 2021.
The three-level building is under Principle Centre Zoning, allowing up to 15 levels if redeveloped. It’s near the Fortitude Valley Train Station and the $2.9 billion master-planned RNA Showgrounds development.
The Church of Scientology has bases in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and is currently renovating and expanding its headquarters in central Sydney.
