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Council Approves the Refurbishment Proposal for Fortitude Valley Metro

A new and improved Valley Metro Shopping Centre at Fortitude Valley is on its way soon as Brisbane City Council has approved its refurbishment proposal.

Last July 2019, an announcement was given by the Brisbane City Council with regards to the proposed refurbishment project of the Valley Metro Shopping Centre. The Council has approved the design made by Architectus, lodged by the project’s developer, LaSalle Investment Management.

Apart from the Valley Metro being fully refurbished, the approved proposal also involves the addition of a new cinema, a supermarket tenancy, expanded retail offerings, upgraded central urban common space, and a number of public realm improvements.

Here are the following public realm improvements as stated in the proposal:

Refurbished Brunswick Street Entrance canopy to provide a welcoming, legible gateway to Valley Metro precinct.
New flexible Urban Common to facilitate a community-driven public space, that’s surrounded by natural light and landscape.
Providing new & refurbished pedestrian linkage to allow access from all direction to Fortitude Valley Train Station.
Potential Public Artwork installation to be further developed in future stage.

Metro Shopping Centre — Valley Metro by Architectus
Photo credit: https://architectureau.com/

According to Architectus, the design principle for this project is to create new links and connect them with the refurbished existing links that would result into a revitalised central retail space right at the center of the site.

The designers reiterated that the main goal for this project is to have “a revitalised and accessible public space that complements the busy transport hub of the Fortitude Valley rail station and speaks to the principles of the Urban Common as a piece of social infrastructure, within a functioning retail precinct.”

Apart from the plans for onsite refurbishment of the Valley Metro, the application also indicates future linkages to Alfred and Alden Streets; however, these linkages are still subject to BCC approval.

To know more about Valley Metro’s refurbishment project, you may refer to its development application here.

An Inside Look at Altitude, Fortitude Valley’s Newest Rooftop Bar

Photo Credit: forestersfv.com.au

On the sixth floor of the new Foresters Restaurant and Bar in Fortitude Valley, the Altitude Bar offers 180-degree views of Brisbane CBD including a panoramic vista of iconic landmarks, such as the Story Bridge and Walton’s building.

The stunning, 250-sqm rooftop bar welcomed the public for the first time in August 2019, taking over the heritage-listed Foresters Hall along Brunswick and Alfred Street.

One of the function areas in Altitude Bar (Photo Credit: forestersfv.com.au)

Altitude Bar is the product of an almost three-year journey for the Signature Hospitality Group, who are also behind the boutique South Melbourne eatery WJ Wills and the renowned sports bar brand, The Sporting Globe. The group lodged a development application and received an approval in 2016, they finally got to open the restaurant and bar this year.

Intricate detailing is found throughout the bar, with monochromatic palettes, timber tables, sleek black seating, and incorporated indoor planting, designed by Melbourne-based design firm Hot Black.

This rooftop bar serves a lively cocktail menu, with popular picks like the Salted Caramel Espresso Martini and Amaretto Brulee as well as craft and standard beers. When hunger strikes, just order off a tasty bar menu featuring calamari, jalapeno poppers, club sandwich, cold meats, sweet potato crisps or various flavours of stone-baked pizza.

Altitude Bar also welcomes events in the function areas and you may choose to have your drinks served in bar carts. Party under the stars or simply unwind on the rooftop for the best views in town.

Altitude Bar is located at 209-211 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley and opens four days a week, Wednesday to Sunday from noon until late. For more information about their menus and functions, visit the Foresters restaurant and bar website.

David Jones Weathers Speculations About Fortitude Valley Operations

Australian upscale department store David Jones signed a long-term lease to deliver a unique shopping experience in one of the Fortitude Valley’s best shopping strips. However, as Australia is under a retail recession, David Jones has reportedly struggled to grow its revenue two years since opening on 10 James Street.

David Jones has gone through its second writedown since 2018, as South African owner Woolworths Holdings Limited witnessed its value shrink from its $2.1-B acquisition in 2014 to just $965 million. The writedown does not bode well for the beleaguered retail giant, particularly in light of Australia’s retail recession.

Speculations are rife that the company is “recalibrating operations” at its Fortitude Valley store, although the company has not made any comments on such reports.

David Jones opened its Fortitude Valley store with high hopes of delivering a very different shopping experience in a vital precinct.

A spokesperson from Woolworths said that operationally, their strategic initiative is to position the store as the “retail environment of the future.”

Here’s a Closer Look at Victoria Park Vision, the Next Biggest Park in Brisbane

Photo Credit: BCC Virtual Tours

After Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced Brisbane City Council’s plan to rejuvenate the Victoria Park precinct, ideas have been pouring in on how to best transform the area into a 45-hectare public parkland. Now, we can get a closer look into five visionary ideas released by the Council.

Brisbane’s leading design professionals have developed independent creative ideas for Victoria Park to spark interest and encourage more ideas to come in for what the new parkland could look like.

These designs are not necessarily what will be built, but they are intended to capture the public’s attention about different opportunities for the park in the future.

Explore the visionary ideas Victoria Park below and have your say online.

“Active Forest” by Urbis

Planners at Urbis suggest an active forest for everyone. They want to do it by making the park an unparalleled destination in the city’s subtropical park network.

Urbis wants to create outdoor and well-being spaces which will maximise the sense of natural refuge within the inner city.

The goal is to reforest the park, which involves dramatically increasing the density of trees in key locations. This will create deep shade and lush canopies, to become a new forest for everyone.

“Barrambin – Reconnection and Restoration” by Lat 27

Barrambin is all about creating a place that will respectfully celebrate the connection between culture and nature. It aims to celebrate Brisbane’s unique interwoven landscape and ecosystems as well as make transformational connections that will stitch parkland back into the city.

Lat 27 aims to celebrate Brisbane’s over 65,000 years of culture by creating a link to the city, a place to tell water stories, a place for morning walks, and a centre for indigenous culture.

“Brisbane Rock Pools” by Place Design Group

The idea is to create a new setting for play, exploration and relaxation by including features like waterfalls, reflection pond, water rock pool slide, children’s pond, and cascades swimming pond.

Place Design Group drew inspiration from the many rocky creeks and rock pools that are one of the characterising features of Southeast Queensland’s diverse landscape. Our vision is to re-imagine these natural settings within the park as a dynamic play.

“Connect and Celebrate” by Tract

Known for their landscape architecture and urban design, Tract wanted to make Brisbane a place where people meet to celebrate. Think of places for smaller events and community gatherings, an ampitheater, and Brisbane’s “largest major outdoor events space.”

The planners at Tract are also suggesting to create a connection to Spring Hill and City, to Herston and Bowen Hills as well as a new connection to Busway and Kelvin Grove.

“Nature that Nurtures” by Conrad Gargett

As the name implies, Conrad Gargett’s idea is to design the park with nature for health and wellbeing in mind. They drew inspiration from English broadcaster and natural historian David Attenborough, who once said spending time with nature offers us all precious breathing space away from the stresses and strains of modern life.

Just like Attenborough, Conrad Gargett believes spending time with nature enables us to experience joy and wonder, to slow down and appreciate the wildlife that lives side-by-side with us.

About Victoria Park Vision

Touted as Brisbane’s biggest new park, Victoria Park Vision will be more than double the size of the City Botanic Gardens. BCC has set aside $1 million towards the beginning of this project.

It is located in Herston and bounded by Gregory Terrace, Victoria Park Road, Queensland University of Technology – Kelvin Grove, Herston Road and Bowen Bridge Road. There is a golf course, driving range, putt-putt and function centre.

Presently, BCC is encouraging the local community to have their say in helping create the draft vision. The community engagement runs from 4 August to 29 September 2019. Construction of the park is scheduled to start 2021.

Chinatown Mall in Fortitude Valley Brings the Merry Vibe for Chinese Moon Festival

Colours, bright lights and upbeat music will fill Chinatown Mall in Fortitude Valley this Saturday, the 7th of Sept 2019, as it is time once again to celebrate the annual Chinese Moon Festival.

Some 3,000 years ago, the Chinese Moon Festival was a community gathering during the brightest night of the season to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest. It was also a time to celebrate harmonious relationships, good health and new births.

These traditions have changed over the years as the harvest festival evolved with the times. Nevertheless, modern Chinese and their friends continue to observe the Moon Festival by mounting an all-day celebration that locals in Brisbane will also have the chance to experience.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook*

So, this Saturday weekend, Chinatown Mall will be packed with activities from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For this year, the Chinese Moon Festival will also include Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean and Filipino cultural performances:

4:00 p.m.	Dragon dance
4:20 p.m.	Opening and welcome
4:30 p.m.	Crafty up-cycle earring making workshop (one hour)
4:35 p.m.	The Story of Chang’e – Goddess of the Moon
4:55 p.m.	Traditional Japanese dance
5:15 p.m.	Grandma Yen the Chinese clown
5:30 p.m.	Konhou – traditional Chinese harp
5:45 p.m.	V-Pop performance
6:05 p.m.	Lion dance
6:25 p.m.	Tai Chi and Qigong demonstration
6:45 p.m.	Judy Chan Chinese and cultural dance
7:15 p.m.	PanGoot – Traditional Korean performance
7:35 p.m.	Filipino dance
7:55 p.m.	SamulNori – Korean percussion
8:15 p.m.	K-pop performance
8:35 p.m.	Japanese Taiko performance

An amusing roving entertainment featuring the Three Brothers Parade and Grandma Anna Yen, the Chinese Clown, will also be featured at this event whilst visitors check out the market and food stalls to score unique finds and treasures or taste Asian treats.

Don’t miss out on the moon-shaped structure at the centre of the mall. Guests may write down the names of their beloved on this installation to strengthen their bond.

This is a free event sponsored by the Brisbane City Council.

State Government, Silverstone to Revamp PCYC Fortitude Valley Facility

Artist’s impression of new Fortitude Valley PCYC (Photo credit: Queensland Government)

Queensland Government has entered into an agreement with Silverstone Developments Pty Ltd. to redevelop the Fortitude Valley facility of Police-Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) Queensland.

According to Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick, two parties have agreed to develop a new facility on a portion of the existing site at 458 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley.

“Recognising an opportunity to renew the ageing infrastructure, Government in consultation with PCYC Queensland ran a competitive bid process, seeking private sector participants to deliver the new PCYC Fortitude Valley facility,” Mr Dick said.

Mr Dick added that the development will create around 162 jobs during construction and will be fully funded by Silverstone Developments.

This new standalone building would allow the organisation to expand their service offerings to the broader Fortitude Valley community. PCYC Queensland Chief Executive Officer Phil Schultz said it will also ensure their facility in Fortitude Valley will continue to be an iconic part of the local landscape.

“It is a very exciting announcement not only for PCYC Queensland but for our members and the local community we serve as a trusted and respected charity,” Mr Schultz said.

Meanwhile, Member for McConnel Grace Grace recognized the facility’s contribution to the whole community, adding that the support of many stakeholders including PCYC Queensland has been integral in reaching this important milestone.

Construction on the new PCYC Fortitude Valley facility is expected to begin late 2019. For more details about this new facility, visit the Queensland Government’s website.

Next-Gen Volvo Models Feature Drink Driving Sensors

In the decades since its inception, Swedish carmaker Volvo has built its reputation on safety and low-key luxury. Its latest campaign, Vision 2020, aims for a lofty goal — no more deaths or serious injuries in its new cars. In line with this, Volvo is introducing new technology to prevent drink driving, believing that the way to its goal lies in the modification of driver behaviour coupled with leading-edge safety technology. This is a development that should benefit Brisbane car owners greatly, particularly given the prevalence of drink driving incidents in Fortitude Valley and other Brisbane suburbs.

Recently, the Swedish automaker announced that sensor cameras will be installed in the next-generation models for the XC40, XC60 and XC90, which are designed to detect the reaction and behaviour of the Volvo driver. The car will slow down or completely stop and not respond if the sensor determines that the driver is intoxicated.

“Volvo Cars believes intoxication and distraction should be addressed by installing in-car cameras and other sensors that monitor the driver and allow the car to intervene if a clearly intoxicated or distracted driver does not respond to warning signals and is risking an accident involving serious injury or death,” Volvo said in a statement.

Learn more about how Volvo’s drink driving safety feature works in this video:

Volvo’s Outstanding Safety Record

“We want to attract people who think it’s important to drive safely,” Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson said following the announcement of Vision 2020.

Early on, safety has been the cornerstone of its vehicle design as Volvo is the inventor of the three-point seatbelt in 1959. Volvo is also a pioneer of the rearward-facing child safety seat and booster seat in the ’70s. It is the first automaker to introduce side-impact airbags.

In 2008, Volvo was way ahead of other car manufacturers when it launched the City Safety system that allowed its vehicles to slow down and prevent a car crash upon detection of an obstruction. To better understand why Volvo is regarded as the safest car in the world, watch this:

Australia to Require New Car Drink Driving Safety Features

Volvo’s big news comes as Australia could mandate similar safety features among new vehicles for sale by 2025 in line with the guidelines of the United Nations.

“Unfortunately, alcohol remains a major problem [of the road toll] with between 15 and 25 percent of our driver fatalities each year from drivers being under the influence of alcohol,” Transport Road Commission road safety director Samantha Cockfield said.

Crime statistics in Australia also show that Fortitude Valley ranks high for violence and accidents due to alcohol. Since 2014, law enforcers, as well as club and pub owners, are proactively implementing strategies to promote a drink safe precinct. Now, even automakers like Volvo are in on the objective to keep the public safer.

“The first technologies we’ll see are passive systems like passive alcohol and drug interlock systems so they will be within the car and they will be able to test if you’ve got any alcohol on your breath,” Ms Cockfield added.

Expectedly, automakers may still improve on the technology by introducing sensor pads on the steering wheel or infrared light detection at the ignition button. This way, the driver under influence won’t be able to bypass the safety features.

*Photo Credit: Volvo Cars Australia/Facebook*

“Yes, definitely we will see a day when that technology will be standard in vehicles and I think if you look at Volvo internationally, I think they’ve talked about those kinds of technologies being integrated quite soon,” Ms Cockfield said.

Buying Volvo in Fortitude Valley

As of press time, Volvo Australia has not yet announced the availability for the next generation models with the drink driving safety features. However, if you’re interested in owning the safest car for your family, you may phone Volvo Cars North Brisbane at 07 3177 3181 or visit their showroom in at 773 Ann Street Fortitude Valley for a test drive.

Fluffy To Host Biggest Disney-Themed Party at The Family in Fortitude Valley

If you’d like to experience a spectacular party, then block off Tuesday, the 13th of August 2019, on your calendar. Fluffy, the popular gay-friendly party scene, is hosting a Disney-themed party at The Family on McLachlan Street to celebrate the eve of the public holiday, EKKA Wednesday.

Be in your best Disney costume for this event to get a chance to win amazing prizes. The party will kick off at 9:00 p.m. and the celebration is expected to wind down at 5:00 a.m. the next day.

Fluffy brings a different brand of entertainment led by Holly Spirit, Brisbane’s premier showgirl. To experience this group’s performance would be a treat and a sensory experience.

Online booking to this fabulous Fluffy Disney party is not required. However, there will still be tickets costing between $20 to $25. Ticket purchases are done as you enter The Family.

Foresters Restaurant and Bar: Heritage Building Transformed into Landmark Restaurant in Fortitude Valley

In an elegant collaboration between Tim Gurner and the Signature Hospitality Group led by CEO James Sinclair, the corner of Brunswick and Alfred Streets in Fortitude Valley has been revitalised with the 4th of July opening of the Foresters Restaurant and Bar, in what is now the Valley’s growing food and beverage precinct.

Heritage Roots

Built in 1889, Foresters Hall is an iconic heritage-listed building that has since gone through some major architectural facelifts whilst still staying true to its turn-of-the-century roots. Originally used by the Foresters and other Friendly societies as a social hub for their predominantly working-class members, the hall also subsequently became the Valley’s very first movie theatre, Cook’s Picture Palace, in 1910.

In later years, it became an appliance store, as the rest of the neighbourhood slowly declined before the resurgence that the area is experiencing today.

Old But New — Beautifully Repurposed

Currently one of the stops in the Vibrant Valley Heritage Trail, the handsome building’s distinctive facade, characterised by original exposed brick that are over a century old, natural timber detailing, large archways and metal tin tiles, has since been returned to its original glory, with some tastefully added new fixtures to update its look.

Now in its new incarnation, this iconic landmark gleams in its grand whiteness, the hawkishly cool exterior belying the regal warmth of its interior.

The feeling of warmth starts to build as one enters the beautifully restored entryway, into a 140-seat dining area, with large windows providing great views of both Alfred and Brunswick streets. A dimly-lit bar that can comfortably seat 60 people provides the perfect place for an end-of-day pick-me-up or a good weekend unwind.

Extremely elegant yet comfortable dining ambience is available for singles, couples and small groups. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner – from 6:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Get comfortable on one of their posh leather-covered seats and simply allow Chef Peter Popow, Foresters’ master wine and food pairing guru to work his magic. Just a quick tip – try their intriguingly named special Pornstar Martini or their Salted Caramel Espresso Martini, topped with pieces of popcorn. It’s a delightful tribute to the building’s cinematic past.

*Photo Credit: Foresters Restaurant & Bar/Facebook*

For Simon Barnes, general manager of Foresters, their modern Australian take on traditional gastropub fare is the key to satisfying their now-growing clientele. Visitors are mainly residents and upwardly mobile, young professionals who patronise the place for its cosy ambience, well-rounded wine selection, carefully curated cocktail list, and the opportunity to see and be seen.

Definitely a place to check out, if you’re in the area.

The Lanes Coffee Festival Takes Over Fortitude Valley this July

Are you a serious coffee drinker who can distinguish and appreciate the importance of a good brew? Do you embrace the caffeine culture and regard coffee drinking as a pleasurable hobby?

If you’re a coffee lover and you consider yourself a part of the burgeoning coffee community in Brisbane, then you will enjoy this event celebrating the best coffees in the country. Dubbed The Lane Coffee Festival, this event is taking place on Saturday, the 27th of July 2019, in three famous laneways in Fortitude Valley.

The best coffee suppliers in Australia, including underground roasters, will showcase their products at pop-up stores located around Bakery Lane, California Lane and Winn Lane in Fortitude Valley. Various bars, cafes and restaurants will also open stalls beginning 10 a.m. so that visitors can enjoy their coffee with their favourite food.

*Photo Credit: The Lanes Coffee Festival/Facebook*

These are the coffee brands and food establishments joining the Lanes Coffee Festival:

Archer Specialty Coffee

Bear Bones Coffee

Cakes & Shit

Coffee Supreme AU

Cravve Chocolatiers

DoughLord Australia

Ezicaf Solutions

Fonzie Abbott

Giardinetto

Grinders Coffee

King Tiki Bar

Ltd espresso + brew bar

Native Supply Co

Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters

Nitro Brew

No.5 Cafe

Padre Coffee

RAW + RICE

Reverends fine coffee and bar

Single O

Slide Coffee Roasters

The Black Lab Coffee

The Bowery Bar

The Hospopreneurs Podcast

The New Black

The Stand Desserts

TheMonday

Told You So

TSO Lounge & Dining

Wolff Coffee Roasters

It can be overwhelming to try every shop at the festival so there will be coffee tours at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. This way, visitors will be able to try the drinks from the best establishments.

Other than sipping coffee, several activities have been lined up for coffee junkies. A fun Latte Art Smackdown will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the California Lane main stage, while masterclasses are scheduled at the following sites:

How to Make a Pourover Coffee	1:00 p.m.	Reverends Fine Coffee
How to Make Cold Brew	3:00 p.m.	Ltd Espresso + Brew Bar
How to Make Coffee Cocktails at Home	4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.	The Bowery

Admission to The Lanes Coffee Festival is free but you’ll need to book tickets for the activities via Eventbrite. As of press time, slots for these masterclasses are sold out. However, additional sessions may open a few days before the event. Follow the updates on its events page.