Brisbane CBD Archives - Page 6 of 7 - Fortitude Valley News

Brisbane’s Own Greg Norman Takes on a New Challenge—Shaping the 2032 Olympics

Brisbane’s Olympic preparations are gaining a homegrown boost, with Greg Norman joining the Games’ organising team. The committee, operating out of Brisbane City, is at the centre of the city’s Olympic vision.

Read: Roar vs Wellington Phoenix: Brisbane Look to End Losing Streak, Reignite Title Push

Local Connection Runs Deep for Former World No.1

For Brisbane residents, Norman’s ties to the city run deeper than many realise. Before becoming the “Great White Shark” who dominated world golf for 331 weeks as World No. 1, he honed his skills in Brisbane’s northern suburbs. He worked at the Royal Queensland Golf Club, which fittingly will serve as the venue for the Olympic golf events in 2032.

Reflecting on the appointment, Norman said, “In my youth in the ’70s, I worked in the golf shop at Royal Queensland. Now that course will be the home of golf at Brisbane 2032.”

Greg Norman, a Strategic Appointment for Brisbane’s Global Ambitions

Minister for Sport Anika Wells highlighted Norman’s ability to contribute to Brisbane’s Olympic ambitions, citing his four decades of global sporting experience and business acumen. The appointment comes as Norman transitions from his role as CEO of LIV Golf, bringing fresh strategic insight to the organising committee.

OCOG President Andrew Liveris reinforced the significance of his involvement, stating, “What better Queensland sports brand than Greg Norman? He will help elevate our state and our city on the global stage over the next seven years.”

Business Expertise Meets Sporting Legacy

Beyond his sporting achievements, Norman brings substantial business expertise to the role. As chairman and CEO of the Greg Norman Company, he has overseen successful ventures in apparel, interior design, real estate, and golf course design – experience that could prove invaluable in Brisbane’s Olympic development.

Norman replaces retiring politician Graham Perrett MP on the 24-person organizing board, with his first OCOG meeting scheduled for 5 April. The appointment represents a significant boost for Brisbane’s Olympic preparations, bringing together local knowledge and global expertise.

Read: New Vision for Waterfront Pavilion, A Key Element of Waterfront Brisbane

For Brisbane, Norman’s appointment bridges the city’s sporting heritage with its Olympic future. As preparations for the 2032 Games continue to transform the city, having a local figure of Norman’s calibre on board offers both practical expertise and symbolic significance.

Speaking to the aspirations of his hometown, he affirmed, “We will prove our credentials as world leaders in events, sport, and hospitality at Brisbane 2032 and create an incredible legacy for this state.”

Published 31-January-2025

Queensland Country Bank Secures Prime Location in Brisbane CBD’s ‘Golden Triangle’

Queensland Country Bank is set to strengthen its presence in Southeast Queensland by acquiring a $19 million commercial building at 247 Adelaide Street in Brisbane.

Read: Fortitude Valley’s Hotel X Joins Brookfield’s Asia-Pacific Real Estate Holdings

The 3,044 sqm property is located in the heart of Brisbane’s vibrant “Golden Triangle” commercial precinct, adjacent to the Post Office Square.

Photo credit: Queensland Country Bank/Google Maps

The newly acquired building will serve as the future home of the bank’s Brisbane-based administrative teams and a planned CBD branch. Colliers Queensland, which negotiated the sale, confirmed that the property will complement Queensland Country Bank’s Townsville head office. The building’s remaining space will be leased to existing tenants, generating a steady income stream for the bank.

CEO Aaron Newman expressed the strategic importance of this acquisition:
“The building acquisition was necessary to support the Bank’s strong growth across Queensland, particularly in the South East corner, as it pursues its vision to be Queensland’s best regional bank.”

About the Queensland Country Bank

Queensland Country Bank, originally established in 1971 as Isa Mine Employee’s Credit Union Limited in Mount Isa, has a rich history of supporting Queenslanders. By the late 1970s, its member-owned model had gained traction, expanding to serve employees of Pioneer Sugar in North Queensland. Over the decades, the bank broadened its membership eligibility, services, and branch locations, transforming into a state-wide member-owned bank.

Read: Valley Entrepreneurs Shine at Brisbane’s Multicultural Business Awards

This latest expansion marks another milestone in Queensland Country Bank’s mission to serve communities across the state. With the new Adelaide Street location, the bank is well-positioned to continue its legacy of growth while offering convenient and accessible services to its members in Brisbane’s CBD.

Published 27-December-2024

Step Back in Time at Caxton Street’s Velveteen Rabbit

If you’re on the hunt for a venue that blends vintage charm with creative flair, Velveteen Rabbit on Caxton Street might just be your new favourite spot. This modern take on a 1920s bar and bottle shop is more than meets the eye, featuring a whimsical hidden cocktail bar and spaces designed for every kind of gathering.

Read: Riverbar and Kitchen Serves Up ‘Gin-gle Bar,’ A Cocktail Lover’s Christmas Playground

Step Inside the Magic

Velveteen Rabbit offers a range of enchanting spaces to explore. The Mad Hatter Lounge is a cozy retreat perfect for intimate gatherings, from sip-and-paint parties to smaller celebrations. For a more relaxed experience, head to The Meadow, where you can dine in air-conditioned comfort before venturing further.

But the real hidden gem is The Rabbit Hole, a speakeasy cocktail bar tucked beneath the venue. With its cave-like ambiance, this subterranean escape opens to the public at 4:30 PM daily, unless booked for private events.

A Culinary Wonderland

The menu at Velveteen Rabbit is a testament to local and seasonal produce, with Head Chef Kyle McNamara crafting dishes that are as inventive as they are delicious. Collaborating with local farmers like Tommerup’s Dairy Farm and Harry’s Paddock, the offerings rotate with the seasons.

Highlights include the steak sandwich and the intriguingly named pork and cheddar donut—a sourdough creation with slow-cooked pork. For a playful twist, try the KFC carrots, which come with fermented chili and house-made sour cream.

A New Addition to Caxton Street

Since opening in October, the restaurant has quickly established itself as a go-to destination for lovers of retro aesthetics and exceptional food. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast or winding down with a cocktail, the venue is a versatile choice for any occasion.

Read: Valley Entrepreneurs Shine at Brisbane’s Multicultural Business Awards

With its seamless blend of nostalgia, creativity, and community spirit, Velveteen Rabbit isn’t just a bar—it’s an experience worth diving into.

Published 4-December-2024

Australian Koala Foundation Debuts 2024 Christmas Catalogue

As the holiday season rapidly approaches, the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) is launching its highly anticipated annual Christmas Catalogue for 2024, offering shoppers in Brisbane and beyond a chance to support the iconic Australian marsupial.

Headquartered in the heart of Brisbane CBD at Level 1, 40 Charlotte Street, the AKF is gearing up for a successful festive sales period, with all proceeds going towards its mission of protecting and preserving the nation’s beloved koala population.

The 2024 AKF Christmas Catalogue features a diverse range of carefully curated items, from children’s toys and homewares to classic stocking fillers. Shoppers can also opt to purchase a koala adoption, plant a tree, or donate to the foundation as a meaningful gift for their loved ones.

access the 2024 AKF Christmas Catalogue here!

The foundation encourages Brisbane residents and Australians nationwide to start their holiday shopping early to ensure their purchases arrive in time. The international shipping cutoff is Friday, November 22, and the domestic cutoff is Friday, December 6.

The 2024 AKF Christmas Catalogue is now available online, offering shoppers a convenient way to support the foundation’s vital work while ticking items off their holiday shopping list.

Published 2-November-2024

Oldest Brisbane Pub Victory Hotel Set for Major Transformation

Photo Credit: Development.i / Application Number: A006435805

The iconic Victory Hotel, Brisbane City’s oldest pub, is poised for a multimillion-dollar transformation. A development application has been submitted, outlining plans to breathe new life into this historic venue, which has been a cornerstone of Brisbane’s CBD since 1885.

The ambitious project, spearheaded by Precision Group, aims to reimagine the Victory Hotel as four distinct venues:

A sports bar and beer garden
A rooftop garden bar
A steak house restaurant
A basement ‘speakeasy’ style bar with a gaming room

Architects bureau^proberts and interior designers S.Shyne are at the helm of this redevelopment, working in close collaboration with renowned heritage architect Ruth Woods to ensure the plans honour the site’s rich history.

Liam Proberts, Managing and Creative Director of bureau^proberts, emphasised the importance of preserving the hotel’s legacy while adapting to modern needs. “The Victory has lived through many eras, including the 1980s boom of the beer garden, and has been able to maintain its reputation as one of the most popular places in Brisbane because of its adaptability and prime location in the CBD,” Proberts stated.

The redevelopment plans include innovative features that will showcase the building’s original structure. Dan Liddy, Lead Designer at bureau^proberts, highlighted that patrons will be able to appreciate the hotel’s historic elements while enjoying Brisbane’s outdoor climate from the beer garden or rooftop bar.

Precision Group Leasing Executive Rory O’Brien expressed excitement about the project’s potential to elevate the Victory Hotel into a “world-class destination” that will attract visitors from across Australia and internationally.

The refurbishment is expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing evolution of Brisbane’s CBD, complementing other major developments in the area such as the transformation of Eagle Street Pier, Queen’s Wharf precinct, and Howard Smith Wharves.

Athena Hospitality Group, led by founder Michael Dixon, has secured a long-term lease on the Victory Hotel and is partnering with Precision Group on the redevelopment. Dixon emphasised their commitment to creating an “amazing venue that tells a story over numerous levels” while respecting the hotel’s heritage.

The project also underscores Precision Group’s broader investment in Brisbane’s CBD. The company has recently completed a $45 million refurbishment of the adjacent office tower at 144 Edward Street, which now boasts a 5.5-Star Nabers Rating and has introduced new dining options to the area.

Subject to approvals, work on the Victory Hotel redevelopment is expected to commence in early 2025.

Published 2-October-2024

E-scooter Crackdown in Brisbane: How Riders Can Lose Their Driver’s Licence

As e-scooter use surges in Brisbane, particularly in the crowded CBD, riders may not realise that misusing these devices could result in severe penalties, including losing their driver’s licence.

With thousands of people now choosing e-scooters for quick transport through the city, authorities are cracking down on unsafe practices. Incidents like speeding, riding under the influence, and neglecting safety rules are being met with increasing legal consequences.

E-scooters have become a fixture of Brisbane’s streets and footpaths, especially in the CBD, where the number of users has rapidly grown. Riders zipping between pedestrians and cyclists are a common sight. However, this rise in popularity has brought with it a range of safety concerns. With many riders unaware that Queensland’s traffic laws apply to e-scooters just as they do to cars and motorbikes, local authorities are issuing stronger penalties for dangerous behaviour.

A Stark Example

One well-known example of the risks associated with e-scooter misuse is the case of Owen Bagi, who lost his driver’s licence for six months after being caught speeding on his e-scooter. Mr Bagi was filmed riding his Dragon Warrior X11 e-scooter—capable of reaching speeds of 100 km/h—without a helmet in September 2022, flying past a cyclist on a bikeway near the Western Freeway.

At the time, Mr Bagi was on his way to work and later admitted in court to reaching speeds over 90 km/h, though he claimed he was travelling at 48 km/h when he passed the cyclist. The court charged him with the dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, resulting in a six-month suspension of his driver’s licence. This significant penalty underscored how seriously authorities take e-scooter violations.

Growing Safety and Congestion Concerns in Brisbane CBD

As the number of e-scooter riders increases in Brisbane’s CBD, public safety concerns are becoming more pronounced. Riders share footpaths and bike lanes with pedestrians and cyclists, leading to occasional collisions and near misses. The situation has created its kind of congestion, as e-scooter riders compete for limited space on busy streets and walkways.

The rapid adoption of e-scooters has forced authorities to rethink how to manage this new form of mobility. Queensland’s laws are clear: riders must not exceed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15, must adhere to speed limits (generally 25 km/h on bike paths and local roads), and must always wear helmets.

Failure to comply with these rules can result in hefty fines, court appearances, and, as seen in Bagi’s case, the loss of a driver’s licence. Despite these laws, enforcing them across many riders remains challenging, prompting the community and local government to call for tighter regulation.

Cancellation of Beam’s Licence

In an effort to better regulate the surge in e-scooter use, Brisbane recently cancelled the operating licence of Beam, one of the city’s main e-scooter providers. The decision came after an investigation revealed that Beam had systematically exceeded its daily vehicle cap by 500 scooters, a violation the company disputes. The council, however, chose to terminate Beam’s contract, making Brisbane the first Australian city to take such action against an e-scooter operator.

Transport chair Cr Ryan Murphy confirmed that Beam’s devices would be progressively removed from Brisbane’s streets, and a replacement operator would be sought. Mr Murphy reassured the public that the e-scooter scheme itself was not in danger, and that the focus was on ensuring that operators comply with agreed-upon safety and operational standards.

Brisbane’s move to cancel Beam’s licence is part of a broader national conversation about the role of e-scooters in urban transport. Other councils, such as the Sunshine Coast, have recently voted to end e-scooter trials due to safety concerns, while Melbourne has faced ongoing debates about banning the devices altogether. Townsville in North Queensland also cancelled its agreement with Beam in early September.

Published 27-Sept-2024

Southside Team Opens New Hong Kong-Inspired Restaurant ‘Central’ in Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: Central

The team behind Southside Restaurant is set to open ‘Central‘, a new Hong Kong-inspired venue in Brisbane’s CBD this October.

David Flynn, along with his Rick Shores and Southside co-owners Frank Li, Andrew Hohns, and Nick Woodward, are expanding their culinary influence from South Brisbane to the city centre. The new restaurant will be located in the historic Piccadilly Arcade building on Queen Street.

Benny Lam and Maui Manu, currently the executive chef and restaurant manager at Southside respectively, are joining as partners in the new venture.

The 80-seat subterranean restaurant will offer a menu inspired by Hong Kong’s Central district, featuring dim sum items such as prawn har gao and Peking duck potstickers. The menu will also include larger dishes like drunken chicken, char siu pork, and roasted duck.

Peter Marchant, the group’s wine director, will oversee a wine list with about 30 options available by the glass, half glass, and half bottle. The cocktail menu will include variations on classic drinks.

Flynn described the concept as a more focused take on Southside’s broadly Chinese menu, emphasising Hong Kong flavours and dumplings.

Architect Jared Webb of J.AR OFFICE, known for his work on the refurbished Gerard’s Bistro, has been engaged to design the space. The interior will reference both the building’s history as the former Primitif Café and the underground nightlife of Hong Kong.

Central is scheduled to open at 340 Queen Street in October, bringing elements of Hong Kong’s cuisine to Brisbane’s CBD.

join the waitlist here

Published 10-September-2024

Cruise Into the City’s Buzziest Spot With the New CityCat Service at Howard Smith Wharves

Getting to Brisbane CBD just got even more accessible with the launch of a new dedicated CityCat service at the Howard Smith Wharves ferry terminal starting yesterday, May 27.

Read: Fortitude Valley Train Transforms into Spontaneous Rave, Enthralling Commuters

Travelling to the bars, restaurants, event spaces and the city centre underneath the iconic Story Bridge is now a breeze, with CityCat services running from early morning until late night, seven days a week.

The first CityCat will pull up at 6:10 a.m. daily, with the last services departing around 11:30 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on weekends.

Although Howard Smith Wharves has been serviced by the CityHopper and Cross River Ferry since its public ferry terminal opened in late 2021, this seamless CityCat integration is a game-changer for accessing both the precinct and the city centre.

An estimated 45,000 people per year have already been accessing the wharves by river transport. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner hailed the new stop as a no-brainer for such a beloved riverside hotspot.

“Howard Smith Wharves is not only one of Brisbane’s most beloved entertainment areas, but directly linked to the iconic Fortitude Valley precinct, so a permanent CityCat stop at the wharves makes perfect sense,” said Cr Schrinner.

Luke Fraser, CEO of Howard Smith Wharves, expressed immense enthusiasm about the new CityCat stop, stating it was a thrilling development that is sure to delight both visitors and locals in Brisbane.

“The river really is one of Brisbane’s superpowers, so showcasing one of our city’s most amazing assets to even more CityCat users is a great idea, and we congratulate the Council on this commitment,” said Mr Fraser.

Read: More Than Standard Fare: Indulge in Fortitude Valley’s Creative Bar Snacks

“At Howard Smith Wharves, we’re passionate about the environment, and as the new CityCat service will reduce cars on the road, this is going to have a positive impact on our planet and our city.

With stunning river vistas, dining overseen by top chefs, buzzy bars and a constant calendar of events, getting to Howard Smith Wharves just got exponentially easier. Visit Translink’s website for more details about the CityCat service at Howard Smith Wharves ferry terminal.

Published 28-May-2024

71-Storey Nature-Inspired CBD Tower Proposed on Mary St

A 71-storey residential tower, inspired by nature, has been proposed for Brisbane’s CBD, bringing a blend of urban living and natural elements to the cityscape.

The development application (DA A006456951) for this CBD tower, lodged with the Brisbane City Council on 6 Feb 2024 for the property at 25 Mary St, would push close to the city’s height limit, which will become a transformative addition to the skyline.

Spearheaded by James and John Kaias, alongside the Bellevue TCE Properties Unit Trust and Mary Street Holding Unit Trust group, the proposal has been designed by renowned Japanese architect Koichi Takada and it’s expected to redefine contemporary living.

Situated just a few metres away from the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens and Queens Wharf Brisbane, the project aims to seamlessly blend nature with urban architecture.

The proposed CBD tower, reaching a height of 264 meters, seeks to replace existing structures. The site’s current occupant, a two-storey retail commercial building and synagogue, would make way for this ambitious development, promising a modernized urban landscape.

As demolition works progress on-site, making way for the forthcoming development, attention turns to the intricate details of the proposed tower.

Plans unveil a mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments spread across 71 floors, complemented by eight basement levels and five podium levels. Notably, the sixth and seventh levels are earmarked for an array of amenities, including a pet spa, yoga rooms, and recreational facilities, promising residents a lifestyle of luxury and convenience.

The building’s design draws inspiration from nature, with breathable balconies and organic, landscaped recreation levels that break up the vertical height, offering residents unparalleled views of the cityscape.

Spanning over 7,000 square meters, the proposed communal spaces are distributed across five distinct recreation levels, catering to the diverse needs of residents. From wellness areas and fitness zones to communal lounges and swimming pools, the CBD tower promises an unrivalled living experience.

Furthermore, the incorporation of innovative design solutions, such as wind-protected balconies and shading elements, highlights a commitment to sustainable and comfortable urban living.

Published 12-Feb-2024

Queen’s Wharf Opening Delayed Due to Construction Crisis

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Queenswharfbrisbane.com.au

The highly anticipated opening of The Star’s Queen’s Wharf in Brisbane has been dealt another setback as construction delays forced the project to be pushed back from its initial Christmas launch date.

The Star Group’s chief executive and managing director Robbie Cooke explained that the decision to postpone the opening was made after a careful assessment of the current progress by the project’s builder.

In a statement made last month, The Star Group revealed the new opening date for April 2024.

Mr Cooke acknowledged that Queen’s Wharf has faced challenges similar to other major infrastructure projects across Australia. Despite the disappointment caused by the delay, Cooke emphasised that the transformational development, which has been eight years in the making so far, will undoubtedly be worth the wait.

“We are disappointed, but this transformational development for Brisbane has been eight years in the making already, and it will be well worth the wait. Queen’s Wharf will be a game-changer for a city that continues to attract the eyes of the world as we charge towards the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

The Queen’s Wharf project, a sprawling $3.6-billion integrated resort development, is a joint venture between Australia’s Star Entertainment Group and partners Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium International. The venture is collectively known as the Destination Brisbane Consortium.

The postponement marks the second time the opening date has been revised, following a previous delay announced in July 2022. Back then, factors such as rising material costs, pandemic-related disruptions, and adverse weather conditions resulted in a six-month setback and a 10 per cent increase in the project’s cost.

Despite the setbacks, The Star Group has made some progress in recent weeks. The consortium received control of several dining, entertainment, and gaming areas on Levels 5 and 6 of the resort from building contractor Multiplex, enabling The Star to begin preparations for their opening.

In addition, the third and final Sky Deck bridge section was successfully installed, allowing for the completion of the Sky Deck and its connection to all four towers of the Queen’s Wharf development. The Sky Deck, a 250-meter open-air rooftop runway of bars and restaurants, will offer breathtaking panoramic views from 100 meters above the Brisbane River and accommodate up to 1,500 visitors.

The Queen’s Wharf development, situated on both sides of William Street in Brisbane’s CBD, is the largest undertaking in Queensland’s history and the most extensive casino resort in Australia. Despite the challenges faced during construction, the project is expected to bring immense economic and social benefits to the city, especially as Brisbane gears up to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Published 17-July-2023