Fortitude Valley Archives - Page 17 of 26

The Prince Consort Spring Fling 2023: A Blooming Extravaganza

As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, The Prince Consort is set to transform into a vibrant Spring Oasis for Spring Fling 2023, a five-week extravaganza celebrating the arrival of blooming season.

The pub on Wickham Street will bloom with 40,000 flower stems during this festival, creating a vibrant and picturesque atmosphere. Each Saturday during the event will be dubbed “Saturdaisy,” offering patrons the chance to dance in a botanical garden setting.

From Thursday, 5 Oct 2023, to Saturday, 11 Nov 2023, The Prince Consort will be the place to be, hosting more than 20 events to cater to a wide range of tastes. Guests can look forward to disco fun in the Garden Bar, burlesque performances at La La Land, a seafood festival, and a Halloween margarita party.

A standout feature of the festival is the reunion of the legendary Monastery nightclub, which once graced Ann Street in Fortitude Valley.

Monastery, which has been closed for over a decade, will make a comeback on the floating bar Oasis and continue at The Prince Consort for an unforgettable after-party. Felix Da Housecat and DJs who once rocked Monastery’s decks will be part of the lineup at both events.

Here are the highlights of the activities for Spring Fling 2023:

Queens and Canvas (Sunday, 15 October): Unleash your inner artist guided by daring drag queens with vibrant paints and delightful cocktails. | BUY TICKETS
Kosheen 25th Anniversary Performance (Thursday, 19 October): Enjoy a live performance featuring Kosheen’s hit singles.
Spring Fling Seafood Festival (Sunday, 22 October): Savour a selection of seafood delights, including roaming oyster shuckers, cooking demonstrations, and paella.
Halloween Margarita Party (Saturday, 28 October): Embrace the spooky season with mouthwatering margs, Mexican-inspired treats, and live Mariachi band performances. | FREE EVENT BUT BOOKING REQUIRED
Sunday Garden Party (Sunday, 5 November): Sip on unique cocktails, soak up the spring sun, and enjoy a soundtrack curated by David Subritzky.
Melbourne Cup Celebrations (Tuesday, 7 November): Attend a glamorous race-day event with cocktails, delectable dishes, and captivating live performances.
Urban Wine Walk (Saturday, 11 November): Embark on a wine-tasting journey through Fortitude Valley with self-guided visits to nine local watering holes and meet the winemakers. | BUY TICKETS
Felix Da Housecat Performance (Saturday, 11 November): Dance to the beats of Felix Da Housecat’s unique blend of house, techno, and electro music.

In addition to the exciting events, Head Chef David Blackman will revamp the pub’s menu with a spring-themed twist.

The Prince Consort is located at 230 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley, and is open daily from 11:00 a.m. till late. For more information and event details, visit the Spring Fling 2023 festival’s website.

Published 2-Oct-2023

Quintessential Secures Long-Term Lease from St Patrick’s Church for The Arbory in Fortitude Valley

A $175-million project between the historic St. Patrick’s Church and developer Quintessential in Fortitude Valley is set to redefine the city’s business landscape, paving the way for the construction of The Arbory, a cutting-edge, environmentally conscious office building.

Quintessential’s long-term leasehold agreement with St Patrick’s Church has received approval to commence the construction of The Arbory, an eight-story, $175 million office building located at 58 Morgan Street. This project represents a significant addition to the inner-city precinct and the ongoing regeneration efforts around the iconic church, which dates back to the 1880s.

The Arbory has been designed by the renowned architectural firm Blight Rayner and is poised to become a symbol of innovation and sustainability in the heart of Fortitude Valley. The building will span 15,000 square meters of space, featuring 2000-square-meter floor plates, and will stand as a 100% electric, green-powered, fossil fuel-free office space.

The site will also encompass a remarkable 4,200-square-metre public space featuring lush landscaping and Ficus Obliqua fig trees, all centred around the heritage-listed property. This ambitious development aims to harmonize modernity and history by celebrating the architectural legacy of the area while introducing state-of-the-art office facilities.

The Arbory Fortitude Valley — Photo Credit: Quintessential

The proposal’s unique design allows for the preservation of St. Patrick’s Church’s significant fabric and external elements, further enhancing the historical and cultural significance of the precinct. The plaza on the ground floor will serve as an expansive gathering space, providing a unique backdrop to the historic church and promoting visitation and awareness.

In addition to the plaza, the project will also feature a rooftop recreation deck, offering users a covered court, olive tree courtyard, sunken courtyard, seating areas, and lush greenery.

Andrew Borger, Chief Investment and Operations Officer at Quintessential, describes The Arbory as a “next-generation” workplace.

“The Arbory is supported by a unique green space environment and proximity to the retail and hospitality amenity offered by James St and the wider Fortitude Valley,” he said.

To facilitate the church’s restoration efforts, the leasing agreement between Quintessential and the Archdiocese will help fund the church’s refurbishment and upkeep. Additionally, the building will provide infrastructure support to the church, including solar power generation and potable water from its roof.

Andrew Carlton of CBRE, who has been appointed as the leasing agent for The Arbory project, anticipates a swift leasing campaign due to the high demand for premium office spaces in Fortitude Valley.

“The Arbory is a green office oasis hidden in the heart of the city fringe’s most vibrant and connected precinct.

The development application for ‘The Arbory’ can be accessed on Brisbane City Council’s Planning & Development Online platform under application A005698653.

‘The Arbory’ has been hailed as a groundbreaking project that combines cutting-edge design with environmental consciousness. It promises to redefine the concept of a modern office space while preserving and celebrating Brisbane’s historical heritage.

Published 16-Sept-2023

Nice Thai by Kid Curry in Fortitude Valley Closes But Owners Tease New French Concept

The owners of the popular dining establishment Nice Thai by Kid Curry in Fortitude Valley have decided to close, leaving loyal customers heartbroken. The closure isn’t the end though, as plans are afoot for a pop-up with a rotating concept to take its place.

The restaurant, which had earned its place among the top 100 restaurants in Queensland, recently underwent renovations. It ranked an impressive No. 45 in a poll recognising the best dining establishments in the state in 2022.

Nice Thai by Kid Curry will officially close in late September but it’s not the end for this culinary hotspot. The Votan brothers plan to introduce a rotating pop-up concept in its place, starting with a French-themed bistro named Mini.

Mini will serve as a sneak peek into the sibling duo’s upcoming fourth restaurant, Petite, a French bistro and wine bar slated to open along the East St thoroughfare in January 2024.

The decision to close Nice Thai by Kid Curry comes as a shock to many, as the restaurant was seemingly thriving. However, owners and brothers Cameron and Jordan Votan explained that they felt the need for a fresh concept in the space.

The Votans cited the challenge of being located in close proximity to their other successful eateries, Happy Boy and Snack Man, which may have impacted Nice Thai’s distinct identity.

“It was a hard decision. It definitely was hitting its stride, and it definitely had a level of custom that was sustainable…but for how good it was, it did suffer a little bit for being another Asian restaurant next to Happy Boy and Snack Man,” Cameron said.

Cameron explained that Mini seems to be an ideal concept for their vision. They drew inspiration from their fond culinary memories of Paris and are excited about prospect of creating an enchanting outdoor French setting. Guests will indulge in cheese platters, charcuterie boards, exquisite cocktails, and exceptional French wines.

Whilst the closure of Nice Thai by Kid Curry has left its loyal patrons saddened, the prospect of a French bistro and wine bar taking its place has generated significant anticipation among food enthusiasts.

Published 16-Sept-2023

Music Fans Flock to Fortitude Valley for Bigsound Festival

Fortitude Valley is fortunate enough to host Bigsound Festival, Australia’s largest music industry conference and festival. Held from September 5 to 8, Bigsound 2023 ended on a high note after four days and three nights packed with up-and-coming musical acts, insightful panels, and exciting revelations.

Read: Local Man Aims for Macarena World Record at Bigsound

First launched in 2002 by industry development organisation QMusic, Bigsound has grown into a thriving community of musical innovation and togetherness.

The conference now draws over 1,700 music industry delegates, whilst the festival showcases attract an impressive combined audience of more than 20,000 fans eager to discover the next big thing.

Bigsound Festival — Photo credit: bigsound.org.au

Now in its 22nd year, Bigsound brought the music to Brisbane, showcasing over 150 artists across dozens of Valley venues each night. This year’s Bigsound was full of incredible highlights that left crowds buzzing.

Powerhouse indie rocker Beckah Amani electrified audiences with her high-energy set on Wednesday night. On Wednesday and Thursday night, soulful folk duo FELIVAND wowed with their breathtaking vocal harmonies. Meanwhile, King Ivy and Southeast Desert Metal represented First Nations artists, bringing powerful messages and hard-hitting rock to the stage.

Thursday night saw the massive lineup of Battlesnake, Chitra, and Radio Free Alice take over Fortitude Valley. These three emerging acts showed off their distinct sounds and awe-inspiring talent, capping off the festival on a euphoric note.

With its impeccable track record for spotting stars on the rise, Bigsound has cemented itself as a can’t-miss event on Brisbane’s cultural calendar. Music lovers eagerly anticipate what fresh faces the festival will unveil each year, knowing Fortitude Valley will play host to future household names in the Australian music scene.

Read: Newly Renovated GPO Building Now Home to Tama Restaurant and The Gatsby Lounge Bar

For both fans and aspiring musicians alike, Bigsound Festival is an unforgettable experience that epitomises the Valley’s vibrant arts culture.

Published 12-September-2023

Michael Trevor Royce Collins Found Guilty in Fatal 2020 Fortitude Valley Assault

After a week-long trial in the Brisbane Supreme Court, Michael Trevor Royce Collins has been found guilty of a fatal one-punch attack in Fortitude Valley on Melbourne Cup Day 2020. The altercation stemmed from a petty dispute between the 30-year-old Brisbane man and the victim, 37-year-old Shannon Finemore.

Balcony altercation

On November 3, 2020, Collins and his co-accused, Harley James Raithby Hoodless, had spent the afternoon drinking on the balcony of Collins’ apartment. According to the prosecution, the men became involved in a verbal altercation with Finemore and another man, Scott McGillivrey, as they walked past the balcony.

Collins said in a police interview that he believed Finemore was “joking” and mocking him. On the contrary, McGillivrey testified that the verbal exchange was sparked by the men shouting down at them.

Prosecutors said Finemore and McGillivrey continued walking after the verbal exchange. But Collins and Hoodless allegedly armed themselves with a crowbar and confronted the men on the street.

Fatal punch thrown

While Collins claims he only wanted to scare Finemore and McGillivrey, prosecutors allege the men formed a common intention to attack them. During the ensuing confrontation, Hoodless punched Finemore in the head, rupturing his femoral artery.

Finemore was knocked unconscious and died in hospital days later, on November 9, without ever regaining consciousness.

Michael Trevor Royce Collins convicted

Ahead of Collins’ trial in the Brisbane Supreme Court this week, Hoodless pleaded guilty to unlawful striking causing death. Collins pleaded not guilty to the same charge, but admitted to a charge of going armed to cause fear.

Collins’ defence lawyer contended he did not have a common intention with Hoodless to assault the men. She argued that any common assault plan ended before Hoodless threw the fatal punch, noting that Collins verbally tried to stop Hoodless during the attack.

In his police interview, Collins maintained that he only intended to “put the wind up them.”

However, the prosecution maintained that a common assault was intended based on both men arming themselves and pursuing the victims.

Collins will be sentenced at a later date after the jury found him guilty of one count of unlawful striking causing death.

Published 1 September 2023

Fortitude Valley Diehards’ Jenny David Chases Rugby League Dreams with Papua New Guinea

Fortitude Valley Diehards’ Jenny David, 19, has set her sights on one day representing Papua New Guinea in rugby league’s international stage.

Late start, meteoric rise for Jenny David

David only started playing rugby league five years ago. At the present time, she’s making a name for herself as a lock forward for the Valleys Diehards. With her athleticism and hardwork, David has taken to the sport and quickly risen through the ranks.

On the field, David is known for her speed in attack and strength in defence. She has an imposing physical presence combined with quick footwork that makes her difficult to stop.

David also encourages other young players to work hard and believe in themselves. She remains hopeful and focused on achieving her rugby league dreams.

High standards for the national team

To make the Papua New Guinea Orchids squad, David will have to meet the standards set by coach Ben Jeffries.

“Players that uphold and understand these aspects will pick themselves, whilst others will have to earn their selection through hard work, commitment and show a great desire to be an Orchid,” Jeffries said.

Jenny David has demonstrated her commitment through tireless training, constant self-improvement, and an openness to criticism. Above all, her dedication and work ethic have helped her improve her game season-by-season – qualities that bridged the gap from a rookie player just five years ago to one who could meet PNG Orchids’ high standards in the future.

Published 24 August 2023

Prestigious Inner-City Brisbane School All Hallows’ Locked Down Following Disturbance

The usually tranquil atmosphere at All Hallows’ School in Brisbane City was shattered when an agitated man, reportedly under the influence of some substance, unleashed a bout of destructive behaviour by kicking and punching doors within the school precinct, leading to a lockdown at the school.

Police received a flurry of alarmed reports concerning the man’s erratic actions, which included assaulting doors in Dodge Lane, an area adjacent to the school grounds.

A police spokesperson stated that the man, believed to be 19 years old, exhibited signs of intoxication and heightened agitation. After a thorough assessment and engagement with law enforcement personnel, he was taken into custody.

Additionally, he was issued a public nuisance infringement notice, indicating the legal consequences of his actions.

The incident, which unfolded around 11:50 a.m. on Thursday, 17 Aug 2023, prompted a swift response from local law enforcement authorities.

Authorities were on the scene in a matter of minutes, securing the area and swiftly instating a lockdown protocol to ensure the safety of the school’s staff, students, and personnel. During the lockdown, all movement within the premises was restricted, and communication with the outside world was limited.

In a bid to prevent any further disturbances or potential threats, the individual was also subjected to a banning order, effectively prohibiting him from entering Fortitude Valley. This measure was enacted with the intention of maintaining the safety and security of both All Hallows’ School and the broader community.

Published 21-Aug-2023

Brooki Bakehouse Fortitude Valley Gains Instant Recognition Thanks to TikTok

Photo Credit: Brooki Bake House

Brooki Bakehouse, nestled in the heart of Fortitude Valley, went from obscurity to fame in a single day, all because of a viral TikTok video.

The mastermind behind this amazing transformation from obscurity to overnight sensation is Brooke Saward, a former travel writer who decided to pivot her career and pursue her passion for desserts.

After opening the doors of her emporium in May 2022, Ms Saward found herself facing the common challenge of attracting customers. Despite her delectable offerings, the bakery struggled to gain traction.

Months of limited foot traffic prompted Ms Saward to explore alternative avenues for promotion. Drawing from her experience as a travel blogger and armed with a taste for social media, she turned to TikTok.

Her first video, a casual “day in my life” glimpse into the bakery’s inner workings, struck a chord with viewers and quickly went viral, accumulating over 3.2 million views.

@brookibakehouse A day in my life as a bakery owner: sold out saturdays 👩‍🍳 #dayinmylife #bakeryowner #fyp ♬ 9 to 5 – Dolly Parton

The impact was profound and immediate. The very next day, a stream of customers flooded into Brooki Bakehouse, citing TikTok as their source of discovery. Saward was in tears, describing the emotional shift from struggling to successful.

Saward’s journey to Brooki Bakehouse began after the pandemic compelled her to move from Tasmania to Brisbane. Drawing inspiration from her solo travel blogging days and fueled by her passion for desserts, she established her bakery in a meticulously chosen 42 square metre space within the Stewart and Hemmant building.

Combining industrial elements with refined touches of burgundy marble and brass finishes, Ms Saward created a space that she aptly describes as “Paris meets New York’s East Village.”

The bakery’s meteoric rise on TikTok has been an inspiration to businesses across Australia, with the platform amassing 8.5 million users nationwide. Ms Saward acknowledges the significance of social media in small business success, especially for those operating without substantial marketing budgets. Her TikTok has since gained over a million followers.

“Social media can be such a positive force for small businesses out there who don’t have big marketing budgets,” Ms Saward affirmed, emphasizing the encouragement and support from the local community.

What began as a solo endeavour has evolved into a team of seven passionate women, united by their dedication to baking. The team’s commitment to their craft extends beyond the local community, as they gear up to launch international shipping for online orders.

“We are an all girls team and still have under 10 employees (but about to grow in the production kitchen!). Sofia (head baker) adds an additional NYC cookie to the trays every day knowing Brooke will steal her daily dose at approx. 11am when she needs her daily sugar hit,” she wrote.

“Mondays are the busiest day in the kitchen with hundreds of orders to ship out each week, but Tuesdays are physically harder as we have thousands of dough balls to roll!

Photo Credit: Brooki Bake House/Facebook

Ms Saward reflects on this journey with humility and pride, noting that no matter where the future takes them, they will always remember their roots as “that little bakery that opened in an unknown street.”

Brooki Bakehouse’s story exemplifies the transformative potential of social media platforms like TikTok, proving that even the most modest beginnings can turn into thriving successes with the right blend of passion, creativity, and community support.

Published 7-Aug-2023

Multimillion-Dollar Dining Concept Set to Bring New Life to Chinatown in Fortitude Valley

Chinatown in Fortitude Valley is set to experience a vibrant revival with the introduction of a groundbreaking dining concept that promises to breathe new life into the struggling precinct.

Renowned chef and hospitality expert, Vince Moefa’auo, the mastermind behind the successful Bowen Hills cafe Halo Ground, is gearing up to launch Mr Duncan later this year. This ambitious project will feature a 300-seat restaurant and bar, housing five individually operated kitchens that will serve diverse cuisines.

The innovative concept of Mr Duncan allows diners to order from multiple cuisines simultaneously, enabling them to enjoy a variety of flavors in a shared dining experience.

With the gradual decline of Chinatown, which has been marred by vacant storefronts and “for lease” signs, Moefa’auo believes that revitalisation is long overdue. He expressed his passion for the area, stating that Chinatown is “one most important parts of Brissie and one of our food districts.”

As a former chef at Brisbane’s renowned fine dining establishment Esquire and Melbourne’s esteemed Vue de Monde, Moefa’auo’s expertise and vision are expected to attract businesses and patrons back to the Chinatown precinct. By providing a range of affordable culinary options from different vendors, he aims to create a bustling atmosphere that entices new markets to invest and brings additional offerings to the area.

In addition to the expansive restaurant and bar, Moefa’auo is actively pursuing Council approval to construct a kiosk-style bar and eatery in the heart of the mall. This strategic move aims to further encourage foot traffic and inject vibrancy into the once stark strip.

“It’s all about enlivening the street. Brunswick St is the party district, and this is more the start-off district, where you come first for a few drinks and to eat,” Moefa’auo said.

Three of the five eateries for Mr Duncan have already been confirmed. Diners can expect a Japanese, Vietnamese, and a meat-focused operator. The daytime menu will feature a casual selection, including sushi, banh mi, and pork and gravy rolls. As the day progresses into the evening, the menu will transition to a more premium dining experience, offering sashimi, charcuterie, whole fish, and shareable 1kg+ Tomahawk steaks.

Anticipation is building as the opening of Mr Duncan is slated for November 2023.

Published 25-June-2023

Gotha Street Office Building Sold for $9.725-M in Fortitude Valley

A three-storey office building at 123 Gotha Street in Fortitude Valley has been sold to a local investor for an impressive $9.725 million.

Situated on a 902-square-metre inner-city site, the fully leased property has a net lettable area of 1,638 square metres and offers 23 secure car parking spaces. It is currently the headquarters of Torrens University Australia.

Despite the challenging environment created by the COVID-19 pandemic and fluctuating interest rates, the property has remained a steady source of income for its investors.

Cal Doggett, Managing Director of Properties & Pathways, expressed satisfaction with the sale. Acknowledging the bittersweet nature of parting with such a prime location in a developing area, Doggett emphasised that the decision was driven by the company’s commitment to putting investors’ interests first and exploring new investment opportunities.

One of the most attractive aspects of this property is its corner location. With a generous 30.4-metre frontage on Gotha Street and 27.2 metres on Agnes Street, the building has enormous potential for future development. Its location in “Brisbane’s fastest growing inner-city office market” made it an even more attractive investment opportunity.

Knight Frank’s Barker emphasised the value of this established asset and the opportunities it offers for repositioning and development. In addition to the building’s secure cash flow and high-quality covenant, the prospect of implementing a re-leasing initiative in line with the burgeoning occupier market in Fortitude Valley added significant value.

Generating a net income of $905,116 per annum with fixed reviews of 3.5%, the property’s impressive Weighted Average Lease Expiry (WALE) of 1.86 years by income is testament to its stability. Barker highlighted the potential to accommodate multiple tenancies, capitalising on the area’s popularity with occupiers. Accessible transport links and a wealth of amenities further enhance its appeal.

Fortitude Valley's 123 Gotha Street Office Building Sold for $9.725 Million, Promising Future Potential — Photo Credit: Maksym Kozlenko / Wikimedia Commons

Fortitude Valley’s continuous transformation, fueled by both public and private investments, adds allure to this property’s location. Renowned for its world-class shopping, exquisite dining options, stunning architecture and excellent transport infrastructure, the suburb has undergone a remarkable urban rejuvenation, cementing its status as a premier destination.

The sale at 123 Gotha Street is well timed to coincide with ongoing and future development projects in Fortitude Valley. These include the Valley Heart Precinct, Fortitude Valley Metro, Cross River Rail, Brisbane Metro, Brisbane Live, Waterfront Brisbane, Queens Wharf and the highly anticipated Brisbane 2032 Summer Olympics. The property is poised to reap the benefits of the area’s growth and the exciting prospects these projects bring.

Published 17 June 2023