Bakery Lane in Fortitude Valley seems to recognise Brisbane’s love for gin, enough for it to hold the first-ever Gin Sanity Festival in Brisbane on Saturday 17 February 2018.
Photo credit: www.thebotanist.com
On the day, Bakery Lane will become a haven for gin lovers as it features the best Australian and international gins.
Some of the best bands in Brisbane will provide music to liven up the late summer party. Tickets to the festival will include a free drink upon entry.
Photo credit: sipsmith.com
The festival is made possible through a collaboration of Moubment Group and Toowoomba’s Cooreuosity Group. Moubment’s The APO and Laruache on Ann Street will be hosting the event.
With its opening still about a year away, Howard Smith Wharves is generating buzz with its prospective roster of bars and restaurants.
The project in Fortitude Valley is taking shape and is already being hyped to be the next foodie paradise in Brisbane. Fine food selection will range from modern Japanese dishes to Greek eats and Chinese cuisine, with a strong focus on freshness and food made on site.
Restaurant Line-up
Once completed, some world-class restaurants will be operating beneath the Story Bridge at Howard Smith Wharves.
Among the future tenants of the riverside lifestyle destination is Toko Brisbane by Matt Yazbek. This will be the Brisbane sibling restaurant of Toko Sydney and Toko Melbourne.
Also confirming their tenancy is a Greek restaurant and bar, created by Sydney restaurateur Jonathan Barthelmess. His other restaurant ventures include The Apollo and Cho Cho San in Sydney.
A Hong Kong-inspired Chinese restaurant will also be residing at Howard Smith Wharves. Stanley by Andrew Baturo will be serving dishes by renowned chef Kun Machin.
Just below the Story Bridge and set above the river, Howard Smith Wharves will be operating the Overwater Bar. It will be a 200-square-metre octagonal bar at a spectacular venue with lush greens and superb service.
Aside from the bar and eight restaurants, the lifestyle precinct will have a bakery, coffee roasting on site, and a craft brewery.
Lifestyle Riverside Destination
The Howard Smith Wharves development aims to create a recreation, lifestyle and tourism destination at an underutilised 3.43-hectare site.
Photo credit: howardsmithwharves.com
Part of the riverside development is the 5-star Art Series Hotel, an exhibition centre and over 2.7 hectares of public open space, with cafés and restaurants along the riverside. Howard Smith Wharves will also provide a stylish connection between New Farm Riverwalk and Brisbane CBD.
Photo credit: howardsmithwharves.com
The design involves restoring and reusing the heritage buildings on the site. The hotel building will be constructed in a way that it would blend with the cliff face. This way, the iconic Story Bridge will remain to be the main focus of the precinct.
Howard Smith Wharves is scheduled to open in late 2018.
A new development application has been lodged in a bid to rejuvenate the iconic Jubilee Hotel precinct in Fortitude Valley.
The proposal submitted by Jubilee Project (Qld) Pty Ltd involves construction of a 14-storey retail building and a 250-square-metre plaza accessible from St Pauls Terrace. The public plaza would unite the different spaces and distinctive buildings at the corner of St Pauls Terrace and Constance Street.
Central to the design is the heritage icon Jubilee Hotel, which will be retained and rejuvenated.
Ground floor plan of the proposed Jubilee Precinct (Photo credit: edqdad.dsdip.qld.gov.au)
Public Plaza
The plan for the public plaza includes a laneway connection to the Jubilee Hotel and the famous hotel beer garden. The plaza will be designed with an engaging landscaped space linking restaurants and other commercial spaces. The hotel beer garden will also be redeveloped as part of the proposed plan.
Proposed public plaza (Photo credit: edqdad.dsdip.qld.gov.au)
Approximately 18,166 square metres of commercial floor space, 91 carparks and club facilities will be included in the plan. Designers are using a distinctive cantilevered structure to remain respectful and sensitive to the heritage building on site. Since the precinct will be built above the M7 Clem Jones Tunnel, the plan is to use lightweight steel diagrid to address the weight limits.
The Jubilee Precinct proposal is built around the idea of commercial land use diversification and innovation and will include a start-up hub in the lower levels.
Photo credit: edqdad.dsdip.qld.gov.au
Designers are also taking advantage of the location advantage of the Jubilee precinct. The site is easily accessible from the Fortitude Valley rail station and the future refurbished Exhibition Station, which will be part of the Cross River Rail line.
Fortitude Valley is giving locals the best alternative to Christmas shopping with their micro-market at Winn Lane and Bakery Lane.
From 15 November until 23 December, Winn Lane and Bakery Lane will bring A Very Laneway Christmas featuring independent and up-and-coming designers and retailers. The Christmas markets will let shoppers take home unique items ideal for gift-giving without having to endure big crowds at the mall.
A Very Laneway Christmas offers locals the perfect opportunity to not only find exceptional products but also to support local artisans and emerging retailers.
Event Details
What:
A Very Laneway Christmas
When:
15 November 2017 – 23 December 2017
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where:
Winn Lane and Bakery Lane, Fortitude Valley
There is so much in store for everyone at A Very Laneway Christmas. Five rotating independent and pop-up retailers will provide some of the most creative products and Christmas items that are definitely made with love.
A Very Laneway Christmas is also pet-friendly, so everyone can bring along their beloved pooches as they browse through the interesting items for sale.
The laneway vibes will be made more special every Saturday as musicians provide live performances from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m.
Following their success in Newstead, the owners of The Triffid are embarking on a $40-million project that aims to fill a void in the live entertainment scene in Fortitude Valley.
The plan is to turn the site at 312 Brunswick Street into an event, theatre and music venue, able to accommodate up to 3,300 people.
Location of the upcoming 312 Brunswick venue. (Photo credit: Google Earth)
While the likes of The Triffid and The Zoo provide some of the best in music venues in the city, there is still a need for medium-sized music spaces. This is the gap that the future venue intends to fill.
Owners and operators of The Triffid, including Scott Hutchinson of Hutchinson Builders, are teaming up to develop the 2,500-square-metre site. Around 1,000 square metres will be allocated for food and retail spaces.
Revitalising the Live Music Scene
The addition of the 312 Brunswick music venue is a positive development as it would help revitalise the live entertainment in the city.
The project is something that is close to the hearts of the collaborators who are all deeply engaged in the local live music industry. John Collins is the former bassist of Powderfinger, while Paul Piticco is a co-founder of Secret Sounds and operates music tours and festivals in the country. Mr Hutchinson is a huge patron of QMusic.
The trio saw a need for venues that would accommodate a crowd between 3,000 and 4,000. This would attract artists requiring a space in between the huge music arenas and the more intimate music halls.
The Triffid in Newstead (Photo credit: The Triffid/Facebook)
The music venue promises to be a state-of-the-art space. It should be a perfect replacement for Festival Hall, which closed in 2003.
The same people responsible for the acoustic design of the Triffid will make sure that the 312 Brunswick Street venue will provide the same quality sounds as the Newstead music hall.
Construction on 312 Brunswick is set to start in January 2018 and is expected to open in mid-2019.
Police received several reports on the 21st of October stating that a ‘scooter gang’ comprised of teenagers brought chaos along the streets of Fortitude Valley towards Kangaroo Point.
The minors involved were reportedly participating in the annual Brisbane Street Jam, including 18-year-old YouTube star Jack Dauth. The latter claimed that he was arrested. Other teenagers asserted that police were aggressive towards them.
Internet sensation and YouTube star, Jack Dauth Credit: Jack Dauth YouTube Page
Police confirmed that no teenagers were arrested or charged in connection with the incident, adding that they had contacted the parents to coordinate where they could safely collect their children. The police also maintained that the teenagers were dangerously riding their scooters going towards oncoming traffic.
Footage released by Nine News Queensland showed police dispersing the crowd from Fortitude Valley to Kangaroo Point. Footage also showed boys wearing safety helmets charging towards the police, prompting them to cordon off parts of Brisbane CBD for crowd control. Hundreds of scooter riders were driving on the wrong side of the road.
The situation spun out of control when Dauth, whom police had tagged as the instigator, claimed that he was violently arrested by police. “First they tackled me down, they ripped my camera, grabbed my microphone and twisted out. They picked me up and just threw me in,” the boy was quoted as saying in an interview with other media.
The police has since released Dauth but he posted a video of his arrest both on his Instagram and YouTube accounts. By October 23, the hashtag #FREEJACK had gone viral on the internet. Dauth has 170,000 YouTube subscribers and 160,000 Instagram followers. In the video that he posted on his Instagram account, fellow scooter riders can be heard chanting “Free Jack!” in the background.
A post shared by YOUTUBER • SCOOTER RIDER (@jackdauth) on
Credit: Jack Dauth/Instagram
Dauth’s social media profiles state that he is from Sydney, Australia. He has been riding scooters since 2011 and calls himself a professional freestyle scooter rider. His profiles also state that he is currently sponsored by UrbanArtt. “My aim is to document what I get up to while out riding, exploring and all round having a fun time,” he wrote in one of his profiles.
Credit: Jack Dauth/YouTube
Police also clarified through a statement given to other media that authorities were not informed ahead of the event. Further investigation revealed that the event was only organised through social media.
Presented by Brisbane City Council, the event will be held on 27-28 October in the streets of Fortitude Valley. With only five days to go before Brisbane’s biggest free music festival, here are some interesting trivia about the exciting line-up of artists who are set to perform.
The Jungle Giants has recently made its comeback to the music scene in 2017 with a new single titled, “Feel The Way I Do.” This track follows their 2015 album, “Speakerzoid,” which gained praises from music critics, earning 4 stars from Rolling Stone. This Brisbane band has been performing since getting together in 2011, with Sam Hales on Vocals/Guitars, Cesira Aitken on Lead Guitar, Andrew Dooris on Bass Guitar/Backing Vocals, and Keelan Bijker on Drums/Trombones.
Fatman Scoop Credit: Valley Fiesta Facebook Page
Hip-hop artist Fatman Scoop is popular for his song “Be Faithful” that ranked number one in the UK and Ireland in 2003, and top five here in Australia. He has also worked with internationally known artists like Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Pitbull.
The Creases Credit:Valley Fiesta Facebook Page
The Creases has just released its debut album, “Tremolov” in August 2017, rated three stars by Rolling Stone. The AU Podcast Network describes the album as “a collection of songs so solidly constructed they couldn’t fall over if pushed.”
The Bleeding Knees Club Credit:Valley Fiesta Facebook Page
The Bleeding Knees Club released their newest EP, “Chew The Gum” in April 2017. This alternative/indie band has come a long way from its first introduction as a duo back in 2010. Friends Alex Wall and Jordan Malane founded the group, which hails from Gold Coast, Australia.
The Gooch Palms, originally from Newcastle, Australia, is now based in Los Angeles. The gonzo-punk sweethearts are now touring the US, Europe and Australia. Aside from the Valley Fiesta, the duo has been back in Australia this October for Spring Break.
RACKETT Credit:Valley Fiesta Facebook Page
RACKETT is known for its loud and experimental punk-pop music. The band has left its mark in the music scene since their introduction in 2016. It is set to release a new single “Ready or Not” within 2017.
Velociraptor was founded in 2009. The group defines its genre as garage pop. While the group is a home-grown Brisbane band, they are known internationally. Their most recent release, “The Hunk With A Hunch,” was in November 2016.
The Jensens takes pride in its continuous search for “new sound.” The group’s bio on TripleJ Unearthed states that the group was “formed out of a deep friendship and a desire to make great music that pleases the ear and touches the soul.”
The Fresh Outfit Concrete Surfers released its new single, “Miscommunication” in September 2017, with an EP to follow soon after. The group is comprised of brothers Jovi (vocals) and Jamie Brook (guitar and drums). Other members of the band are Sean Froster on lead guitar and Trent Courtney on Bass.
Home-grown Port Royalwas founded in 2016. The group released their debut EP in May 2016. They finally gained popularity in March 2017 with their single “Get Heavy.”
FeelsClub defines its genre as Trash Pop. Since their first gig in March 2016, the band has performed with Philadelphia Grand Jury, Bugs and Gideon Benson.
Harmon Credit: Valley Fiesta Facebook Page
Producer/Songwriter Harmon’s influences in music are Johnny Cash, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Radiohead and The Strokes. Aside from performing at the Valley Fiesta, he will be touring Brisbane, bringing with him his indie-rock music.
The Seefelds draws inspiration from punk, grunge, Britpop and Indie rock music. Widely considered to be a group that’s just bursting with potential, the group’s gig at the Valley Fiesta will be their largest event to date.
Valley Fiesta is a FREE event. No tickets required. Performances done in public stages are open to the public. Private events at different venues in Fortitude Valley during Valley Fiesta, however, require payment. For more information, click here.
Chinatown Mall in Fortitude Valley will be lit with Asian-inspired festivities as it celebrates Chinese Moon Festival on Saturday 7 October 2017.
Chinese Moon Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. It is a full moon festival widely celebrated in by Chinese and Vietnamese people. It is also celebrated across the world, with mooncakes hailed as the main delicacy during the festival.
The festival at Chinatown Mall is a free event that promises to entertain people of all ages. Kids and older folks are sure to enjoy the entertainment in store including lion dances and colourful lantern parades.
Event Details
What:
Chinese Moon Festival
When:
Saturday 7 October 2017
4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where:
Chinatown Mall, Duncan Street,
Fortitude Valley
What to Expect
The festival will not be complete without a lion dance. The festivities will start with a vibrant lion performing acrobatic tricks on high poles.
Adding to the colour will be a unique lantern dance that will be featured during the festivities. At night, a dragon dance will be performed in the traditional palace costume and a dragon prop.
Photo credit: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
The festival will be filled with music, dancing and lively entertainment featuring traditional Chinese, cultural and modern Chinese dances. There will also be a traditional Chinese tea ceremony performed through dance.
Fortitude Valley is home to some of the most fascinating buildings in Brisbane. On Brisbane Open House, locals and tourists will have a chance to learn more about some of the top architectural structures in the suburb.
Brisbane Open House will be on 7 and 8 October 2017. It is a free public event designed to give the public a behind-the-scenes look at interesting architectural structures in Brisbane.
Some 90 buildings will open their doors to the public. They include charming small spaces as well as historical industrial and heritage architectural icons.
Enter via 291 Street Paul’s Terrace, Fortitude Valley
Date:
Saturday 7 October 2017
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Guided tours every 30 minutes
Photo credit: CC-BY/bradeastman/Flickr
Housed in a mural and graffiti-decorated brick building, the 4ZZZ station was once the headquarters of the Australian Communist Party (ACP) – Queensland Chapter. It was attacked by alleged Neo-Nazis in 1969 and 1972.
In the 1980s, the ACP hosted punk gigs on the top floor of the three-story building. That was the start of the evolution of the 4ZZZ broadcasting station, which provides a radical alternative to mainstream media and promotes activism and engagement in the community.
Central Village Heritage Precinct
Photo credit: www.deickerichards.com.au
Address:
Cnr Trinity Street and Diggles Close, Fortitude Valley
Date:
Saturday 7 October 2017
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Guided tours every hour
Fortitude Valley’s Central Village Heritage Precinct is a group of late 19th-century defence buildings, including the oldest-known surviving Drill Hall in Queensland.
The buildings were originally constructed around 1880 on Boundary Street in Spring Hill. They were then relocated and repurposed to house various functions.
Brickworks Design Studio
Photo credit: brisbaneopenhouse.com.au
Address:
Tenancy 6 & 7, James Street Centro, 27 James Street Fortitude Valley
Date:
Saturday 7 October 2017
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
General Access
The Brickworks Design Studio, built in 2015, will be open for general access on Brisbane Open House day. The building houses a broad selection of building materials from clay bricks, blocks and stones, to timbers and cladding, to concrete and clay tiles.
The building is an inspiring piece of work that marries aesthetics with function and form. The studio incorporates state-of-the-art technology in its spaces to create flexible yet comfortable zones for designers, architects and builders.
Vee Design Studio
Photo credit: brisbaneopenhouse.com.au
Address:
109 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley
Date:
Sunday 8 October 2017
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
General Access and Guided Tours Available
Once a flour mill and a World War II base, the Vee Design Studio has been transformed into offices and bars. The ground floor serves as office space to landscape architectural firm, Vee Design.
With the latest revision of the development application for California Lane in Fortitude Valley, the developer, AMC Developments, intends to inject some Californian style to the space.
California Lane is the third laneway to be redeveloped as part of the move to rejuvenate the laneway culture in Fortitude Valley. The first one was Winn Lane, which was successfully transformed into a haven for creative artisans, fashion designers and foodies. Next on the list of Valley laneway redevelopment is Bakery Lane, which will be a mix of cafes, restaurants, office and apartments.
A fourth laneway to be redeveloped is the Warner Lane, which will feature a new restaurant and bar at 702 Ann Street. All the small laneways will be connected once the fifth laneway, called Lucky’s Lane, is developed.
(Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)
Californian Treatment
AMC Developments, which also lodged the redevelopment proposal for Bakery Lane, submitted minor revisions to the California Lane development application in response to the conditional approval given by the Brisbane City Council.
(Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)
The council asked the developer to reconfigure the layout of the plan and reduce the number of tenancies from 11 to seven new tenancies. Also conditional to the approval was the addition of outdoor seating and dining areas as well as retractable awning for outdoor dining
The revision submitted not only complied with the conditions by the council, but also espoused a Californian feel in its architectural style. Design renders show Phoenix palms adding a posh Californian touch to the proposed retail precinct.
(Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)
Designed by Guymer Bailey Architects, California Lane will provide a beautifully designed connection between Ann Street and McLachlan Street.
Find out more about the California Lane (DA A004713610).
Among the future tenants of the riverside lifestyle destination is Toko Brisbane by Matt Yazbek. This will be the Brisbane sibling restaurant of 
