Spring Hill Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Fortitude Valley News

Spring Hill Welcomes Brisbane’s First Ricoh GR Space for Photographers and Art Lovers

Brisbane has joined the ranks of Tokyo, Shanghai, and Beijing with the opening of the southern hemisphere’s first Ricoh GR Space. Located in Spring Hill, the gallery and community hub celebrates Ricoh’s GR series of cameras, which have earned a devoted following among street photographers since their rise in popularity during the mid-2010s.

Read: Spring Hill Apartment Project Aligns with 2032 Olympic Precinct

Housed in the former Federal Police building on Wharf Street, the Spring Hill space is the vision of Sydney-based Clem Kennedy and his family’s company, CR Kennedy & Company. The company has a long-standing connection with Ricoh, having been the Australian Pentax distributor since 1954, and has played a key role in bringing the Japanese restaurant Komeyui to Brisbane.

Kennedy sees the gallery as part of Brisbane’s ongoing cultural growth, describing the region, including Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, as one of Australia’s fastest-growing areas, particularly in its artistic and cultural development.

Designed to mirror its international counterparts, GR Space Brisbane reflects Ricoh’s exact specifications for layout and materials. Local architects Series Two and builders Iridium brought the concept to life with aggregate concrete floors, grey gallery walls, and timber banquette units that double as shelving for photographic books curated by Booktopia. Every detail was refined through collaboration with Ricoh’s headquarters in Japan to ensure the space felt authentic and aligned with the brand’s identity.

The opening of GR Space Brisbane coincided with the launch of the GR IV, the latest iteration of Ricoh’s digital GR camera, first introduced as an analogue model in 1996. To mark the occasion, the gallery launched with an exhibition titled IV, showcasing the work of four Australian photographers using the GR IV.

Beyond exhibitions, the gallery is intended as a dynamic hub for photographers, artists and enthusiasts. Kennedy emphasises that GR Space Brisbane is not just a gallery but a community and cultural meeting point. Visitors can meet like-minded creatives and discuss photography as an art form.

Read: Spring Hill Hotel Owners Challenge Approval of Nearby 15-Storey Development

GR Space Brisbane features international-style design, curated photographic content, and a focus on community. Its presence reflects the city’s growing artistic landscape and provides a space where both emerging and experienced photographers can connect, learn, and showcase their work.

The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, at 203 Wharf Street, Spring Hill. It offers an accessible entry point for anyone interested in photography and the creative arts.

Published 13-October-2025

St James College Shines as National Runners-Up in Netball Debut

Photo Credit: schoolsinactionau/instagram

St James College has made its mark on the national stage, finishing as runners-up in its first appearance at the National All Schools Netball Challenge in Adelaide.

Strong Debut in Adelaide

The competition, held in early September 2025, brought together school teams from across Australia. St James College entered the Year 9 and 10 High Performance division and quickly impressed.

*Photo Credit: schoolsinactionau/instagram*

The team won all six of its round robin matches, topping the ladder before moving into finals.

Road to the Final

After dominating the preliminary rounds, St James College faced St Aloysius College from Tasmania in the semifinals.

A hard-fought victory secured their place in the grand final against Catherine McAuley College from Bendigo. Despite a strong effort, the Brisbane side fell short, placing second in the division.

Teamwork and Support

Staff described the group’s success as the result of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Sports Development Officer Eliza Hoelscher praised the team’s effort and said the players set a high standard for the college’s first appearance at the event.

Coaches and support staff, including Tia Parker and Evonne Tolo, were acknowledged for guiding the squad through interstate competition.

Local Impact

The achievement has brought pride to the Fortitude Valley and Spring Hill community, where the college is based. Some students were travelling interstate for the first time, and their experience competing at a national level reflected the college’s commitment to providing opportunities beyond the classroom.

The school community has celebrated the result and is looking ahead to a stronger return in future tournaments.

Published 10-September-2025

Sprint Milestone in Spring Hill as Lachlan Kennedy Breaks 10-Second Barrier

Photo Credit: World Athletics/Instagram

Brisbane sprinter Lachlan Kennedy, who studied in Spring Hill, has become the second Australian to run 100 metres in under 10 seconds while managing type 1 diabetes.

Background and Early Life in Spring Hill

Lachlan Kennedy, 21, grew up in Brisbane and attended St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace. Before focusing on athletics, he was active in junior rugby union, representing local and international teams. His shift to sprinting began in his teens, setting the foundation for his national and international achievements.

Breaking the 10-Second Barrier

On 31 May 2025, Kennedy ran 100 metres in 9.98 seconds at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet in Nairobi, Kenya. This made him the first Australian since 2003 to officially clock a legal sub-10-second sprint, joining Patrick Johnson as the only two Australians to reach this benchmark.

Kennedy’s preparation included earlier performances in 2025 such as a 10.00-second sprint in Perth and a silver medal finish at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing. His current personal bests also include 20.26 seconds for the 200 metres and 6.43 seconds for the 60 metres.

Brisbane sprinter — *Photo Credit: World Athletics/Instagram*

Managing Type 1 Diabetes in Elite Sport

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 15, Kennedy competes with the daily demands of glucose regulation. His international tour involved travelling with essential diabetes equipment, including a continuous glucose monitor, insulin pump supplies, and low blood sugar treatments.

Prior to competing at the Prefontaine Classic in the United States on 5 July 2025, his glucose sensor failed. He continued to race using manual testing methods, while also managing a hairline stress fracture. Despite these setbacks, he competed against elite global sprinters.

National Diabetes Week Message

Kennedy’s performance during National Diabetes Week 2025 served to highlight the challenges faced by Australians with diabetes. He has spoken about the mental and physical discipline required to manage the condition, particularly while training and competing at a high level. His journey reinforces the call for wider access to glucose monitoring technologies and insulin pumps, especially for young people and at-risk communities.

Published 22-July-2025

Spring Hill Apartment Project Aligns with 2032 Olympic Precinct

A new apartment development in Spring Hill is integrating emerging lifestyle features and proximity to Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic venues into its design.

Residential Design Aligns with Olympic Infrastructure

A 15-storey residential development is taking shape in Spring Hill, offering future residents direct access to Brisbane’s Olympic precinct. Situated on Gregory Terrace, the site overlooks the future Olympic Stadium and Victoria Park/Barrambin, positioning the project within walking distance of key venues for the 2032 Games.

The project, named Oria, is being developed by Keylin and constructed by Brisbane-based builder CoStruct. It will deliver 132 apartments across two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom configurations, with completion forecast for early 2027.

Oria Spring Hill — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Integration of Pickleball Reflects Sporting Trends

Oria is believed to be the first multi-storey inner-city residential development in Queensland to incorporate a dedicated pickleball court among its amenities. Pickleball, which has rapidly gained popularity across Queensland in recent years, is under consideration for inclusion in the 2032 Olympic program.

According to the Pickleball Association of Queensland, demand for courts across the state has outpaced availability. The compact court dimensions make the sport suitable for integration into high-density residential developments. The inclusion of a pickleball court at Oria complements other rooftop amenities. These include a gym, pool, yoga space, cinema, sauna, steam room, games area, and private dining rooms.

Oria pickleball court Spring Hill — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Focus on Community and Sustainability

In addition to its sport-focused facilities, Oria will include ground-level features like a business centre and off-leash dog area, aiming to support diverse lifestyles and foster community interaction.

The development has received a six-leaf certification from the Urban Development Institute of Australia under the EnviroDevelopment program, recognising sustainability measures in energy, water, waste, ecosystems, materials, and community initiatives.

Spring Hill apartment development — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Urban Outlook and Future Integration

Oria is in Spring Hill, next to the 64-hectare Victoria Park/Barrambin, which is being redeveloped as part of preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Its elevated site provides 360-degree views from Mt Coot-tha to Brisbane’s CBD and stadium zone.

With the Olympic stadium and aquatics centre being constructed nearby, developments like Oria are seen as part of the broader urban response to Brisbane’s upcoming international event. Sales for the apartments are expected to launch later in 2025.

What’s Next

As construction continues, Oria remains one of the first residential developments in Brisbane’s inner north to include pickleball among its amenities and to be located within close proximity to the planned Olympic venues. Its design features align with increasing interest in lifestyle-oriented infrastructure within high-density urban precincts.

Published 28-May-2025

New National Aquatic Centre Planned for Spring Hill With Major Facility Upgrades

Photo Credit: Archipelago

The planned new aquatic centre in Spring Hill will feature three new pools and two new diving towers, setting a new benchmark for aquatic sports infrastructure in Australia as preparations continue for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A major aquatic facility is set to be developed at the current Centenary Pool site in Spring Hill as part of Brisbane’s Olympic legacy. This project aims to serve both elite athletes and the broader community, offering a world-class training and competition venue.

Two large indoor stadiums will be built, each equipped with pools designed for elite training and high-level competitions. The centre will also include modern amenities to support both athletes and community users.

During the 2032 Games, the venue’s capacity will temporarily expand to over 25,000 seats, making it the largest Olympic swimming venue in Australian history and surpassing the size of the facility used in Paris 2024. Following the Olympics and Paralympics, the National Aquatic Centre will offer a lasting, world-class facility with a permanent seating capacity of 8,000, providing long-term benefits for Australia’s aquatic sports community.

While most aquatic events for the 2032 Games are planned for this new Spring Hill location, the Brisbane Aquatic Centre in Chandler will also undergo necessary upgrades to support the competitions.

Community and National Benefits

Aquatic sports bodies across Australia have strongly supported the development of the National Aquatic Centre in Brisbane, seeing it as a vital legacy project from the 2032 Games. Other potential locations would not meet the long-term needs of both the sporting community and the broader public.

Concerns have been raised that temporary pool solutions or relying solely on existing facilities would fail to provide a lasting aquatic legacy for Brisbane and Queensland. Upgrading the Brisbane Aquatic Centre in Chandler alone is insufficient to address current challenges or deliver significant future benefits.

The proposal for the Spring Hill site aims to create a vibrant community space that will generate economic, health, and social advantages for many years after the Games conclude. The main indoor pool has been designed to accommodate 19,350 spectators during the 2032 Games, which later reduced to at least 5,850 seats. The second indoor pool will have 5,000 seats during the Games, with a legacy capacity of 2,500.

The National Aquatic Centre’s location is also noted for its good access to public transport, being within walking distance of the Exhibition railway line and Brisbane Metro. Its proximity to Brisbane City and Spring Hill hotels and restaurants, suitable land for construction, and potential for expanded parking to serve nearby facilities like the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital are also advantages.

A Hub for Aquatic Sports

The National Aquatic Centre is expected to unlock significant opportunities for Australia’s four major aquatic sports. It will provide a central location for daily high-performance training, athlete development pathways, and community access for people of all ages and abilities.

This project is viewed as a chance to honour Australia’s strong connection to aquatic sports and potentially establish South-East Queensland as a leading global centre for water sports. The long-term strategy has received endorsement from the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia, and World Aquatics.

The national aquatic bodies consider investment in a new, permanent facility essential. Research from the Royal Life Saving Society Australia indicates a growing demand for existing public pools and the increasing social value they provide to communities nationwide.

Games Infrastructure Plan

The Queensland Government said the Spring Hill is a key legacy infrastructure for Greater Brisbane from the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This plan emerged from a review process and stakeholder consultation.

While a new Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park will be the central Games precinct, the aquatic centre in Spring Hill is a significant sporting venue. Upgrades are also planned for other sporting facilities across Brisbane. Queensland has stated that this infrastructure plan will deliver lasting benefits for decades after the Games.

Olympic champion Cam McEvoy expressed his excitement about the NAC, seeing it as a venue to inspire future athletes and provide state-of-the-art training facilities. He highlighted South-East Queensland’s strong performance in swimming and believes the NAC will further solidify this.

Published Date 16-May-2025

Spring Hill Hotel Owners Challenge Approval of Nearby 15-Storey Development

The owners of the Soho Brisbane hotel in Spring Hill have filed legal action in response to the approval of a proposed 15-storey hotel development at Wickham Terrace, citing concerns about its potential impact on the surrounding area, including Roma Street Parkland and their business.

Read: Multi-Level Dining Precinct to Transform Heritage Site in Brisbane City

Soho Corporation and Starville have lodged a notice of appeal with the Planning and Environment Court, opposing the Council’s decision to greenlight the development (A006326383) in December.

The proposed hotel, set to be built at 309 Wickham Terrace in Spring Hill, is planned to feature 92 guest rooms. Additionally, the development includes a rooftop bar, a dedicated function facility, and a dining venue that could operate as either a restaurant or a café.

Prior to the approval, there were 18 submissions made regarding the development, all of which objected to the proposal. Concerns were raised over the scale of the project and its potential effects on the surrounding community.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the proposed rooftop terrace and its potential impact on nearby properties. The appeal contends that the approved development may not meet community expectations and does not fully integrate with the surrounding urban context.

According to the appeal, the owners of the existing hotel believe the new development’s height and scale do not align with the character of Spring Hill and could lead to disruptions during construction. They argue that the proposed design does not adequately incorporate subtropical architectural elements or sufficient green spaces.

The developer asserts that the design respects the heritage identity of Wickham Terrace, drawing inspiration from structures such as Athol Place, Craigston, and the Spring Hill Reservoir.

In the planning documents, the developer also stated that the building would incorporate a combination of screening and obscured glazing to protect the privacy of neighbouring properties and patrons. Additionally, they argued that the proposed boundary setbacks were appropriate for the site context and would not hinder future development on adjoining properties.

Read: Plans Submitted for Country Road Store in Queen Street Heritage Building

The site designated for the new hotel is located approximately 200 metres west of the historic Spring Hill windmill and is currently occupied by a four-storey, 12-unit apartment building. The matter is now before the Planning and Environment Court for further consideration.

Published 12-February-2025

Fortitude Valley Faces Major Parking Cuts Under New Housing Rules

Photo Credit: John Robert McPherson/CC-BY-SA-4.0

High-density developments in Fortitude Valley and Spring Hill will soon require significantly fewer car parks, following changes to mandatory parking requirements across key inner-city suburbs.

New Rules Aim to Cut Costs and Boost Housing

Starting in 2025, developers in 11 inner-city suburbs, including Fortitude Valley, will be required to provide only half the number of car spaces previously mandated for new apartment buildings. City officials have also flagged plans to extend similar changes to 15 additional suburbs.

The decision, set to be finalised following state approval, is part of a broader strategy aimed at lowering construction costs to make housing more affordable.

Under the new rules, core areas like Fortitude Valley will require just one car space for every two one-bedroom units, a significant reduction from the current standard of one space per unit. Visitor parking requirements will also decrease, with only one visitor space needed per 20 dwellings, down from one per four dwellings.

In surrounding “city frame” suburbs, parking minimums will be slightly reduced to 0.9 spaces for one-bedroom apartments, 1.1 spaces for two-bedroom units, and 1.3 spaces for larger dwellings.

Suburbs Affected by the New Parking Rules

Core Suburbs (Major Reductions)	City Frame Suburbs (Slight Reductions)
Bowen Hills	Albion
Fortitude Valley	Auchenflower
Highgate Hill	Bowen Hills
Kangaroo Point	Dutton Park
Milton	East Brisbane
Newstead	Hamilton
Spring Hill	Herston
South Brisbane	Highgate Hill
Teneriffe	Kangaroo Point
West End	Milton
Woolloongabba	New Farm
	Teneriffe
	Toowong
	West End
	Woolloongabba

Fortitude Valley parking — *Photo Credit: BCC*

Community Concerns and Limited Consultation

While Council claims the changes will help cut housing costs, community feedback has been limited. Only 87 submissions were received during the public consultation phase, raising concerns about whether residents had sufficient opportunity to voice their opinions.

Street parking scarcity in suburbs like Fortitude Valley and West End has already been a long-standing issue, with the reduced parking requirements expected to intensify the challenge.

Opposition figures have expressed cautious support, agreeing with efforts to reduce housing costs but questioning who will truly benefit from the savings. There are concerns that without clear mechanisms in place, cost reductions may not be passed on to homebuyers and renters but instead absorbed by developers.

Impact on Public Transport and Urban Living

The decision reflects a shift in urban planning priorities, with an assumption that car ownership in inner-city Brisbane is declining.

According to census data, more than half of residents in affected suburbs own only one car, and many rely heavily on public transport. Urban planning experts argue that while reducing parking requirements can lower development costs, it also demands robust public transport and active transport infrastructure to accommodate changing mobility needs.

Critics highlight that the city must invest in improved public transport options to support the policy shift effectively. Without these enhancements, residents may face increased competition for already limited street parking, potentially affecting the livability of high-density areas.

Published 3-February-2025

From Spring Hill to Paris: Bronte Campbell Seeks Olympic Comeback

Two-time gold medallist Bronte Campbell, who honed her skills at the Centenary Pool in Spring Hill, is gearing up for her fourth Olympics at Paris 2024 after taking an 18-month break from the pool to recover from severe injuries and focus on her corporate career.

Read: Fortitude Valley Gallery Showcases Senior Indigenous Artists of the Western Deserts

A journey of pain and recovery

At 27, Bronte Campbell was in crippling pain despite her gold medal victory at the Tokyo Olympics. She struggled with severe injuries to her shoulder, neck, back, and hip, making daily activities agonising.

The relentless workload of training and competing had taken a toll on her body and mind, leading her to consider retiring from professional swimming.

In 2021, Campbell took what would be an 18-month hiatus from swimming to focus on her studies and a new career. She completed her degree in business at the Queensland University of Technology and began working as a senior consultant at Ernst & Young.

Bronte Campbell returns, faces tough competition

Despite her success in the corporate world, Campbell felt an undeniable pull to return to swimming. The break had allowed her to rehabilitate her injuries and build strength, and she found herself in the lowest level of pain in years.

Realising she could swim without pain, Campbell made the decision to chase her fourth Olympic appearance. She left her job at Ernst & Young and moved to Canberra to train at the Australian Institute of Sport under new coach Shannon Rollason.

“To step away and make a change and then come back, that was really powerful for me,” Campbell said.

We’re out of breath just watching this. 😮‍💨

(🎥 @Bronte_Campbell) pic.twitter.com/LCPAgN7fqc
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) September 29, 2023

In the lead-up to Paris, Campbell faces stiff competition — the women’s 100m freestyle at the Australian Olympic swimming trials is set to be one of the toughest races.

There, she will have to compete with other top contenders including Emma McKeon, Shayna Jack, Cate Campbell, Meg Harris, and Mollie O’Callaghan.

Read: Fortitude Valley Rampage: Drug-Fueled Driver Injures Pedestrian, Flees Scene

As Bronte Campbell prepares for the Paris Olympics, her journey from pain to recovery and her relentless pursuit of excellence inspire many.

Whether she continues to compete beyond Paris or not, her impact on the sport and her commitment to her passions are undeniable.

Published 10-June-2024

Freeman James Henderson Jailed for Causing Grievous Bodily Harm in Bicycle Collision

Former Queensland Reds Academy player Freeman James Henderson has been sentenced to prison time for a bicycle collision on William Street that left a pedestrian with lifelong brain injuries.

Freeman James Henderson collides with the victim

On April 7, 2022, 30-year-old Henderson, was cycling in William St near the intersection with the Victoria Bridge when he struck 42-year-old Hayley Small as she was crossing the road. CCTV footage showed that Henderson was travelling 11km/h over the speed limit and went through a red light, hitting Small as she crossed with a walk signal.

Small, a mother of three from Townsville, was in Brisbane with her children for a football trip. She was thrown 3.8 metres by the impact, knocking her unconscious. Paramedics arrived to find Small with life-threatening head injuries. She was hospitalised for over two months and continues to suffer effects from the traumatic brain injury.

Legal consequences

In the Brisbane District Court on Wednesday, Henderson pleaded guilty to dangerously operating his bicycle causing grievous bodily harm. The prosecution asserted that Henderson’s actions were not a lapse in judgement, evidenced by his driving history of traffic violations.

Judge Vicki Loury sentenced Henderson to two years in jail, suspended after three months. She called Henderson’s cycling reckless and said he failed to keep proper lookout for Small’s safety.

Impact on the victim

In her victim impact statement, Small said the collision changed her life and her family’s. She has permanent medical issues requiring medication and struggles with speech and memory.

Unable to work while hospitalised, she lost her home. Separation from her children during recovery caused distress.

Freeman James Henderson apologised to Small in a letter to the court. He has agreed to pay her $20,000 in compensation.

Published 01-March-2024

Brisbane Girls Grammar School to Open Junior School, Accept Years 5 and 6 Students in 2026

Photo Credit: BGGS/Facebook

Did you know that Brisbane Girls Grammar School will welcome over 200 students from Years 5 and 6 in 2026, when it opens its new Junior School?

Considered one of the top public grammar schools in QLD, Brisbane Girls Grammar School (BGGS) currently caters to students from Year 7 to 12.

In a letter sent to families on Monday, 16 July 2023,the school announced its plans to establish a Junior School, to be housed in a purpose-designed, five-storey building located at 89 Gregory Terrace, directly across from the existing Spring Hill campus.

Applications for Years 5 and 6 are now open, with priority given to parents who had initially applied for their child to enter Year 7 in 2028.

The expansion to Years 5 and 6 at BGGS is a testament to the school’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and immersive educational experience to its students. Each class in the Junior School will consist of 25 students, led by a dedicated primary school teacher. The official schooling hours for these new year levels are yet to be confirmed.

Brisbane Girls Grammar School — Photo Credit: BGGS/Facebook

Principal Jacinda Euler Welsh, who has been with the school since 2013, expressed her enthusiasm for the addition of the Junior School. She highlighted the benefits that younger students would gain from an early introduction to BGGS, citing the small and supportive close-knit community of BGGS.

The decision to incorporate Years 5 and 6 into BGGS was carefully considered by the Board of Trustees. The school’s new junior campus will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including a library, science, art, and music spaces, a tuckshop, and various green play areas.

Furthermore, students in the Junior School will have access to the existing BGGS campus facilities, such as the pool, sports center, sports fields, and outdoor education centers.

BGGS’s expansion to include Years 5 and 6 is expected to be well-received by the community, where it enjoys an excellent reputation of providing a comprehensive, liberal education for girls and young women.

This achievement further solidifies BGGS’s position as a leading educational institution in the state.

The expansion is poised to further enhance its esteemed reputation for academic excellence and holistic education, fostering a nurturing environment for young girls to thrive.

Brisbane Girls Grammar School has posted the highest operating profit among all eight public grammar schools in Queensland. The school reported an operating profit exceeding $9 million in 2022, making it a financially robust institution.

BGGS Principal Jacinda Euler Welsh was the highest-paid school leader in Queensland in 2021 and the second highest-paid in 2022, after Richard Morrison, Headmaster and CEO of Ipswich Grammar School.

Published 20-July-2023