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Toowong’s Coronation Drive Welcomes the Start of Construction of Monarch Residences

Works have officially started for Monarch Residences, located at the coveted 600 Coronation Drive, which is considered as the last remaining parcel of prime riverfront land in Toowong.

Read: Could Toowong Soon Witness the Rise of Higher Density and Taller Skyscrapers?

Monarch Residences is the brainchild of renowned Brisbane developer Consolidated Properties Group which joined forces with Hutchinson Builders, one of the nation’s leading construction companies, to bring this architectural masterpiece to life.

The new residential project showcases the brilliance of leading experts in their fields, with John Wardle Architects and Cottee Parker teaming up to craft a unique concept. The extraordinary design of the building seamlessly combines the timeless allure of the quintessential Queenslander with the vibrant energy of a sub-tropical cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Prospective residents can expect an exceptional range of living options within the two 15-level towers aptly named River 1 and River 2. The development will feature 224 meticulously designed apartments, thoughtfully curated to cater to a diverse range of needs and desires.

From cosy one-bedroom sanctuaries to opulent four-bedroom penthouses, each residence promises a haven of comfort and elegance.

The historic Middenbury House, nestled within the Monarch precinct, is undergoing a contemporary restoration. Once complete, this architectural gem will transform into a landmark riverfront restaurant and café, infusing the area with even more vibrancy and charm.

The new Toowong-to-West End Green Bridge, a Riverfront Park, a cycle path, and walkway access are all part of the Monarch precinct.

Read: Proposed Toowong Tower Gets Upsized and Reimagined for Build-To-Rent Development

The estimated completion date for Consolidated Property Group’s Monarch Residences project is in late 2026. With the clock ticking towards completion, the development is set to capture the imaginations of those seeking an extraordinary lifestyle experience.

Published 12-June-2023

Could Toowong Soon Witness the Rise of Higher Density and Taller Skyscrapers?

Photo Credit: Tom from Pixabay

Toowong is poised for significant changes as the city prepares to address its growing population through higher density and taller towers.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner recently unveiled his plans which prioritise higher density and taller towers in well-connected suburbs like Toowong, as Brisbane aims to construct over 115,000 new homes, units, or apartments to accommodate its growing population. This visionary strategy aims to address the projected population increase from 1.26 million to 1.5 million by 2041.

Meanwhile, the community’s curiosity is piqued as the largest development project in Toowong, The Aviary, experiences a temporary halt, leaving residents questioning the reasons behind the delay and the lack of demolition work at a neighbouring riverfront unit site.

But despite some delays, Hutchinson Builders continue to actively promote units and conduct groundwork at the adjacent Monarch twin tower site, bringing a sense of progress to the area.

Additionally, the developer behind the residential high-rise at Ebor St, near The Aviary, has submitted revised plans to the council. Recognising the demand in the tight rental market, the developer intends to introduce a build-to-rent scheme, which involves collectively renting all units instead of individual sales.

Amidst these developments, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner’s housing strategy emphasises higher density and taller towers in established suburbs with excellent public transportation connections. This approach, part of Brisbane’s efforts to accommodate the projected population increase, aims to repurpose underused commercial and industrial land, turning them into thriving residential areas.

Cr Schrinner highlights the benefits of setting higher height limits in exchange for sustainable developments, minimising the impact on green spaces and creating vibrant communities.

Whilst the proposed changes bring excitement, they also spark debate among residents. Concerns have been raised regarding the lack of meaningful consultation and the potential disregard for community input. The state member for South Brisbane, Amy MacMahon, challenges the assumption that increasing supply will lower demand and rents, highlighting the need to consider the impact on housing affordability.

As the community eagerly awaits updates on the progress of these developments, the future of Toowong and its neighbouring suburbs remains both promising and uncertain. The proposed high-rise projects, once resumed, have the potential to reshape the skyline and accommodate the city’s growing population, all whilst striving for sustainable and inclusive urban growth.

Published 7-June-2023

BBC Rowing Team Aims for Another Historic Henley Royal Regatta Win

Photo Credit: Facebook / Brisbane Boys' College (BBC)

The Brisbane Boys’ College rowing team is on the cusp of making history once again as they set their sights on repeating a 30-year-old victory at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta in England.

Established in 1916, the BBC Rowing Club has a long-standing tradition of excellence in rowing, with its first Head of the River win in 1919. In 1993, BBC achieved an unprecedented feat by becoming the first Australian school to secure the coveted Princess Elizabeth Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta. Today, the team aims to etch their names in the annals of rowing history once more as they prepare for the 2023 event.

The 2023 Henley Royal Regatta will be raced over six days from 27 June to 2 July 2023.

racing Schedule

The remarkable journey of the BBC rowing team is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and teamwork. Merely five years ago, the team found themselves struggling but under the guidance of Director of Rowing, Zoltan Shepherd, the team underwent a significant cultural shift that paved the way for their resurgence.

As the team sets their sights on Henley, they have demonstrated its dedication by intensifying its training regimen. The chosen crew, comprising eight Year 12 boys, has been training rigorously, including nine weekly sessions, five of which take place on the river.

Although BBC stands as the strongest representative, the crew will have to wait for the final confirmation in June. Plans are already in motion, with boat rentals arranged from Oxford University and training facilities secured at a rowing club in Maidenhead.

However, the journey to Henley does not come without its challenges. The financial burden of participating in such a prestigious event necessitates significant fundraising efforts. The BBC rowing team, with the support of parents, staff, and Old Collegians, organised a fundraising carwash to alleviate some of the costs.

Furthermore, the school, families, and alumni have contributed, but additional sponsors are still needed to ensure a smooth and successful campaign.

Those who wish to donate and support the BBC Rowing 2023 Season Fundraising, may visit the Australian Sports Foundation website here.

Published 30-May-2023

Toowong Creek: The Last Jewel of Crescent Reach

Have you ever heard about the Crescent Reach? It’s fascinating that Brisbane was once graced by the presence of four remarkable creeks: Western Creek, Boundary Creek, Langsville Creek, and Toowong Creek.

Read: Reviving History: Monarch Residences to Bring New Life to Middenbury House with 224 Luxurious Apartments

However, as time passed by, only one of these watercourses, Toowong Creek, managed to endure the test of time, standing as a reminder of Crescent Reach’s former glory.

In 1824, explorer John Oxley’s expedition arrived at a location he referred to as the ‘Crescent Reach’, which corresponds to what we now know as the Milton reach.

It stretches from the point where Toowong Creek meets the river to North Quay. Oxley’s purpose in reaching this area was to locate a source of freshwater, where he planned to set up camp for the night.

Toowong Creek is at the base of Crescent Reach, followed by Langsville Creek, Western Creek, and ultimately Boundary Creek, which once served as the western boundary of Brisbane Town.

The existence of Crescent Reach is not merely a tale told through faded maps, but a testament to the captivating mysteries of Brisbane’s past.

Close inspection of these aged cartographic relics, including a precious artefact from 1884, reveals the intricate pathways of these waterways. However, the precision of the boundaries is undeniably constrained by the data available at the time.

A mere glance reveals that Boundary Creek, in all its charm, claims the title of the smallest watercourse. On the other hand, Toowong Creek emerged as one of the biggest ones.

Fishing from the northern bank of the Brisbane River at Toowong, along Milton Reach, Brisbane, 1948 (Photo credit: Brisbane John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)

Remarkably, all four catchments proudly shared their uppermost boundaries with Ithaca Creek, a testament to the interconnectedness of these natural wonders.

Originating from the slopes of Mount Coot-tha, Ithaca Creek gracefully meanders through the neighbourhoods of Bardon, Ashgrove, and Red Hill, ultimately converging with its esteemed source, the Enoggera Creek.

Read: Toowong To West End Green Bridge To Utilise Portion Of Former ABC Site

Currently, only Toowong Creek has survived within the Crescent Reach. Originating from the eastern side of Mt Coot-tha, Toowong Creek encompasses an area spanning 3.9 square kilometres. It meanders through the Botanic Gardens and the suburb of Toowong before eventually merging with the Brisbane River near Perrin Park.

Published 13-May-2023

Legends Lunch in Toowong: Laughter, Secrets, and Bucket List Dreams Come True

The Legends Lunch hosted by Triple M Brisbane was certainly one for the books. With NRL greats such as Gorden Tallis and Wendell Sailor, football and TV legend Paul “Fatty” Vautin, and the King himself, Wally Lewis, all in attendance, it was a capacity crowd at the Regatta Hotel in Toowong.

Hosted by Dan Anstey and Liam Flanagan, the lunch was a riot of laughter and inside stories, with Margaux Parker and Greg “Marto” Martin also holding court. Even phones were confiscated before the lunch, with Mr Sailor being caught shedding a tear as his was taken away.

But it wasn’t just all laughs and legends. The event also had a special bucket list surprise for one lucky attendee. Jo Boon, a big footy fan and acute care nurse who is fighting motor neuron disease (MND), had always dreamed of meeting Mr Vautin. That became a reality at the Legends Lunch.

Following her MND diagnosis in October 2019, Ms. Boon’s life shifted within a matter of weeks. She quickly became unable to speak and then developed muscle aches and cramps that impacted her mobility. Despite battling MND, she managed to raise money for MND Queensland for three years and counting, and has been an inspiration to others.

It was a heartwarming moment that reminded everyone of the power of sport and the importance of making someone’s day a little bit brighter. Plus, to top off an already unforgettable event, the musical guest was none other than ARIA Music Hall of Famer Ian Moss.

It’s safe to say that the Legends Lunch is now on the bucket list of every Triple M listener in Brisbane, and who knows what surprises they’ll have in store next year.

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A post shared by Triple M Brisbane 104.5 (@triplembrisbane)

Published 6-May-2023

Plans to Revamp The Summit in Mt Coot-tha Now Underway

The iconic hospitality venue, The Summit at Mt Coot-tha in Brisbane, is set for a major redevelopment. The Mantle Group, which subleases the site, has lodged plans to revamp the cafe and restaurant, and offer an elevated dining experience to its patrons.

The renovation project, under DA A006264092, will see the construction of a new two-level pavilion to replace the existing cafe, a mountaintop gin distillery, a casual bar, and a theatre for showcases and presentations.

The top floor of the new building will be dedicated to dining and drinking, while the bottom level will have a theatre for performances. Additionally, a rooftop garden will be added, which will feature First Nations’ herbs and ingredients.

Photo Credit: Artist’s impression/The Mantle Group

The heritage-listed restaurant will also be refurbished with modern fittings, and a new deck and platform will be added to take advantage of Mt Coot-tha’s spectacular views.

According to Mantle Group owner Godfrey Mantle, the project will transform The Summit into a “more appealing environment” that will be a major tourism boost for Brisbane, especially for the upcoming 2032 Olympics.

The Mantle Group has been planning this project since 2019, and it hopes to open the revamped venue in the first half of 2024. Each year, over 1.5 million visitors come to Mt Coot-tha, making it one of Brisbane’s most iconic sites.

The Mantle Group’s redevelopment plans, once approved, will reinforce Mt Coot-tha’s position as one of Brisbane’s top attractions for both locals and tourists alike. The redevelopment is also expected to support a wide range of environmental, social, cultural, and economic benefits to the city and the SEQ region.

Published 5-May-2023

Champions In The Making: Toowong Harriers’ Inspiring Little Athletics 2022/23 Season

The Little Athletics 2022/23 season proved to be an extraordinary one for the Toowong Harriers, as they celebrated a remarkable number of outstanding athletes.

Read: Stuartholme School To Represent Australia In First Rugby Heritage Cup In France

The club’s Outstanding Athlete award recognises those who achieve exceptional performances across all available events within their respective age groups. Amongst the standout performers were Tara Ryan, representing the under 9 category for girls, and Anton Mugaba, competing in the under 9 boys’ division.

The recipients of the Most Improved Athlete award for the 2022/23 season in the club are Emma Sheehan in the Under 14 category and Cooper Leske and Lachlan Gordon in the Under 11 category.

These talented athletes have shown remarkable progress by achieving multiple personal bests throughout the season. Additionally, Sheehan and Leske have also been honoured with the Commitment Award, recognising their dedication and hard work.

About the Toowong Harriers

The Toowong Harriers Athletics Club holds the prestigious distinction of being Queensland’s first athletics club, established back in 1894.

It stands as one of the oldest athletics clubs in Australia, with an illustrious history of producing exceptional athletes who have proudly represented both the state and the nation at various levels of competition.

The 2022/23 Season marks a significant milestone for Toowong Harriers as it celebrates its 40th year of competing as a Little Athletics Centre.

Photo credit: Darshan Pandya/Google Maps

Little Athletics is a sport specifically tailored for children between the ages of five and seventeen. It encourages participation in various disciplines, including running, jumping, and throwing, with each centre meet offering a well-rounded mix of events.

This approach prioritises full engagement, enabling young athletes to develop essential skills such as balance, stamina, strength, coordination, and self-control.

Read: Australian Unity Set to Build $100M Retirement Village in Auchenflower Following Approval

Little Athletics serves as a fantastic platform for children to cultivate their overall fitness in a safe and healthy sport. It encompasses training sessions, warm-ups, coaching clinics, and, importantly, abundant encouragement and guidance from dedicated and nurturing parents.

Published 3-May-2023

Toowong Has One of the Highest Numbers of Complaints About Unmanaged Vehicles

Did you know that Toowong ranks among the suburbs with the most complaints about unmanaged vehicles, specifically abandoned, unsightly, hazardous, or unregistered vehicles, alongside Coorparoo, Moorooka, New Farm and Rocklea?

For a 14-month period from January 2022, Brisbane City Council has received over 9,100 complaints and removed 280 of these vehicles, including trailers, utility vehicles, vans, caravans/campervans, and trucks.

According to a council spokeswoman, parking registered trailers, caravans and even boats on the road is permissible as long as the owners abide by road rules, parking signs and any other rules applicable to the location. However, road parking for unregistered vehicles is unlawful.

The Heavy and Long Vehicle Local Law 1999 specifies that vehicles over 7.5 metres long should not be parked within 100 meters of any residential area, or for more than one hour, unless parked according to a permissive parking sign. However, some exceptions may apply to broken-down vehicles and those used for delivering goods, undertaking construction or maintenance, or carrying out emergency work.

Council has tasked personnel to remove abandoned, unsightly, or unregistered vehicles as soon as possible, especially if these may impact public safety. Council will also attempt to identify the owner of these unmanaged vehicles and work with them to achieve voluntary compliance.

Locals have told the “Afternoons” show that this parking issue is widespread across South East Queensland. Some expressed leasing out their garages for someone to use as a bedroom and park their cars on the street.

Other locals mentioned that they could not park by their front gates because they do not own that area, whilst some complained that Council painted yellow lines in front of their houses, preventing them from parking in front of their homes.

Another resident shared that people park in their driveway as if it’s public property, and they had to tow these cars away.

Published 29-April-2023

Check Out These Brilliantly Painted Fiberglass Hearts at The Heart Gallery Exhibition In Toowong

Around 10 magnificent fibreglass hearts, adorned with breathtaking paintings by talented local Brisbane artists, are on display in an extraordinary exhibition at The Heart Gallery in Toowong Village that also seeks to support charitable causes.

Read: Toowong Village Revamps Its Retail Line Up

On display from 31 March to 31 May 2023, each work of art represents a local charity. Toowong Village will help share the love through an online auction, donating 100 percent of the proceeds raised from sales of each piece to its designated charity.

One such masterpiece, “Everything Old is Blue Again,” crafted by Michelle Grayson of Sprout Gallery and representing The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust, encapsulates the enchantment of blue and white artwork alongside captivating botanical drawings and paintings of flowers and plants.

Ms Grayson, primarily known for her expertise in watercolour art, occasionally ventures into the realm of acrylics as well. A few years ago, she ventured into the realm of textiles, establishing her own range, and she aspires to expand her creative endeavours into the realm of wallpaper in the future.

For over two decades, Michelle has been showcasing and selling her original watercolour artwork, as well as prints, through Sprout Gallery, fostering her artistic journey.

The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust has been a stalwart supporter of countless grassroots charitable initiatives in Brisbane for decades now. Each year, the trust conducts multiple grant rounds to provide assistance to those in need.

The Trust’s

support extends to various causes, including distributing toys during Christmas, donating Easter eggs to vulnerable children, aiding domestic violence refugees, assisting the homeless population, and supporting families facing food scarcity.

Read: Toowong Village Shopping Centre Site to Get New Lease on Life

The Heart Gallery at Toowong Village is sponsored by Retail First. Those who are interested in bidding in the auction can go to https://oktion.com.au/.

Published 27-April-2023

Discover the Authentic Taste of Tokyo at Genkotsu Ramen

Photo credit: Genkotsu Ramen / Instagram

To find an authentic Japanese dining experience in Toowong, you need not look any further than Genkotsu Ramen. This gem of a restaurant is located at the end of a shopping arcade in this western suburb spot.

Inspired by their childhoods in Tokyo, the partners Yasu Ikeda, Kaoru Hiranuma, and Yoshi Nagumo designed a cosy ambience reminiscent of 1960s Tokyo, departing from the modern Japanese style. The restaurant’s interior features red brick walls, hand-burnt timber panels, rustic communal tables and bar counters, and floor-to-ceiling frosted louvres with warm hanging lights.

Black Garlic Ramen | Photo credit: Genkotsu Ramen / Instagram

Genkotsu Ramen does not just aim to create an ambience that transports diners to Japan; their chefs also employ time-honoured Japanese techniques to prepare every dish with great care. For instance, the tonkotsu broth is boiled for over 12 hours to ensure maximum taste, while the nitamago – flavored boiled eggs – are half-cooked and marinated overnight in Genkotsu’s original recipe sauce.

In addition, the chefs handle the bamboo shoots and black garlic with care to remove any excessive saltiness or bitterness. The noodles are also meticulously crafted and tasted multiple times in order to attain the perfect flavor and texture.

You can choose from a selection of classic ramen options such as shio (salt), shoyu (soy), miso, and gyokai (fish), or you can try their special chashu, black garlic, karaage, or tsukemen ramen. Additionally, there’s a premium option that comes with soft-shell crab or prawn.

Gyokai (Fish) Ramen | Photo credit: Genkotsu Ramen / Instagram

Toppings such as Dried Seaweed, Takana Pickles, Bamboo Shoots, Pork Chashu, and Original Chilli Paste are available to enhance the flavours. In addition to the ramen, there are also side dishes like Chuka Wakame (seaweed salad), Spring Rolls, Gyoza, Prawn and Chicken Karaage, Takoyaki, and mini rice dishes like teriyaki chicken, Kara (hot) Miso and Mentaiko (cod roe), or Yuzu Tuna Rice.

Google Reviews:

“Popular ramen joint in the area serving up good stuff! The queue can get long but it shouldn’t take too long to wait in line. Place your order via the digital kiosk and wait for your turn to be called! Get the chicken karaage sides – btw!: – Jan Wong

“Ramen lovers must try, had their Black Garlic Ramen and Cold noodles and are both fantastic. Fantastic little gem in the alley of Toowong. You will need to purchase your order at the front first then find a spot inside, brings back memories of Japanese style dining in Japan.” – Reneinei L (Nei)

“My first ever ramen experience & it was great! Word in town is this place has the best ramen & for my first time, it was really tasty & flavoursome. I think the long line up outside the door everytime I pass it confirms this. Hidden at the end of a little arcade, it’s a gem if you find it!” – Alofa

With its authentic Japanese cuisine, warm atmosphere, and attentive service, Genkotsu Ramen has quickly become a local favourite. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day except Monday, from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm and then again from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm. If you haven’t visited them, head down to Toowong and discover the hidden gem that is Genkotsu Ramen.

Published 26-April-2023