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

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au/

Plans for a residential tower site on High Street in Toowong have been given a strategic redesign, with the proposal now aimed at the booming build-to-rent market. The project will see an increase in height and the number of apartments, as well as design changes to accommodate the new scheme.

An approved tower site in Brisbane’s inner-west is set to undergo a redesign and expansion of its proposed plans that is now geared towards a build-to-rent development. The 1571sq m site located at 60 High Street, Toowong, will now feature a 25-storey tower, a significant increase from its originally approved 20-storey height, and an expanded apartment count of 326 units, up from 125 under the revised plans.

Proposed Toowong Tower Gets Upsized and Reimagined for Build-To-Rent Development — *Photo credit: Brisbane City Council /* developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The project which features a ground-floor lobby, commercial tenancies, a two-level podium, three basement levels, and a rooftop recreation area across a 20-story residential tower had already received approval.

Changes are now being proposed in response to the adoption of a Build to Rent scheme, where units will be collectively rented out for long-term rentals and managed on-site. The removal of the podium car park is a significant design change that will enhance the building’s aesthetic appeal, particularly along High & Ebor Streets.

The new design includes units on all podium levels except for the ground level, a revamped residential lobby with an expanded mail room and reception area, and minor alterations to the tower elevations and rooftop recreational area.

It will also see the two-level podium scrapped, and the basement levels increased to four. Whilst car parking spaces would be cut from 184 to 156, bike spaces will increase from 163 to 408.

Moreover, the design changes will include minor changes to the podium and tower floor plates, and the provision of internal common recreational areas on Levels 2 and 25. Other minor changes include the internal design of the basement car park and changes to servicing arrangements at the lower ground level.

Build-to-rent (BTR) is a model where an entire apartment complex is built with the sole purpose of leasing out all its dwellings, a well-established concept in the US and UK but still in its early stages in Australia.

As the rental housing shortage in Australia worsens, experts see BTR as a potential solution to address the growing demand for rental accommodation and the need for a more secure and stable lease.

With the forecasted population growth in Australia over the next decade, experts suggest that BTR developments could play a crucial role in boosting housing supply and affordability.

Published 24-April-2023

Lesley Trotter Case: ‘Items of Interest’ Discovered At Rubbish Tip Not Linked to Toowong Woman

Heaps of “items of interest” found at a waste site in Swanbank in Ipswich have been confirmed as unrelated to Lesley Trotter, the 78-year-old Toowong woman whose disappearance in late March has prompted a massive police search.

Investigators said that the preliminary examination of the items of interest discovered at the rubbish tip were not tied to the ongoing investigations and that efforts to find Ms Trotter’s body will continue.

The Toowong woman disappeared on 28 March 2023 while her wallet, mobile phone and car were still at home. The police believe that she was killed around midnight and her body was dumped inside a wheelie bin, which was collected and compacted at two possible landfill sites.

Police started their search in Swanbank, where 3,000 tonnes of waste had to be sifted thoroughly, using rakes and other tools, from a landfill measuring 30 centimetres deep. Until her body is recovered, the police plan to examine over 200 tonnes of rubbish daily. Det Supt Massingham said that the process might take more than three weeks. Once recovered, Ms Trotter’s remains will still undergo forensic examination.

Meanwhile, Ms Trotter’s neighbours told “A Current Affair” that she was always “out and about” in their neighbourhood despite her age. They said they were shocked to learn about the strange circumstances surrounding her death.

“Toowong’s a very nice suburb (with) a lot of affluent people and properties,” said one neighbour, Kirby. “(It’s) very scary to think about what the sinister implications could be of this case.”

Ms Trotter was planning to move to a retirement facility after selling her unit, where she had lived for over 40 years.

Published 24-April-2023

Toowong Honours ANZAC Day with Dawn Service and Gunfire Breakfast

Photo credit: RSLQueensland / rslqld.org

Toowong residents will gather early on the morning of 25th April, 2023, to mark the 108th anniversary of the ANZAC troops landing at Gallipoli. The service, which will be hosted by the RSL Toowong Sub Branch, will take place at the Cenotaph on the hill of the Toowong Memorial Park adjacent to the West Bulldogs sports fields.

ANZAC Day is a significant date for Australians and New Zealanders alike. It commemorates the landing of troops at Gallipoli during World War I, and the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought there.

On 25 April 1915, before the break of dawn, Australian forces made their first major military action during WWI with the landing at Gallipoli. Despite the ultimate failure of the battle, the bravery and determination of the ANZACs made a significant impression on the national consciousness that continues to this day.

*Australian and New Zealand soldiers in a frontline trench on the Gallipoli Peninsula, 1915 |* *Photo credit:* *RSL Australia / lightupthedawn.com.au*

The ANZAC Day Dawn Service is a sombre and respectful ceremony that pays tribute to the ANZACs as well as all individuals who have served or given up their lives in wars and conflicts since World War I. The ceremony serves as a moving reminder of the immense sacrifices made by our brave servicemen and women.

The Toowong Dawn Service is expected to be well-attended, with locals gathering at the Cenotaph in the early hours of the morning. The service will be conducted with due solemnity, with wreaths laid and the Last Post played. The minute’s silence is expected to be particularly moving, as attendees reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served our country.

After the conclusion of the service, the West Bulldogs Rugby Clubhouse will host a Gunfire breakfast exclusively for all medal wearers and uniformed ADF personnel. Meanwhile, all other attendees are invited to contribute a gold coin donation in exchange for refreshments.

The Toowong ANZAC Day Dawn Service is an important event on the local calendar. It provides an opportunity for residents to come together to pay tribute to our servicemen and women, and to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made in the name of our country.

Published 23-April-2023

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

Did you know that Stuartholme School in Toowong has been selected as the only girls’ school in Australia to compete in the inaugural Rugby Heritage Cup 2023 to be held in France in September?

Read: Brisbane Boys’ College Named State Champion At 2023 Tennis Queensland Primary Schools Cup

The announcement was met with excitement and anticipation as the 12 students from Years 8 and 9 prepare to compete against 24 international teams in Pontlevoy, France, in the week leading up to the Rugby World Cup.

Dan Crump, Principal at Stuartholme School, expressed pride in the school’s Rugby Sevens program, which was introduced only in 2020. He mentioned that the girls who have a passion for rugby and are prepared to compete will be given the opportunity to participate in the tournament.

Rugby Heritage Cup — Photo credit: Stuartholme School (official)/Facebook

“This is certainly an unprecedented sporting event,” said Mr Crump.

“Over the coming weeks we will be selecting our team based on their exceptional athletic ability and ready them for this epic tournament on the world stage.”

The school’s French heritage, coupled with the tournament’s celebration of the 200th anniversary of Rugby, makes this a momentous occasion for the school. The Society of the Sacred Heart, an international congregation of Catholic religious women established by Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat in France in 1800, operates Stuartholme School.

About the Rugby Heritage Cup

The 2023 Rugby Heritage Cup, which will take place in Pontlevoy, France one week before the 2023 Rugby World Cup kick-off, is the first-ever world tournament for school rugby world for boys and girls.

To qualify for the tournament, the 12 players must be under 15 years of age and born between 8 September 2008 and 7 September 2010. They will be accompanied by three team officials on their trip.

Read: Toowong’s Max Harding Named Brisbane’s Best Hockey Player

The Stuartholme students will travel with Iona College, the Australian representative schoolboys’ team.

Published 20-April-2023

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

As part of the Toowong to West End green bridge project, a segment of the former ABC site will be repurposed for the bridge’s northern landing.

Read: New Development Plans for Former ABC Site on Coronation Drive in Toowong

This was confirmed by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner when he graced the opening of the Monarch Residence’s display office on the riverside site in March 2023.

Cr Schrinner revealed that Brisbane City Council will proceed with the acquisition of a 2217 sqm segment of the high-end residential complex to construct the bridge landing.

Artist’s impression of the West End landing for the Toowong to West End Green Bridge (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Flickr)

According to Cr Schrinner, Council has allocated funds for the acquisition and is currently progressing with the process.

The green bridge project has received a $550 million commitment from the Council. However, the cost of acquiring the land for the bridge landing has not been disclosed by the Mayor, as discussions with Consolidated Properties Group, the company responsible for the luxury residential development, are still ongoing.

West End green bridge — Artist’s impression of the bridge’s rest point with seating and viewing opportunities (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Flickr)

Cr Schrinner added that they are appealing to the federal government to back the bridge’s construction. The Council has gained support from RACQ, which is endorsing its proposal to the federal government for funding towards the construction of the bridge.

The cost of obtaining the land for the bridge landing will be made public once negotiations are finalised with Consolidated Properties Group.

About the Toowong to West End Green Bridge

The bridge is one of the four new green bridges for Brisbane. The green bridge would make it easier to walk or ride between the growing West End community and the Toowong Centre, rail and ferry services.

The Council has suspended the planning phase of the Toowong to West End Green Bridge to prioritise flood relief activities throughout Brisbane. Despite this, the Council has revealed the community consultation results on the project’s concept design.

Read: It’s Official: A New Inner-West Primary School Will No Longer Be Built at the Former Toowong Bowls Club Site

Council undertook community consultation on the concept design between November 2021 and February 2022.

To learn more about the project, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au.

Published 19-April-2023

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

Photo credit: Monarch Residences / monarchresidences.com.au

The heritage-listed 150-year-old Middenbury House is set for restoration under Consolidated Properties Group’s $450 million project called Monarch Residences, which will also deliver 224 apartments across two buildings, once completed.

Consolidated Properties Group, a prominent Australian property development company, acquired 600 Coronation Drive for $43.5 million from Sunland in March 2021, and the development application was approved in July of the same year.

The project is a joint venture with funding partner Qualitas and will comprise two 15-level towers, featuring 224 apartments ranging from 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom units, including penthouses.

Reviving History: Monarch Residences to Bring New Life to Middenbury House with 224 Luxurious Apartments — Photo credit: Monarch Residences / monarchresidences.com.au

“Monarch Residences is a contemporary and luxury addition to a place of heritage. The history of this prominent riverfront land should be celebrated and thus termed; Monarch. True to everything that embodies a sense of place, this unique location combines heritage, prime absolute river frontage and gorgeous city and mountain views all within an expansive garden setting.” — Monarch Residences

Built in 1865 as a private residence, the heritage-listed Middenbury House will be carefully restored, conserved, and transformed into a riverfront restaurant and café. It will be situated on 1.2 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens, which will also include the proposed landing area for the new green pedestrian bridge connecting Toowong to the West End.

With over 3,000m2 of open space, the project’s riverside area provides an excellent opportunity for the community to enjoy the stunning river views. The residences are also carefully designed to maximise the unbeatable river and city views, along with natural light and outdoor space.

The rooftop amenities of the Monarch Residences are exceptional, featuring a heated infinity pool, private dining area, relaxed lounge, sauna, ‘Winter Den,’ and several private BBQ seating areas.

Construction of the Monarch Residences began in March and is expected to take approximately two and a half years, with Hutchinson Builders overseeing the project.

Published 18-April-2023

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

Australian Unity is set to build its $100M retirement and aged care village in Auchenflower after securing approval for the project.

Read: The Wesley Hospital in Auchenflower Launches New Initiative for Lonely and Vulnerable Patients

The retirement and aged care village in Auchenflower will consist of three buildings. The buildings will be three, seven, and ten storeys high, respectively, and will be constructed on a 6897 sqm property owned by the Catholic Church at 9-17 Harriett Street.

To transform the development into a community-focused living precinct, Fender Katsalidis has been engaged to enhance the previously approved plans for the project.

Revised plans presented by Fender Katsalidis indicate a slight reduction in the total number of homes in the proposed retirement and aged care village.

The new plans for the buildings now include 87 independent living apartments, which is one unit less than the previous approval.

In addition, the development will have 108 residential aged care units, which is two suites less than previously proposed. The total area of the development is 18,242 sqm.

However, there is a significant increase in the amount of communal space planned for the aged care village. The communal space will now nearly double in size, from 570 sqm to 1139 sqm, providing more shared spaces for residents.

According to planners at Urbis, the proposed changes to the Auchenflower retirement village are a response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

The new design has been enhanced to ensure a higher quality of resident care and well-being, with a particular focus on the ‘small household’ model of care encouraged by the Commission.

Read: Locals Raise Concerns About Proposed Freers Redevelopment of Stuartholme School

The Holy Spirit Catholic Church situated on the property will be conserved. Australian Unity purchased the property, which was part of the Greengate portfolio, for $65 million in 2021.

Published 12-April-2023

Lesley Trotter Update: Missing Toowong Woman’s Body Dumped in Bin Collected By Rubbish Truck

Investigators from the Queensland Police Service are convinced that the body of the missing Toowong woman, Lesley Trotter, was dumped inside a wheelie bin, which was collected by a rubbish truck on the day of her disappearance.

After almost two weeks of investigations, the focus has shifted to locating her body in two possible dump sites in Rosedale and Swanbank, now under quarantine. The truck first took the bins to the Nudgee transfer station, where wastes are usually compressed before being taken to the dump sites.

The police could not yet say how they were convinced the Toowong woman has died. According to reports, traces of blood were discovered in the bin area of Ms Trotter’s unit complex in Toowong. Forensic samples were taken for further examination.

“It was evident she was deceased. Due to the positioning of the body, we can’t rule out foul play,” Queensland Police Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham said.

Two crime scenes were set up close to her unit block in Merivale St, Toowong. Police have not ruled out the possibility that the 78-year-old’s disappearance may be tied to a neighbourhood recycling dispute.

Ms Trotter was last in touch with her family before noon on 27 March 2023. They called the police when they did not find her at home during their visit the next day.

When the police checked, they discovered that Ms Trotter left her mobile and wallet behind. Also, her car was still in the garage. A large-scale search then followed.

Despite finding no traces of a body, senior officers of the investigation concluded on 7 April 2023 that Ms Trotter, may have died close to her Toowong unit on Maryvale St between midnight on Monday, 27 March, and midday on Tuesday, 28 March.

“Two crime scenes have been established at the Maryvale Street unit complex where Lesley resides,” the QPS said. “Police appeal to anyone with relevant dashcam vision or CCTV, particularly between 5am and 7am on Tuesday, March 28, to come forward.”

Mr Massingham said during the press conference that Ms Trotter was in the habit of sorting through her neighbours’ rubbish bins to recycle waste.

“Whether that’s created some angst amongst the tenants, we’re working through that at the moment,” Mr Massingham said. “That’s one line of inquiry we’re following. We have not ruled out that this activity in some way is linked to her death.”

Ms Trotter, a retired teacher, was looking forward to moving to a retirement village.

Published 9-April-2023

QASMT P&C Members Voted to Dissolve Association

Photo credit: Chris Montgomery on Unsplash

Did you know that parents of students at the Queensland Academy of Science, Mathematics and Technology recently voted to dissolve the QASMT Parents & Citizens committee?

On Thursday evening, 23 March 2023, QASMT parents passed a resolution to dissolve the P&C Association in a 34-4 vote. At least 75 per cent of the members present at the meeting, which was held via Zoom, were needed to dissolve the committee.

They also voted to have the $150,000 funds, including parents’ funds, transferred to the school.

There were a total of 72 community members who attended the meeting that evening. After a 15-minute heated Q&A, 34 non-member attendees were booted out of the meeting and were not allowed to witness the voting.

In 2022, the school P&C met only four times out of the minimum of six meetings required due to the intense infighting among its members.

President Winand D-Souza said that the committee executive was seeking to dissolve the P&C model in order to streamline the parents and school connection. He added that the changes will lead to better communication between the stakeholders and ultimately a better QASMT.

Opponents, meanwhile, said that the meeting did not offer opportunity for a transparent, open discussion. Chat was also disabled whilst presentations were being conducted.

Prior to the dissolution, Friends of QASMT P&C Association launched an online petition asking the Qld Department of Education Minister Grace Grace to save the Association.

It said that when P&C members received an email invitation to a ‘Special Meeting’ indicating the Executive’s plan to dissolve the Association, there were no reasons provided and the wider school community has not been notified or consulted.

“Since 2019 this association has funded tens of thousands of dollars worth of musical instruments, VR equipment, laser cutters and printers, outdoor furniture, sports courts, sports and science equipment,” the petition said.

“It currently is the steward of over $100k of parent raised funds. This fundraising cannot continue upon the initiative of parents and citizens if the Association is dissolved.

“Current leaders may be dissatisfied with how the Association has evolved. If this is the case, they need to step aside and allow others to take the lead to move this Association towards a more positive future.

“Dissolution reduces opportunities for parents to work in partnership with the school and each other. Dissolution removes transparency and accountability of the expenditure of parent fees. Our P&C Association provides vital support and ensures there is equity for all – everyone deserves to be heard.

“In short, it is not in the best interest of students or the school for the QASMT P&C Association to be dissolved.”

Queensland Academy of Science, Mathematics and Technology has for years been a top-performing state high school in Queensland, consistently showing exceptional NAPLAN and ATAR results.

In 2020, the QASMT expansion was completed which included the new STEM Precinct and the new Languages Precinct.

Published 26-March-2023

It’s Official: A New Inner-West Primary School Will No Longer Be Built at the Former Toowong Bowls Club Site

Photo credit: Facebook / Councillor James Mackay

It’s official. After deliberations and community consultation, the former site of the Toowong Bowls Club site that suffered damage during the 2011 and 2022 floods has officially been declared an unsuitable venue for a new primary school.

Education Minister Grace Grace confirmed on 15 March 2023 that the former Toowong Bowls Club site is no longer suitable for a new primary school following unprecedented flooding and community consultation. The confirmation comes as the State Government announced its stabilising enrolment changes school timetable.

“Stabilising enrolments means there is currently capacity for around 600 extra students in the existing local state schools. A new state school is therefore not required as soon as anticipated,” the announcement states.

The government will review the original pre-COVID business to determine when and where a new primary school should be built. Whilst this review goes underway, school communities at Indooroopilly, Ironside and Toowong State Schools will benefit from new and upgraded facilities including additional student capacity where needed.

“The Palaszczuk Government has a proud record of delivering educational infrastructure when and where it is needed,” Ms Grace said.

“Good governments are constantly reviewing what needs to be done and where, and it’s clear some of our new schools aren’t needed as quickly as was predicted a few years ago.

“Low birth rates from 2017 onwards, as well as a significant reduction in overseas enrolments due to COVID, means enrolments have stabilised and growth pressures have eased in some areas.

“We are prioritising opening new schools where they are needed, and ensuring best value for taxpayers in what is an incredibly challenging construction market impacted by the rising costs and labour shortages we’ve seen since the pandemic.

“We’ve faced curveballs from unprecedented flooding in Brisbane’s inner west and changes to federal koala protection laws. Stabilising enrolments mean we can now take the time to secure more suitable sites in the inner west and Park Ridge, safe in the knowledge that with upgrades – some of which are already taking place – our existing schools have capacity to accommodate students in the meantime.”

Councillor James Mackay in his social media post said that he will now be pushing for Council to have the former Toowong Bowls Club site refurbished and to push forward with its plans to reopen the facility for community use and public space.

Published 17-March-2023