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Legacy Way Tunnel In Toowong To Close For Planned Roadworks

Motorists are advised to plan their travels as the Legacy Way Tunnel in Toowong will be closed for all traffic on specific days and times in March 2022, due to planned roadworks across Brisbane.

Read: Surf Lifesavers: Untiring Rescue Efforts in Toowong, Other Flood-Impacted Suburbs

Toll has also resumed on Monday, 7 March on public transport and council-operated toll roads, including Legacy Way, after it was announced for free from 3 Mar- 6 Mar, to help Brisbane residents in the clean-up efforts brought by the devastating flood.

See the date and time of upcoming planned roadworks:

Works	Date and Time
Legacy Way eastbound tunnel closure	16-17 March, 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Legacy Way tunnel closure both directions:	19 March, 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Legacy Way westbound tunnel closure:	14-15 March, 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Linkt Brisbane regularly carry out maintenance on the roads and tunnels and while they do their best to avoid disruptions, sometimes temporary traffic changes are needed to keep everyone safe.

“In the event of adverse weather conditions or other delays, works will be postponed to the next available shift,” Linkt stated in its website.

legacy way toowong — Map highlighting Toowong road works (Photo credit: https://www.linkt.com.au)

About the Tunnel

Legacy Way is a 5.7 kilometre twin tunnel connecting the Western Freeway at Toowong with Brisbane’s Inner City Bypass at Kelvin Grove.

It has four lanes, two inbound and two outbound, connecting AirportlinkM7 and Clem7 (via Inner City Bypass) to Brisbane’s western suburbs.

The tunnel is owned and currently being managed by Transurban Queensland.

Surf Lifesavers: Untiring Rescue Efforts in Toowong, Other Flood-Impacted Suburbs

Photo Credit: Surf Life Saving Queensland / Facebook

Did you know that Surf Lifesavers and State Emergency Services were able to help over 700 people who were stuck in their high-rise residences in Toowong and other areas of Brisbane?

Surf Lifesavers across South East Qld and NSW, the state’s peak aquatic rescue authority, along with the State Emergency Services (SES), was rapidly mobilised to perform welfare checks and help in emergency evacuations.

Natalie Edwards was one of the eight Surf Life Saving volunteers who worked with the SES in rescuing the trapped residents Tuesday, 1 March. She spoke to Triple M’s “The Rush Hour” and was asked how challenging it was to be involved in such a massive rescue mission which is far different from doing a surfboard rescue.

Photo Credit: Surf Life Saving Queensland / Facebook

“As lifesavers, we are trained for lots of different events, flooding is not particularly one of them, but we are very well versed in safety measures and our crew are well trained,” she said.

“It’s difficult but at the same time our crew are outstanding and can assist people in any circumstances and they proved that yesterday.”

Despite the uncertainties that residents were faced with as they navigated the flood crisis, she said that the spirit of those being rescued was very high.

“The Queensland mentality came out and they were just happy to be out of their homes and be on dry land.”

Whilst 700 rescues that day was a really exhausting task, the tireless crew, nevertheless, went back the next day to assist those in flooded areas whenever they could.

“We are back on today around Brisbane helping people get out of their apartment because there are still a lot of people flooded in.”

What is her advice to people who are tempted to go to these flooded areas?

“If it is flooded, forget it. Please, just stay home if you can. If you are not able to go to work, don’t try and go through that floodwaters because it makes our job a little bit easier if you don’t drive through them.”

Brisbane Boys’ College Honours Late Mathematics Teacher Chicri Maksoud

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

Tributes have poured in from the community following the death of Chicri Maksoud, a beloved former maths teacher at the Brisbane Boys’ College in Toowong.

Read: New Toowong Primary School Location Confirmed

Mr Maksoud, who died on 3 February 2022 after a long battle with an illness, taught maths at the school for 38 years, where he was also a house master and co-curricular coach.

Aside from teaching mathematics, he was passionate about coaching rugby, cricket, athletics, and cross country programs.

Photo credit: Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC)

With Mr Maksoud, learning can be fun because he would use sports to teach maths to kids. He was so passionate about teaching, even if it meant giving his own time tutoring students. He held the lunchtime maths club every week aside from running the maths competitions for middle school.

Mr Maksoud was deeply loved by his former students. In fact, a group of students started a public group on Facebook called ‘Chicri Maksoud.. the man the legend’ where they shared what it’s like being taught by the late teacher.

“Fantastic bloke. one of the few things I miss about BBC,” said Aidan Lamb.

“The man is a deadset genius, best teacher I ever had. If he could help me to pass maths, then there is no-one he can’t help pass the subject,” said Ben Foord.

“Wowee out of all my teachers from BBC I think Chicri Maksoud was my favourite….and my god does he love to teach. He was my maths tutor a couple of times a week in grades 11 and 12 (without which I most certainly would have failed) and my Cross Country Coach ’97-98, as the cross country captain at the time (98) I appreciate how much the legend went above and beyond the call of duty,” shared Chris Simmons.

Read: Heritage-Listed Middenbury House in Toowong May Be Up for Mixed Development

The Old Collegians Association of Brisbane Boys’ College thanked Mr Maksoud for decades of service to the college, and for going above and beyond as a Maths Teacher, House Master, and co-curricular coach.

“You have been a positive influence on so many boys’ lives, and for that all boys and parents who have had the good fortune of dealing with you are extremely grateful,” the Old Collegians Association wrote on a social media post, after announcing Mr Maksoud’s demise.

BBC held a service on 10 Feb 2022 at the College Hall to celebrate the life of Mr Maksoud. The school livestreamed the service for those who were not be able to attend.

The Edge Residential Twin Towers Proposed for Toowong

Plans have been lodged to build two residential towers, consisting of 320 high-density units, on Jephson Street in Toowong. Called The Edge, the buildings have a projected maximum height of 25 storeys.

Also included in the plans are 12 food and drink outlets, as well as retail spaces, on the ground floor of The Edge, which will be accessible through a new pedestrian plaza. The site will also provide communal recreational facilities on the ground floor, third floor, and rooftop.

The rooftop area will feature landscaping to connect the outdoor to the indoor lounges. On the other hand, the third level facilities will have a gym, quiet room, and swimming pool. The ground floor facilities will include function rooms, media centre, and lounge areas.

Some 450 car parking spaces and 410 bicycle parking spaces across four basement floors and the lower ground floor parking areas are also projected in the plans. Access to the parking area will be provided via an internal driveway located on Jephson Street.

“[The Edge] will have a walkable urban environment from Jephson Street and through the adjoining site to provide access to services and high-frequency public transport within the nearby Toowong Village,” per developer Ethos Urban.

The residential tower is situated in a Major Centre zone of the Toowong- Auchenflower neighbourhood plan. If approved, four existing office buildings will be demolished on the site to make space for the towers.

“The proposal is consistent with the objectives of the wider “Woolworths catalyst site”, within which the site sits, and is compatible in size and scale to the surrounding centre built form intentions,” the developer stated.

The DA was filed on December 2021 and is currently under assessment. Check out the rest of the details of the development application A005894666.

Bicentennial Bikeway May Be Realigned If Toowong Tower Approved

Did you know that the Bicentennial Bikeway, considered the busiest bike-riding and pedestrian pathway in Brisbane, may need to be realigned if a proposed 10-storey tower next to the former ABC Toowong site gets approved?

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

Based on documents submitted to Brisbane City Council, a development application has been submitted, seeking to build a multiple-dwelling consisting of 29 units at 570 and 576 Coronation Drive, Toowong .

Artist’s impression of proposed development (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Designed by Bureau Proberts, the apartments are designed for a subtropical living environment and are planned for optimum cross-ventilation, excellent natural daylight levels, and generous outdoor living spaces.

The proposal includes rooftop communal and private open space areas, as well as large balconies for each unit.

Coronation Drive site — Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

The subject site currently has a three-storey dwelling that will have to be demolished once the proposal is given the green light.

Access and Traffic

A traffic report provided in the proposal states that there would be an auxiliary left lane to turn into the site, clear of the left-hand through lane on congested Coronation Drive.

The 17-m lane would allow residents of the proposed tower to slow down without disrupting traffic, and also stop for pedestrians or cyclists. To further protect cyclists and pedestrians, a speed hump will also be provided to slow cars exiting the tower.

Bicentennial Bikeway (Photo credit: map.bikecitizens.net)

In order to facilitate the development, the Bicentennial Bikeway may need to be extended and undergo some realignment.

The Bicentennial Bikeway is a 4.8-km off-road pathway from Toowong to Brisbane city, providing access to South Bank, Kangaroo Point, and New Farm through connecting bridges and pathways.

More than 1.9 million people used the pathway in 2020—as recorded by an electronic counter near the Go Between Bridge.

Besides these proposed changes to the bikeway, new access would also be created to avoid collisions with cars.

Read: New Toowong Primary School Location Confirmed

Site from the river — Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

The project is code-assessable so residents will be notified and can have their say about the application. Further details about the proposed development can be viewed at DA-A005905033.

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

Revised plans for the former ABC site on Coronation Drive in Toowong now involve three residential towers, reuse of a heritage-listed house as a public site, and provisions to make way for the Green Bridge landing site.

DA A005881543, filed in mid-November 2021, comprises three residential towers with a maximum of 15 storeys each, with a combined total of 134 multiple dwellings.

Three residential towers Coronation Drive in Toowong view from the river — Photo Credit: Artist’s Rendering/Developmenti/BCC

The new towers on Coronation Drive in Toowong will have communal rooftops that offer amenities like a riverside pool and spa, a dry and wet lounge, and a BBQ with outdoor dining areas. The buildings will also have shared workspaces, a gym, and their own mailrooms.

Consolidated Properties bought the Coronation Drive site and hired John Wardle Architects for this new proposal.

The proposal essentially replaces the previous application of a 25-storey building from Sunland, dubbed the Champagne Flute, which would have been the first Brisbane project of internationally renowned architect Zaha Hadid.

Aerial view — Photo Credit: Developmenti/BCC

Since a section of the development will become part of the planned Toowong to West End Green Bridge, the proposal has provisions for adjustments for the bridge’s landing site.

The plan also includes the refurbishment and re-use of the heritage-listed Middenbury House as a public site and mixed-use space with access to the Brisbane River. Consolidated Properties also want to line Coronation Drive with Fig Trees to improve the area.

Lower Plaza Coronation Drive in Toowong — *Photo Credit: Developmenti/BCC*

Upper Plaza Coronation Drive in Toowong — *Photo Credit: Developmenti/BCC*

Per the developers, some of the landscaped apartments fronting a new public site will have a 40-metre open accessible open space near the Brisbane River. On the other hand, an extension of the Bicentennial Bikeway will also be in place to connect to Archer Street.

“The proposed development has been architecturally designed to merge seamlessly within the surrounding built form, through the use of a variation of materials and breaks in the façade. The site primarily faces Coronation Drive, which features street tree plantings along its entire frontage as well as two large heritage-listed fig trees near the western boundary.”

“The state heritage listed Middenbury House can be seen from the Archer Street frontage. This development will enhance the view of Middenbury House by incorporating open space between the building and the street frontage. Deep planting along Archer Street will improve the streetscape by softening the view between Middenbury House and the existing streetscape.”

This development does not require public notification and is currently undergoing assessment by Council.

Toowong Village Shopping Centre Site to Get New Lease on Life

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

A childcare centre, with indoor sport and recreation area and community use facility, may soon open at Toowong Village Shopping Centre, if development plans are approved.

TTP Management Pty Ltd has lodged a development application seeking to transform the site, which is the former location of Sizzler – Toowong which permanently closed in 2016.

The development plans include the installation of three indoor spaces, three simulated play spaces, a dining area, a kids store, a canteen, an office space, and a reception area.

Proposed childcare center at Toowong Village Shopping Centre — Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The new childcare centre at Toowong Village plans to operate from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Meanwhile, the area for indoor sport, recreation, and community use will operate after the childcare centre’s operating hours. The facility may also include 24-hour operations on Saturdays and Sundays.

Interior of childcare centre — Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

“The development is identified as being consistent with the purpose and overall outcomes of the Centre or mixed-use code and compliant with section A of the Centre or mixed-use code. A Code assessable development application is triggered as the proposed Child care centre is located in the A and B sub-categories of the Transport air quality corridor overlay,” a portion of the development application states.

Play area of childcare centre at Toowong Village Shopping Centre — Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

“As a result, the development is only assessable against section A of the Major Center zone code and section A, section B and PO2 of the Transport air quality corridor overlay code,” says the planners at Town Planning Alliance.

Recreation area at Toowong Village Shopping Centre — Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

All construction works will occur indoors and there are no plans to increase the gross floor area of the tenancy or alter the current building footprint.

New Toowong Primary School Location Confirmed

After more than a year of community consultations and site investigations, Perrin Park in Toowong has now been confirmed as the location of Brisbane’s newest primary school.

Read: Perrin Park in Toowong Emerges as Preferred Site for New Primary School

Results of the community consultation process previously indicated that the Perrin Park site, very near the old Toowong Bowls Club, is the local community’s preferred site.

The new school is estimated to cost $90 million and will create around 200 jobs during construction. Expected to provide world-class education facility, the new school will accommodate Prep to Year 6 students.

It will be the first primary school to open in Brisbane’s inner western suburbs in more than 60 years and will be built to ease enrolment pressures off Indooroopilly, Ironside, and Toowong state schools.

Perrin Park — Photo Credit: EducationDepartmentQLD

The school is part of a $1.2-billion state government initiative which aims to deliver 14 new schools over the next three years.

“The former Toowong Bowls Club site is a great location for an innovative vertical school design that integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, maximising available land to provide capacity for up to 900 students when Stage 1 and 2 are delivered,” said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

“Building upward instead of outward, helps to alleviate the need for large school sites while complementing the surrounding urban environment.,” the Premier added.

Inner West Brisbane map — Inner west map (Photo credit: Department of Education/Queensland Government)

Local Concerns

Some residents have raised concerns over the ecological impact around Perrin Park which has an active flying fox colony. The Department of Education will work with the Commonwealth government to ensure the delivery of the new school does not impact the health of the colony.

After the planning, acquisition, and approval process which is currently in progress, the Education Department will proceed with the final design for the school.

Read: Perrin Park Site Unsuitable for New Primary School, Residents Say

Based on the projected timeline, the new school will open for Term 1 in January 2024. With its opening, it is expected to ease student overpopulation in Indooroopilly State School and Ironside State School.

Heritage-Listed Middenbury House in Toowong May Be Up for Mixed Development

Once the exclusive site for many social gatherings in Brisbane — including a party for Edward, the Prince of Wales, in the 1920s — the heritage-listed Middenbury House may be set for a revival as a public venue for recreation or dining, or even with residential towers on the property.

Consolidated Properties Group (CPG), which bought 600 Coronation Drive several years ago, has now filed DA A005881543, seeking to develop Middenbury House and its grounds.

The heritage-listed house will be reused and re-established, alongside plans to build three 15-storey residential towers on the property. Though the decision on its final use has not been finalised, ideas like a cafe or bar, as well as a wellness center, have been floated during the discussions about the redevelopment.

James McGinley, the CPG Head of Residential, said that they got ideas from the local community who was receptive to their plans to turn the derelict site for public use.

Apart from the residential towers and the old house’s revival, plans for this Coronation Drive site will also include bikeways and a large parkland, which will be managed by Brisbane City Council. There will also be an area prepared for the landing site of the upcoming Toowong-West End green bridge.

Access to the house and the beautiful riverbank frontage as a social venue was withdrawn in the late 1950s when the Commonwealth of Australia bought the property for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Middenbury House then became part of the studio operations, while additional buildings were erected around it.

For the most part, however, the over-150-year-old house’s structure and architectural features remained intact. Its refurbishment, on the other hand, will have minimal alterations since it is a heritage-listed property.

“The proposed development has been architecturally designed to merge seamlessly within the surrounding built form, through the use of a variation of materials and breaks in the façade,” the developers stated in the application. “The site primarily faces Coronation Drive, which features street tree plantings along its entire frontage as well as two large heritage-listed fig trees near the western boundary.

DA A005881543 was filed in November 2021 and is still under assessment as of press time.

Planned Unit Tower Development Near Toowong Village Divides Residents

Toowong residents are divided over a proposed unit tower development near Toowong Village on Lissner Street following the completion of the public submissions process to support or object to the construction of the 14-storey building.

Some residents oppose the project because the property is under a Medium Density Zone Code, where the maximum building height should be eight storeys. They’ve also argued that the building is actually 15-storeys high because it includes a communal, open space rooftop structure.

“The site and all adjoining properties are subject to a maximum 8 storey building height in accordance with the Toowong—Auchenflower neighbourhood plan code. The proposal includes a building height of 14 to 15 storeys which is out of context with the community expectations for the area,” one resident wrote in the submissions for DA A005790548.

However, a section of the development is near the District Centre Zone, which allows for 20 storeys. Those who support the plan said that the height and density are justified even as the height transition will affect the neighbours on the north side since the shadow of the tower will block their views.

Some also question the density of the project as it will include both residential and commercial tenants, which will raise traffic and parking availability on Lissner and Augustus streets.

“The Toowong Village loading dock is accessed via Lissner Street. This is a busy loading dock and large truck traffic will only increase with the opening of the Woolworths store planned for later this year.”

Mosaic Property Group filed the development application for the residential and commercial tower with at least 100 units in July 2021 following three pre-lodgement meetings with Council. The developer said the project was inspired by the nearby iconic Regatta Hotel with an architecturally impressive podium design.

“The podium design is constructed of breeze blocks with cascading planters,” one supporter said. “The project architects have clearly considered the local character of the area such as the Queenslander homes and iconic Regatta building to inform the podium and overall architectural design which contributes to a sense of place and community pride.”

During the said meetings, Mosaic’s planner said that Council gave merits to the proposal.

“Council agreed that the arguments put forward by the applicant in providing an increased building height that provides a ‘transition’ between the higher and lower building height requirements in the area has merit from an urban design viewpoint,” the DA stated.

As of press time, the development is awaiting Council’s decision.