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Mosaic Submits Plans For New Tower In Toowong

Architectural Plans prepared by DKO Architecture (Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Mosaic Property Group, known for developing boutique residential properties throughout Brisbane, has lodged an application for a third tower in Toowong.

Read: Historian Asks For Preservation Of Burial Sites In Toowong Cemetery

Based on proposal (A005790548) submitted to Brisbane City Council, Mosaic is planning to build a 14-storey tower with 101 units at 24-28 Lissner Street, consisting of 67 two-bedroom units and 34 three-bedroom units.

Aerial view of subject location (Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

The third residential tower would also include a 540sqm rooftop communal garden with a pool, gym, and bbq area; and two levels of basement parking and a partial ground level car parking area with a total capacity of 139 resident car spaces and 16 visitor car spaces.

The 2108-square metre site is currently occupied by the three-storey Toowong Inn and Suites, which will be demolished in the first quarter of 2022 once the development is given the go-ahead.

Plans for rooftop communal space (Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

“This immediate area is controlled by the Toowong-Auchenflower Neighbourhood Plan Code which assigns precincts / sub-precincts as well as building envelope provisions such as height,” Mosaic stated in a planning report.

“The neighbourhood plan identifies the subject site and all of the land on the northern side of Lissner Street in the Memorial Park precinct allowing a height of up to 8 storeys based on a minimum site area of 1000sqm. The same height allowance applies to the land directly to the north, on the southern side of Augustus Street,” the planning documents read.

According to Mosaic’s managing director Brook Monahan, this is going to be the company’s 11th project to the inner-west area for the past six years. Monahan said the company has invested much in the area because of the strong demand for apartments in Brisbane’s inner-west.

Mosaic’s first tower, ‘The Patterson’ is a 62-unit development and has been fast-tracked in 2020 after 90 of its units were sold in just two months; whilst its second tower, Kensington, features 63 apartments over nine levels.

To stay updated with Mosaic’s proposed tower in Toowong, see DA-A005790548.

Historian Asks For Preservation Of Burial Sites In Toowong Cemetery

Photo credit: Peter Bowring/Google 360 View

A Queensland historian is calling on authorities to restore the deteriorating burial places at Toowong Cemetery, in honour of Brisbane’s past and the people buried there.

Read: Toowong Local Named Finalist For Prestigious Women In Technology Awards

Jack Sim, a member of the voluntary organisation Friends of Toowong Cemetery believes Brisbane City Council would need an emergency fund to promptly repair the broken sites, as the cost of repinning a headstone is estimated to be around $3,000.

Jack Sim after donating funds to restore the graves at Toowong Cemetery in 2014 (Photo credit: Haunted Heritage/Facebook)

Whilst some headstones survive, many have been smashed and there are slabs that have been cracked open. Some graves have been overrun with weeds. With thousands of dollars needed for one headstone alone, the extent of damage at the cemetery could amount to multi-millions of dollars.

Yet under the Cemetery Act 1865, a grave and its monuments belong to the dead person’s family. Although the Council is in charge of Toowong Cemetery, they cannot touch damaged graves regardless of whether the damage is because of time, nature or human activity.

BCC maintains 12 cemeteries, including the one in Toowong and whilst they allocated $12 million in the financial year for the maintenance of the cemeteries’ lawns and gardens, they will not pay to fix the graves.

There are approximately 117,000 people buried at Toowong Cemetery, including politicians, sporting legends, poets, soldiers, and celebrities.

The heritage-listed cemetery contains the war graves of 270 Commonwealth service personnel of World War I and 117 from World War II, besides two sailors of the Dutch Navy from the latter war.

Grave of Walter Vardon Ralston (1846-1920), general manager of the Queensland National Bank (Photo credit: Vic Bushing/Google Maps)

One of the most notable graves here is where Sir Samuel Walker Griffith rests. Sadly, the crucifix on his monument was left broken. He is one of the founding fathers of Australia’s Federation, author of the Constitution. Aside from being a former Queensland premier and first chief justice of Australia, he’s known for being one of the greatest jurists produced by Australia in the 19th century.

Grave of Bancroft family, who are among Queensland’s most notable medical families (Photo credit: Toni Hughes/Facebook)

It also serves as the final resting place of John Petrie, first mayor of Brisbane, who was buried with his wife in their plot in the cemetery.

Read: Dovercourt: Stunning Heritage Landmark in Toowong to Undergo Makeover

Mr Sim, who has been donating funds for Toowong Cemetery’s grave restoration through the years, believes Toowong Cemetery deserves to be preserved because cemeteries are all about our history and our people.

Toowong Local Named Finalist For Prestigious Women In Technology Awards

Toowong local Fatimah Almathami has been named a finalist for the 2021 Women in Technology (WiT) Awards for her outstanding work in technology, gender studies, and gender equity in STEM.

Read: Coles Scraps Plastic Toys Giveaway in Nationwide Sustainability Drive

Almathami, a PhD Candidate in the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering at the University of Queensland, is vying for the WiT’s Emerging Achiever Technology Award following her selection from an impressive field of nearly 300 nominations across 14 categories.

Unearthing barriers to diversity and inclusion is at the core of Almathami’s research, with a particular focus on the barriers experienced by women in information technology (IT) and information systems (IS).

Her enrollment as a Doctoral candidate at the UQ is the next step in her mission to drive change by exploring ways to overcome barriers and enhance the participation of women in these critical industries. She said the nomination for a Women in Technology 2021 Award has opened the door for her to deeply explore her own academic ambitions and equally to examine how she can raise awareness for the rightful place of women in the field of technology.

“My work in community outreach service reinforces for me the importance of practical, manageable, immediate solutions to the barriers faced by women in the IT sector while working towards the bigger picture of gender equity and challenging traditional attitudes,” said Almathami.

About the WiT Awards

Photo credit:WiT: Women in Technology/Facebook

Women in Technology is one of Australia’s biggest communities supporting women in STEM and the champions of change who empower their success. The not-for-profit organisation aims to empower women from all branches of science and technology to achieve their dreams.

The WiT Awards highlight the outstanding talent of Queensland women in STEM and the important contribution they make to research, policy, economic and social development across a range of categories.

Read: New Specialty Fresh Food Hub Coming To Toowong When Woolies Opens In 2022

This year’s theme is ‘What we Celebrate, Grows.’ Women in Technology President, Bec Langdon said the 2021 Awards theme fosters and celebrates women who are involved in extraordinary STEM work while encouraging generations to come.

Winners will be announced at the 2021 WiT Awards presentation and gala dinner on 21 October 2021. To see the full list of finalists, visit https://wit.org.au/.

Coles Scraps Plastic Toys Giveaway in Nationwide Sustainability Drive

As part of its mission towards sustainability, zero waste, zero-emission, and zero hunger, Coles Group has launched another initiative across its stores nationwide, including Toowong, to reduce its impact on the environment.

Starting 25 Jan 2021, Coles has committed to stop giving away plastic toy collectibles in its marketing campaigns under its “Together to Zero” initiative. As a result, they have dropped two popular programs with Little Shop and Stikeez as these no longer align with their goals for sustainability.

“While very popular, we must listen to our customers who say their priorities are changing,” the Coles Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Ronson said.

“In a recent survey of 9,000 of our customers, reducing waste to landfill and plastic packaging was the number one concern when it comes to environmental issues in retail, with 69% of those surveyed saying it was of high importance to them.

“We know that customers will understand the need to ensure our campaigns are more sustainable for future generations. We are proud to be now using our marketing platforms to raise awareness of our sustainability ambition which is focussed on acting together now for generations of Australians ahead.”

In line with this, Coles has also removed 31 million soaker pads from meat trays that will no longer end up in landfills. The company will also shift to 100% recycled packaging for its instore bakery in the 2022 financial year and has been working with the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands Plastics Pact (ANZPAC) to develop recyclable, reusable, or compostable containers by 2025.

The move follows after Coles Group also scrapped sales of single-use plastic tableware products when “Together to Zero” launched in early 2021.

Ms Ronson added that the Coles Group has ambitious plans to become the “most sustainable supermarket” in Australia” and are coming up with ways to deliver innovative items down to its packaging.

“We are ensuring it’s contributing to the circular economy by being produced with recycled content where possible, as well as being recyclable.”

Clean Up Australia Chairman Pip Kiernan said that Coles Group has been “true to their word” and taking conscious steps in becoming Australia’s most sustainable supermarket.

“We are really encouraged to see Coles making meaningful changes to all parts of their business,” Kiernan said.

New Specialty Fresh Food Hub Coming To Toowong When Woolies Opens In 2022

Photo credit: www.toowongvillage.com.au

Toowong will get a new specialty fresh food hub after Woolworths announced plans to open for trade at the Toowong Village starting in late 2022.

Read: Dovercourt: Stunning Heritage Landmark in Toowong to Undergo Makeover

Woolworths agreed to enter into a 10-year lease at Toowong Village and will operate at the Gallery level of the shopping centre, occupying more than 4,000 sqm for its fresh food hub. Fresco Asian Supermarket will team up with Woolies on Level 1, where site works are already underway.

Retail First, the company that manages Woolworths in Toowong, said that this has been welcome news for traditional Woolworths’ shoppers in the Toowong catchment, and positions Toowong Village as a specialty and fresh food hub.

Woolworths’ leasing team is reaching out to enhance the food offering for the centre. Retail First Managing Director, Steven Bridges said exciting leasing opportunities are available now for food retail and fresh food options, and their leasing team would be keen to chat about what Toowong Village can offer.

“The changes enable Toowong Village to progress in line with customer expectations, together with the suburb’s growth in high density living, the planned Town Centre mixed-use development opposite Toowong Village, and the Council’s proposed Green Bridge from West End,” Mr Bridges said.

“We recently conducted customer surveys and paid close attention to what our customers would like to see in the shopping centre. David Jones relinquishing the current lease has created an opportunity for us to strengthen our grocery offer and meet the needs of the community,” Mr Bridges said.

According to Mr Bridges, the residual space on Level 1 has had strong interest from large footprint retailers, and that Retail First will make further announcements once negotiations are finalised.

Toowong Village will remain open during the changes and all efforts will be made to ensure disruption to shoppers and current retailers is kept to a minimum.

Sumptuous Vegan, Vegetarian Options Now Up At Regatta’s River Road Cafe

Photo credit: regattahotel.com.au

Regatta Hotel’s River Road Cafe in Toowong dropped a new menu and it features some fresh vegetarian and vegan options that would please even the most discerning palate.

Read: Dovercourt: Stunning Heritage Landmark in Toowong to Undergo Makeover

Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers sumptuous yet healthy dishes such as Thai beef salad, halloumi and chickpea, shakshuka, house-made nut and seed granola, and pulled pork nachos.

Regatta’s new menu adds a twist to the classics, like their eggs benedict with smoky pulled pork perched on top of English muffin and drizzled with hollandaise sauce.

Then their shakshuka, which are softly baked eggs surrounded by simmering tomatoes, halloumi, chickpeas, torn herbs, and sourdough toast will make you want to come back for more.

This quaint sidewalk cafe, located outside of Regatta Hotel, is a nice little spot for takeaway or customers looking for a small bite to eat. It offers a relaxed dining experience right on the river.

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Some of their best-selling items from their previous menu included loaded nachos, beer battered fish and chips, and chicken schnitzel. They continue to serve up a selection of steak, fish and chicken dishes with a selection of salads and sides.

Read: Enjoy a Picnic at the Toowong Winter in the Vineyards Pop-Up

If you want to come by to have a taste of their new menu, visit Regatta Hotel’s River Road Cafe at 543 Coronation Dr, Toowong. They are open seven days a week 06:30 am – 3:00 pm/ 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm. Reservations are not required. Visit regattahotel.com.au to view the full menu or check out their social media pages for updates.

Dovercourt: Stunning Heritage Landmark in Toowong to Undergo Makeover

Dovercourt, a stunning 1864 colonial homestead in Toowong, is set to get a multi-million dollar makeover from its new owner.

Kirtsty Faichen has filed a development application (DA A005718313) to conduct operational work on the heritage site. The new owner is also seeking to reconfigure and subdivided the land, spanning 7,036 square metres, for additional building work and home improvements.

In the development application, Ms Faichen detailed the intention to retain 4,000 square metres of Dovercourt as a family home and to pour multi-million dollars into restoring the colonial house.

Dovercourt once belonged to the Bigge family for over 90 years. Ms Faichen, who is a lawyer and a heritage site campaigner, bought the property in 2020.

She and her family knew this would be a keeper when they discovered a trapdoor in a hidden cellar in the kitchen. Even today, the house still has its original dumbwaiter and massive folding doors dividing the dining room and kitchen.

The lawyer said she will invest in getting this restoration right by refurbishing the unusable rooms and improving the plumbing and electrical matters of the old house.

*Photo Credit: Savills/realcommercial.com.au*

In doing the restorations, Ms Faichen said that she has gotten access to some of the photos of the house from the 1800s to the early 1900s. The lawyer will also work with a heritage landscape architect to protect the trees and shrubs around the property.

As for the additional five houses to be built on the property, Ms Faichen said it will be in character and will have similar features as the colonial house.

She has produced a book about Dovercourt, which will be showcased to her new neighbours in Toowong during a planned open house, where she will tell them about her plans for the development. On 30 June 2021, a public notification has also been issued where locals may submit their inputs on the upcoming project.

Photo Credit: Developmenti/Brisbane City Council

Architect William Henry Ellerker designed and built the Dover Court Cottage as his own home. Mr Ellerker is known for designing heaps of properties in Brisbane, including the Teneriffe House and the commercial sites in Queen Street. In the late 1890s, the Bigge family moved into Dovercourt to become their family home for three generations.

Fresco, Woolworths to Replace David Jones in Toowong Village

David Jones has permanently closed in Toowong Village and the retailer’s site has already been snapped up by Fresco and Woolworths.

The first floor will become Fresco’s newest location following its bid to expand in Brisbane. In February 2021, Fresco opened its Pinelands Plaza (Sunnybank Hills) outlet and it is on track to open more supermarkets in Sunny Park, Runcorn and Calamvale.

The store offers wide-ranging Asian grocery items, as well as Western supermarket finds, fresh produce and meat, including seafood. Its Toowong site is an ideal market as it’s close to the University of Queensland, where there are many Asian students. The store will be ready to open when international students return to Queensland in 2022.

Meanwhile, David Jones Toowong Village’s gallery level will be occupied by Woolworths after closing a 10-year lease and it’s also due to open in 2022.

In a statement, Retail First Managing Director Steven Bridges said that Woolworths’ addition will be great news for its loyal shoppers.

“We have been keen to secure Woolworths into Toowong Village since their long trading store opposite the Village closed on the 1st January 2017. Woolworths’ commitment demonstrates industry confidence in Toowong Village, and further complements the Village’s strong trading fresh food hub.”

Toowong Village has not yet confirmed who will move into the remaining space vacated by David Jones. The retailer has been holding its final sale before trading ends for good after 5:30 p.m. on Friday, 18 June 2021.

Homeware and bedding items have been put at half price whilst the clothes department for men, women and children have been selling at 30 percent discount. Cosmetics, lingerie and jewellery prices have also been significantly marked down.

Enjoy a Picnic at the Toowong Winter in the Vineyards Pop-Up

Mark those calendars because the Regatta Hotel in Toowong is about to host the Winter in the Vineyards pop-up to celebrate the new season!

From now until the end of August 2021, the Regatta Hotel in Toowong is set to host a special wintertime pop-up dubbed Winter in the Vineyards every Wednesday to Sunday. Here, attendants will be able to enjoy picnics amongst themselves and indulge in some locally-sourced antipasto in a cosy vineyard setting. People can also expect to find delectable snacks and desserts like baked jersey brie, goats cheesecake with sesame pastry crust, and of course, salumi plates.

Picnics hosted at the hotel serve up to two people, and they come with a large salumi share plate, a bottle of wine, and a picnic blanket that customers can take home.

Mulled wine.
Photo credit: Instagram/regattahotel

Every Sunday, starting from the 20th of June 2021, the Regatta Hotel’s mulled wine cart will roll into the venue. Event-goers will be able to indulge themselves with delicious beverages perfect for winter such as classic mulled wine, mulled apple cider, and hot honey mead, all to the sound of live music from Benjam band.

Then, on the 27th of June 2021, Winter in the Vineyards invites Brisbane to partake in the Harvest Festival to celebrate local produce, with market stalls offering a variety of local cheese, antipasto and wine while live music plays in the background to create a warm winter atmosphere.

Winter in the Vineyards will be hosted at The Regatta Hotel, which can be found at 543 Coronation Dr, Toowong every Wednesday to Sunday from 11:30 a.m. til late, though the mulled wine cart will only be available on Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For more information, visit their event page here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on dates, details, and other special announcements concerning the event.

Perrin Park Site Unsuitable for New Primary School, Residents Say

The existence of a bat colony and a sewage pump station will make Perrin Park in Toowong an unsuitable location for the planned new primary school in west Brisbane, according to residents in the area.

Locals have expressed their concerns for the site, which is one of only two choices that the Education Department has laid out in the second round of community consultations for the new west Brisbane primary school in 60 years.

Aside from the bat colony and the occasional sewage smell, Ross Anderson, the president of Toowong Harriers Athletics Club, voiced out his concerns over the potential loss of green space for the community.

The Harriers have been leasing Perrin Park from Council for sports activities for the last 40 years. Community groups, sports clubs and school clubs hire the park from them regularly for practices and events, and their bookings have been filled up until September 2021, which means that the park is quite an active space.

The land, however, has been capped and resurfaced with clay, which requires regular maintenance and would be destroyed if used as a school playground. Mr Anderson also said that Perrin Park is in a flood zone, which means it’s a high-risk site for a school unless a solid flood mitigation plan is in place.

According to Michael Berkman, Greens MP for Maiwar, the proposed new primary school will stand on Gailey Road next to the old Toowong Bowls Club and a community meeting place. There is an SES Depot on the site as well that the Council uses for “operational” purposes.

Photo Credit: Michael Berkman, Greens MP for Maiwar/Facebook

If the State Government decides on this location, instead of Indooroopilly State High School (ISHS), the SES Depot will be moved to another site, freeing up 6,000 square meters of land. Combined with the empty Toowong Bowls Club, the site will have about 16,000 square meters for the new school.

“[It will] be large enough for our new primary school, with play space included, and potentially even enough land to consider a swimming pool or other facilities that could be open to the wider public,” Mr Berman said.

Councillor James Mackay said that Council does not want the community to lose its green space or even the old Toowong Bowls Club, which is supposed to be leased for community use. However, west Brisbane badly needs a new primary school that could accommodate 900 students. There are also implications that the State Government may consider negotiating a land swap with the Council if the Toowong site is chosen.

Mr Berkmans acknowledged that there’s no ideal option for the new school’s location as both Perrin Park and ISHS have issues. However, this is an urgent demand that the community has to decide on before the target opening date of the new school in 2024.

Public consultations are still ongoing until 30 June 2021. Locals are enjoined to fill out the survey form or email BuildingFutureSchools@qed.qld.gov.au. for their feedback and suggestions.