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Controversial Grace on Coronation Development Proposal Scrapped; New Project Now Being Planned

After losing the legal battle, Sunland has decided to abandon its “Grace on Coronation” development plans at the Coronation Drive, Toowong.

The controversial “champagne flute” skyscraper — designed by Dame Zaha Hadid, who passed away in 2016 — was a $430-million development proposal for a 555-unit, two 24-storey and one 27-storey towers at the former ABC studios site. The proposed development at the 1.5-hectare site also included a landscaped public parkland and ground floor retail space. Approval was granted by the Brisbane City Council in 2015 and construction was scheduled to commence that same year.

Local resident Kate Peta Bell, however, appealed the decision on the grounds that the proposed buildings exceeded the height limitation of 15-storeys. The appeal was dismissed by Judge Rackemann on the basis that the public space surrounding the base of the tower offset the non-compliance with the Brisbane City Council planning scheme.

*Photo Credit: Zaha Hadid / zaha-hadid.com*

In May 2018, the Planning and Environment Court’s decision was overturned by the Supreme Court of Queensland and leave to appeal was granted.

It is not for the decision maker (including in this context a Court), to gainsay the expression of what constitutes the public interest that is in a planning scheme. A decision maker might think that a limit of 15 storeys is too restrictive, and the public would be better served by a higher limit. But this decision maker must accept that it is in the public interest that the limit be 15 storeys, because that is what the planning scheme effectively provides – Bell v Brisbane City Council & Ors [2018] QCA 84.

Ultimately, by the judge substituting his own view of the public interest for that which was expressed in the Scheme, there was a legal error which affected his conclusion under s 326. Further, that was also affected by the legal error in the interpretation of overall outcome (3)(h). – Bell v Brisbane City Council & Ors [2018] QCA 84.

In my conclusion, the judgment was affected by errors of law, which warrant a grant of leave to appeal and the appeal being allowed. – Bell v Brisbane City Council & Ors [2018] QCA 84.

Ultimately, the proposal was refused in the Planning and Environment Court’s final decision last September 2018.

The Sunland Group said that they respect the court’s decision and has since removed the “Grace on Coronation” development from their website. A new project for the Coronation Drive site is now being conceived, however, no details have been disclosed yet.

Toowong: Among Top Performing Suburbs for Unit Capital Growth

Toowong is one of the top performing suburbs for unit capital growth in 2018 as the Brisbane housing and units market is poised to perform better in 2019, latest research shows.

Brisbane can look forward to a bustling housing market in 2019 as house sales and rentals are seen to rise and supply contract due to expected increase in demand, Place Estate Agents research predicts.

Brisbane’s performance in 2018 was mostly buoyed by low unemployment rate, affordability, and upcoming and underway infrastructure projects including the Queens Wharf development and the Howard Smith Wharf precinct. These factors are expected to continue boosting the capital city’s residential market performance next year.

Brisbane has been defying predictions of gloom and doom in the property market and challenges brought by unit oversupply this year. Whilst other capital cities experienced declines, Brisbane suburbs registered growth, both for houses and units, for the past 12 months.

National Housing Market Update | December 2018

Video Credit: CoreLogic Australia / YouTube

According to CoreLogic’s November hedonic home value index report released in December 2018, Brisbane recorded positive dwelling values change over the month (0.1 percent), quarter (0.1 percent), and annual (0.3 percent). This, despite the national dwelling values dipping 0.7 percent over the month — the weakest month-on-month change since the Global Financial Crisis.

The top ten suburbs for houses capital growth is led by East Brisbane with an annual average capital growth rate of 11.7 percent, followed closely by Fortitude Valley with 11.3 percent. Coorparoo, Teneriffe, Highgate Hill, Greenslopes, Albion, Paddington, West End, and New Farm rounds out the list.

Herston, on the other hand, led the top ten suburbs for units in 2018 with 4.5 percent annual capital growth rate, followed by Hawthorne (4.2 percent) and Toowong (3.9 percent). The rest of suburbs that made the list are Wilston, New Farm, Teneriffe, St Lucia, Highgate Hill, Windsor, and East Brisbane.

20-Storey Apartment Building Proposed for High Street in Toowong

A 20-level apartment building has been proposed for 58-60 High Street in Toowong.

The development application submitted by Nan Xin Brisbane Toowong Ltd Pty proposes the construction of a residential tower right at the corner of High Street and Ebor Street. The plan calls for 171 apartment units consisting of 78 one-bedroom units, 84 two-bedroom units and nine three-bedroom units.

Proposed residential building Toowong — Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Describing Toowong as a nexus between the leafy suburbs and the city, the developer says that it aims to build a tower with communal outdoor rooms and leafy neighbourhood backyard for the residents. To realise this, the plan boasts three double-height outdoor rooms that can be shared by residents.

The common spaces, which will include a patio and a BBQ space for gatherings and family get-togethers, will be surrounded by green walls, trees and shrubs.

Retail spaces will dominate the ground level with alfresco seating adjacent to the footpath. The main entrance will also be activated by retail and dining areas.

Car spaces will be located at the back of the size through an access easement. This way, it will free up the High Street frontage for public pedestrian use. The development will provide 204 car spaces, 174 of which will be for residents. There will also be space for 30 motorbikes and 214 bicycles.

On the roof will be lush, green gardens for relaxation and social activities. The roof garden will offer residents panoramic views of the mountains, the city and the river. The communal space will also incorporate a swimming pool, a gym, and BBQ terraces. The greeneries and pergolas will help bring shade and minimise the strength of the afternoon sun.

Development Snapshot:

Find out more about Development Application A005076003.

Toowong’s Perrin Park and Other Brisbane Parks Get New Free Outdoor Gyms

There will be around 30 new ways for Brisbane residents to get fit and healthy as new free outdoor gyms will be coming or already opened in local parks including Perrin Park in Toowong.

“Council is committed to delivering more lifestyle and leisure opportunities across the city through free public outdoor gyms and multi-use games arenas in Brisbane parks,” Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said.

The Council is investing $5 million in “modern outdoor exercise equipment to help residents live healthy and active lifestyles.” Already, some of these fitness equipments, including large outdoor gyms, have been installed at around 20 parks since 2016. These facilities are located at CJ Greenfield Park in Richlands, Grinstead Park in Alderley, Nixon Park in Moorooka, Robinson Park in Tingalpa, and Perrin Park in Toowong

*Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council/flickr.com/photos/brisbanecitycouncil*

These outdoor gyms combine cardio and strength equipment suitable for any fitness-level such as cross-trainers, treadmills, hand bikes, lateral pull down, shoulder press equipment, leg press, and oblique equipment. The courts are fully-fenced with line marking for five-a-side soccer, basketball, or netball.

Several of these outdoor gyms also include multi-use games arenas such as the ones built at Richlands, Alderley, Moorooka, Toowong and Tingalpa. Next in line to have these kind of facilities will be Ferny Grove, Zillmere, Kangaroo Point, Runcorn, and Holland Park.

So far, more than 130 of Brisbane City Council parks have been installed with exercise equipment that are free to use. Facilities range from simple and static equipment to movable and interactive equipment for cardio and resistance training including rowing and stepping machines.

“With our enviable weather, it’s no wonder that people want to do more in the outdoors and Council’s outdoor gyms are providing an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional gym memberships.”

“Over the coming 18 months, fitness equipment will be installed at a further 10 locations, to ensure our local parks help create a vibrant and liveable city,” concludes Cr Quirk.

QASMT Expansion Works in Toowong Raises Environmental Concerns

Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology – The ongoing QASMT expansion works are currently raising ecological issues for Toowong Creek.

The QASMT expansion is part of the government’s Building Future Schools Fund which aims to deliver new and innovative education infrastructure solutions for growing communities.

For QASMT in Toowong, the expansion’s main goal is to enable the school to accommodate up to 1,200 students by 2021.

QASMT Expansion

QASMT’s proposed new northern learning centre. Photo credit: yoursay.buildingfutureschools.advancingeducation.qld.gov.au

The expansion involves two stages. Stage 1 will be complete by the start of the 2019 school year to accommodate Year 7 students. This stage primarily involves the refurbishment of existing school infrastructure.

QASMT’s proposed new eastern STEM hub. Photo credit: yoursay.buildingfutureschools.advancingeducation.qld.gov.au

On the other hand, QASMT targets the completion of Stage 2 at the start of the 2020 school year to provide accommodation for Years 8 and 9 students. The final stage includes a new northern learning centre and a new eastern STEM hub.

Community Consultation

QASMT expansion’s site plan. Photo credit: yoursay.buildingfutureschools.advancingeducation.qld.gov.au

Following the Department of Education’s community consultation for the said expansion, they have considered the feedback from the community and incorporated them into the updated expansion plans.

Changes to the expansions include the following:

Reduction in the number of additional carparks on-site – additional carparks will be added under the Northern Learning Centre.
Removal of a proposed formal carpark accessed via Miskin Street.
New kiss and ride facility on Bywong Street to improve traffic flow and access to on-street parking.
The location of the Northern Learning Centre has been adjusted to move it further from Toowong Creek.
The Eastern STEM Building has been reduced in height to be the same height as the existing buildings.

Environmental Impact

Toowong Habitat Protection Group is one of the major opponents of the expansion. This is mainly due to the ecological impact of the development of new buildings on Toowong Creek.

The group has identified several issues of concern including the development’s effects on the surrounding vegetation and animals as well as the area’s traffic conditions.

Clearing of Multiple Trees

Trees marked for removal. Photo credit: Toowong Habitat Protection Group/Facebook

Furthermore, the habitat protection group says that the development will require clearing of 59 trees. Unfortunately, one of the trees that are subject for removal is approximately more than 300 years old.

Clearing of these trees will certainly affect multiple animal species in the area. Currently, the Toowong Creek, as well as its buffer zone, is a sensitive and significant ecological area. In fact, around seven threatened wildlife species including Tusked Frog, Powerful Owl, and Grey Headed Flying Fox inhabit the proposed building location.

The ring tailed possum is one of the endangered species that is at risk due to habitat clearing. Photo credit: Toowong Habitat Protection Group/Facebook

Loss of habitat is not the only issue that can affect these animals as noise and dust pollution during construction can also significantly affect wildlife behaviour. The group has also cited that “scientific publications/literature shows construction noise depletes frog numbers, reduces reproductive physiology, and induces the likelihood of epidemiologic disease”.

Whilst the group is supportive of the government’s investment in education, their efforts focus on minimising the impact of the new buildings on community and natural assets.

Should you be interested in joining the group’s effort in saving Toowong Creek, you may visit their page to learn more about what you can do to help.

Brisbane’s First Italian Restaurant Mama Luigi’s Property Could be Relocated to Toowong

A historic Italian restaurant property on St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley, could be moved to St Osyth Street in Toowong should a change to a development application get approval.

Berson Properties Pty Ltd initially requested to demolish the house at 240 St Pauls Terrace where the Mama Luigi’s used to operate. The restaurant stopped operating in the 1980s, but the name still brings many dear memories to those who remember. To many, back in the day, it was the first time they tasted Italian cuisine.

Mama Luigi’s was the first Italian restaurant in the whole of Brisbane. Historians also believe that this may have been the first foreign food restaurant in the city.

When the developer proposed to demolish the property, many locals voiced their opposition. The house is not heritage listed and the only protection it has is its inclusion in the Pre-1911 building overlay. The property was added to the Brisbane City Plan Pre-1911 list on 1 December 2017.

Possible Move to Toowong

Because of the Pre-1911 building protection, the developer is now proposing a transfer of the property to 15 St Osyth Street in Toowong. The Toowong site owner, J Hutchinson Pty Ltd, has consented to the proposed transfer.

The proposed site for the transfer currently has an existing dwelling house, which was built after 1946. Since the existing property is not heritage-listed and does not fall under Pre-1911 building overlay or commercial character building overlay, Berson Properties is proposing to demolish it to accommodate the former Mama Luigi’s house.

Berson Properties believes that the Toowong site is suitable for the Pre-1911 property as it is subject to the Traditional Building Character Overlay. This, the developer says, will ensure that the building character will be secured.

Despite what seems to be a compromise, people opposed to the demolition are still not happy with the proposed transfer.

Councillor Jared Cassidy believes that the building should be retained at its original location. He thinks that the proposed transfer would remove the property from the site where it is associated and such action would just be as bad as demolition.

The council has done an initial review of the change in the DA. It is asking the applicant to provide further details about the protection of the building during relocation as well as other issues such as flood risk, a tree that could be removed and existing stormwater infrastructure in the Toowong site.

Learn more about the DA (A004903937).

Toowong Is Among the Healthiest Suburbs in Brisbane

Toowong is among Brisbane’s healthiest suburbs, according to a Domain Healthy Brisbane study.

The first-ever study, in partnership with Deloitte Access Economics and Tract Consultants, compares 260 Greater Brisbane suburbs based on 10 indicators that either promote or hinder residents from achieving a healthy lifestyle.

These indicators include walkability, active transport to work, open space, tree cover, and volunteering. Based on these indicators, each suburb is then given a rating from 0.5 (poorest) to 5 (best) stars.

Promotion Indicators:

Walkability – Measures the urban environment’s capacity for walking combined with safety, efficient and enjoyable walking experience.
Active Transport to Work – Measures the percentage of residents in the labour force travelling to work, through walking or cycling, from their residence. Scores favour those suburbs with close proximity to employment centres or have access to bicycle routes.
Open Space – Measures the proportion of a suburb covered by public open space, providing an opportunity for active recreation and participation in sporting activities.
Tree Cover – Measures the percentage of tree cover of a suburb. Tree cover is known to have calming effects and aids in recovery, as well a reducing air pollution and lowering urban temperatures.
Access to Fresh Food/Supermarkets – Measures the density of supermarket and fresh food retailers in a suburb per 1000 of the population.
Volunteering – Measures the proportion of the suburb’s population involved in volunteer work.

Hindrance Indicators:

Fast Food Stores – measures the ease of access to fast-food. A high density of fast-food store equates to greater accessibility. The final accessibility score is the average of individual suburb scores plus the scores of neighbouring suburbs.
Liquors Stores – Measures the density of residents per packaged liquor store.

Recovery Indicators:

Hospitals – The average of a suburb’s distance to a hospital and the number of hospital beds per 1000 population.
Allied/Community Health – Combines both the allied and community facilities that are available for residents in a particular suburb.

Many of these indicators were smoothed to account for “boundary effects” such as a road dividing suburbs, where a large park is located just across that boundary. The study is designed to create a better understanding of the opportunities that suburbs provide its residents that promotes healthy living.

Three Historical Memorials in Toowong Cemetery

On 21 October 1992, three historical memorials in Toowong Cemetery—Trooper Cobb’s Grave, Temple of Peace, and Caskey Monument—were entered into the Queensland Heritage Register list for their aesthetic, cultural, and historical significance.

Trooper Cobb’s Grave

Trooper Cobb’s Grave was erected in 1901, as a memorial of Trooper John Cobb of the 3rd Queensland Mounted Infantry. Trooper John Cobb died in 1901 just days after returning from the South African War; he was 44 years old.

*Photo credit: Kerry Raymond / Wikimedia Commons*

His grave was constructed by Andrew Lang Petrie and is the only known grave that was erected in memory of a soldier who served in the South African War. The memorial is made of Helidon sandstone, about 1.9 metres long and one metre wide. On top is a carved sandstone—a rifle, hat with emu plume and badge, and a bandolier along with a marble plate bearing an inscription.

Trooper Cobb’s Grave was cited by the Queensland Heritage Register for its historical significance because it’s a rare memorial of a soldier who served in the South African War.

Temple of Peace

Temple of Peace was erected by Richard Ramo in 1924, in memory of his four sons. Whilst researchers were unable to confirm, it was alleged that his three natural sons— Victor, Henry, and Gordon—were killed in the First World War. Ferdinand Christian Borell, his foster son, died of self-inflicted gunshot wound. Sitting atop Fred’s sarcophagus is the statue of Ramo’s dog who was “maliciously poisoned”.

*Photo credit: Rocketrod1960 / Wikimedia Commons*

The Temple of Peace is a rectangular memorial about 2.7 metres long, 1.7 metres wide, and 3 metres high. The mausoleum features tapered corner pillar, a canopy with corner finials shaped like urns, a miniature mausoleum housing a lamp of remembrance. More than just a memorial, Temple of Peace is a unique monument bearing inscription that expressed pacifist and anti-war sentiments.

The Queensland Heritage Register citation recognizes the Temple of Peace for its outstanding historical significance. Designed and built by Ramo himself, the inscriptions attests to his links to the Industrial Workers of the World–a dissident organisation which sought to unite workers to overthrow capitalism and resist war.

The Temple of Peace is an anti-war monument that is a mix of a mausoleum and Indian temple with eccentric design and emotive inscriptions that express a sense of loss, instability, despair, and hopelessness.

Caskey Monument

Caskey Monument, the first South African War monument, was erected in 1902 in memory of Lieutenant Lachlan John Caskey who was a member of the 5th Queensland Imperial Bushmen. The memorial was designed by prominent monumental mason William Busby and was sponsored by the State Government.

*Photo credit: Reubot / Wikimedia Commons*

The Caskey Monument, along with Berry and MacFarlane Monument, Anning Monument, and South African War Memorial, is one of the few known South African War monuments in Brisbane.

The memorial features an obelisk on a pedestal draped in a shroud. Below is a quill that serves as a tribute to Caskey’s academic achievements. To acknowledge his sporting interests, the west face features a crossed tennis racquets and a crossed cricket bats on the east. Completing the theme’s features is a football on the front of the pedestal.

The Caskey Monument was entered into the Heritage Register list for its historical importance being the “first known South African War memorial in Queensland and a model for later monuments in this state. The monument provides a unique source of historical information, and the design is important in illustrating the social fashion and attitudes of its era.”

Toowong Home Value Makes Good Increase, Hits $827,500

The REIQ recently reported the latest housing market statistics which showed Toowong median house price at $827,500. That is a slight decrease by -0.6% over the last 12 months but an increase of 22.9% over the last 5 years. In the 2nd quarter of 2018, there were 9 homes sold in the suburb.

“In my opinion, buyers in the property market for 2017 were almost in a frenzy to secure a property as supply had begun to tighten 2 years earlier and they had been starved of properties for sale,” said Byrony O’ Neill based in Auchenflower.

“They were seeing fewer homes on the market and therefore weren’t questioning the asking prices of Sellers. There were some record prices achieved in this year. For 2018, I feel the buyers are taking a step back and analysing if the price of the property they are considering, represents value.

“Most house buyers in the suburb are shopping with a budget of between $900K to $1.5m and are looking for 4 bedroom homes on 600sqm or more allotments, with first home owners targeting apartments as an entry into the suburb.

“I believe there are fewer buyers through the open homes this year as people either bought in 2017 or decided to stay and renovate due to not being able to find another property to relocate.

“With a steading increase in the Toowong median house price, sitting at $860,000 way above the Brisbane median house price of $680,000, Toowong is out-performing most suburbs with property values and desirability,” O’Neill said.

Knock Downs

O’Neill said she noticed a trend that has become more apparent this year and that is the increasing demand for properties which can be demolished or vacant land within the inner-western school catchment zones.

“Properties within close proximity of these schools are increasingly in demand and are a major driver in a buyer’s purchasing decision. Buyers are choosing to buy into school catchment zones, demolish the original property and build a home which is perfectly suited to their family,” she said

‘No Frills’ Units

“Buyers for apartments are active in the market, but they are particular about where they are willing to invest,” said O’Neill.

“Despite an oversupply of units in the Brisbane market, older style apartments in small, low maintenance complexes with reasonable body corporate levies are selling in record time.

“Whilst they may not be able to compete with the brand new boutique apartments, they offer an opportunity for buyers who recognise the potential of adding modern improvements. These apartments tend to be generous in size with solid foundations that are ideal for renovating. The buildings are also smaller which appeals to buyers searching for a ‘no frills’ complex and low body corporate fees – something that is difficult to find in the abundance of the new, resort-style complexes.”

Petition to Rename Toowong Cycle and Pedestrian Overpass Launched

A campaign was launched to rename the Toowong Cycle and Pedestrian Overpass to “Canon Garland and Anzac Memorial Cycle and Pedestrian Overpass”

The $5.4 million Toowong Cycle and Pedestrian Overpass was constructed between 2008-2009. The overpass links the Anzac Park and the adjacent Brisbane Botanic Gardens with the Western Freeway Bikeway. The overpass provides a safe way for cyclists and pedestrians to cross the freeway and access the facilities in the adjoining areas including Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens, Anzac Park, and Toowong State School.

The overpass features a 60 metre-long freeway-crossing, 160 metres of elevated structure, and fully enclosed screen protecting pedestrians from objects falling onto the roadway. Extensive additional pathways and ramp construction works by the Brisbane City Council along Mt Coot-tha Road are currently underway. This means that the overpass will extend eastwards and northwards into the Toowong Cemetery.

“Renaming this overpass would be a fitting gesture to mark the Centenary of the Signing of the Armistice which ended the Great War (1914-1918) and acknowledge the exceptional national, cultural and historical significance of the surrounding spaces and honour the memory of the ‘Architect of Anzac Day’, ” the petition said.

Canon Garland Memorial Society Inc./YouTube

The petition addressed to The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland earned the support of Canon Garland Memorial Society Incorporated.

Anglican chaplain Canon Garland, a chaplain at the Enoggera Army Barracks during World War I, is recognized as the “Architect of Anzac Day’. Garland, serving as secretary of the ANZAC Day Commemoration Committee of Queensland, created the format by which to honour and remember the fallen at the landing at Gallipoli. On 25 April 1916, the first ANZAC Day was commemorated through a wide variety of services and ceremonies in Australia, London, and the Australian camp in Egypt.

The year 2018 happens to be the centenary year of the Signing of the Armistice and renaming the overpass is also a fitting tribute to the agreement that ended the Great War. The petition will be closed on 12 October.

Locals interested to join the e-petition may visit this link.

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