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Vibrant Racecourse Road Awaits Locals With Street Tree Bud Lighting Project

Take an evening stroll down Racecourse Road Precinct in Hamilton and enjoy the magical view of trees illuminated by fairy lights.

The street tree bud lighting has been installed to increase night-time amenity and identity for the local shopping precinct and create a vibrant neighbourhood for the local community and visitors.

According to Racecourse Road Precinct Business Group president Kate Peereboom, five different contractors and traffic management crews worked together to install thousands of metres of lights on 40 trees in one month.

Businesses and landlords were supportive of the project so the installation was done smoothly, with little disruption to businesses located in the street. Most of the works were completed at night and the installation of lights were completed ahead of their target completion date.

The lights were first lit in time for the commencement of the Brisbane Racing Club’s winter carnival last month, where thousands of spectators visited the precinct.

To celebrate the success of this project, the “Up in Lights” community event was held at St Augustine’s Anglican Church on 10 May 2019 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Locals got to enjoy an evening of live music, street food, pop-up bars, face painting, and kids lantern-making.

The lighting project is sponsored by Bernborough-Lendlease, St. Joseph’s Nudgee College and Brisbane Racing Club.

This is part of the Village Precinct Projects grant funded program, wherein Council will design and deliver public realm improvements, breathing new life into local shopping precincts with the aim of contributing to the commercial vitality of the precinct by creating:

a beautiful precinct – high-quality, attractive public spaces that are accessible, safe and comfortable to walk through; spaces that encourage the local community to meet, linger and enjoy
a precinct for people – streets that are inclusive and inviting places for everyone to shop, socialise and relax
a sense of place – reinforcing the local character and pride, and creating distinctive subtropical spaces for local residents, businesses and visitors to connect with and belong to.

For more information about the Racecourse Road street tree bud lighting project, visit the Brisbane City Council website.

Brothers Rugby Club to Rework Crosby Park Master Plan

Artist’s impression of the Crosby Park (Photo Credit: Brothers Rugby)

Following a consultation with the Albion community earlier this year, the Brothers Rugby Club has taken the feedback onboard and decided to revise their plans for Crosby Park.

Based on the community consultation held in February 2019, the top three concerns of the residents are the trees, loss of public space, and covered seating.

To address these concerns, the club proposed to reduce the impact on existing trees to an estimated 12. Brothers guaranteed to enhance green space by planting new trees in the area.

In addition to increasing the public green space along Crosby Road, the club proposes to provide covered tiered seating at new grandstand area and more terraced landscaped seating around the fields.

Next Steps

Brothers will conduct further pre-lodgement meetings with Council officers and State government and will do another round of community consultation in the months to come.

Once the revised development proposal is approved, the club will start working on the funding and development of the project.

About the Crosby Park Upgrade

With more than 4,000 members to date, Brothers decided to come up with enhancements on the fields and facilities to meet the current and future demand of their ever-growing user base.

The upgrade is proposed to take place in two stages over a 24-month period.

Stage 1 includes resurfacing of the existing sporting fields, upgrading Field Two’s lighting, and new seating for spectators.

It also includes construction of a new game and training facility, space for allied use tenancies, and repositioning of the main club parking facilities.

Meanwhile, the second stage will be for the construction of commercial spaces that could be food and beverage, health, sport or recreation-related.

Stage 2 will also include the introduction of car parking spaces off Crosby Road and further repositioning and upgrading the main Club parking facilities to achieve greater efficiency and more parking spaces overall.

Spread Climate Change Awareness through Art in this Workshop in Albion

Photo Credit: Brisbane Street Art Festival

Art can be a powerful tool in raising awareness on climate change and this will be highlighted in “Be the Change,” an upcoming workshop in Albion this weekend.

“Be the Change” workshop will be held on 11 May 2019 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Artists Alike, 39 Corunna St, Albion.

The upcoming event puts a retrospective look at climate change and will serve as an opportunity to conceptualise and put into practise creative works that will encourage change. Workshop media will focus on spray paints and street art as a creative outlet.

About ‘Be the Change’ Workshop

The workshop is part of the Brisbane Street Art Festival, an annual public art event that seeks to provide opportunities for creative practitioners and the wider community to develop positive partnerships through engagement and collaboration.

This year’s festival will be two weeks full of live mural art, music, theatre, numerous exhibitions, creative master classes and workshops from some of the leading creatives, offering a diverse program of learning, creative development and collaboration.

The city-wide outdoor art festival will also display over 45 street art pieces from some of the best artists from Australia.

“Be the Change” is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. Tickets cost $10 per participant and can be bought via Brisbane Street Art Festival website. BSAF 2019, which runs from May 4-19, is sponsored by the Brisbane City Council.

Over 16,000 Plants to Be Planted at Hercules Street Park at Northshore, Hamilton

With the upgrade at Hercules Street Park officially commencing in January 2019, over 16,000 plants will soon be planted throughout the park, also known as Hamilton Recreation Reserve. The project is part of the $10-million revitalisation of the park at Northshore, Hamilton.

The Hercules Street Park upgrade project will increase the park’s size as well as deliver improvements: fig garden, picnic areas, fitness and recreation areas, village garden, kiosk and bike hub, junior playground, water play area, and a dog park.

*Photo Credit: The Queensland Government / haveyoursay.dsdmip.qld.gov.au*

“The 16,000 plants will give life to the park’s many facilities such as the barbecue and picnic areas, children’s playground, dog off-leash area and walking paths – which will be fully lit at night,” Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said.

“The design of the park also includes a system where the water used as part of the children’s playground water play facility will be captured and held in a holding tank, then used for irrigation purposes.

“The water play facility will be a hugely popular feature of this park, especially during a hot Queensland summer.

“This is a smart and responsible use of our resources, reusing water to keep the plants and grass healthy, and the park will be greener and greater because of this,” Mr Dick said.

In December 2018, Economic Development Queensland appointed JMac Constructions, landscaping arm of BMD Group, as the official contractor of the Hercules Street Park upgrade project.

“The mass planting is going to add so much greenery to this area and change the face of the entry roads to Northshore,” JMac Constructions General Manager Jason Lindsay said.

The Hercules Street Park revitalisation project is set to be completed before Christmas 2019.

Kingsford Smith Drive Upgrade Developer Faces Shareholder Class Action

A shareholder class action against the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade developer, Lendlease Group (LLC), has been filed in the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

The class action alleges that LLC failed to adequately disclose a long-running problem that has been troubling its Engineering and Services Business; resulting in a single-day trading loss of 18 percent.

It was also reported that in the year ending June 30, the Engineering and Services division lost $218 million, driven mainly by its three engineering projects — NorthConnex in Sydney, Kingsford Smith Drive, and Gateway Upgrade North, both in Brisbane.

Construction issues such as weather delays, inability to access ready-planned work, and defective design that required rework were among the reasons cited for costs blow out.

Kingsford Smith Drive Upgrade | Video Credit: Brisbane City Council / YouTube

On 9 November 2018, LLC revealed to the market that it had “identified ‘further underperformance’ in its Engineering and Services Business, which it considered was likely to necessitate a provision of approximately $350 million after tax,” prompting the company to review its Engineering and Services Business.

LLC’s share price considerably declined that day, resulting in a single-day trading loss of more than 18 percent. On 25 February 2019, share prices tumbled further after half-year results showed pre-tax loss amounting to $500 million due to its Engineering and Services Business’ underperformance.

LLC also announced that its Engineering and Services Business is ‘no longer a required part of the Group’s strategy” and is looking at an estimated restructuring cost of $450-$550 million before tax. The following days saw LLC’s share price suffering from further declines.

The shareholder class action filed by legal firm Maurice Blackburn, on behalf of Lendlease investors, alleges that LLC “failed to comply with its continuous disclosure obligations under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and the ASX Listing Rules and engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct in respect of the performance of its Engineering and Services Business.”

Maurice Blackburn encourages Lendlease investors who acquired an interest in Lendlease shares and/or American Depositary Receipts between 17 November 2017 and 8 November 2018 (inclusive) to register by COB 17 May, 2019.

“We will allege that investors who acquired securities in this period paid an inflated price and should be entitled to recover some of their losses through our shareholder class action,” Maurice Blackburn said.

New Lord Mayor Announces Breakfast Creek Green Bridge

The stretch of Kingsford Smith Drive River Walk that will be connected to Newstead with the proposed Breakfast Creek Green Bridge (Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council)

A green bridge designed exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists is proposed for Breakfast Creek, allowing safer and easier travel from Hamilton to Newstead in the years to come.

This new green bridge, which will connect the 1.2-km Kingsford Smith Drive River Walk stretch to Newstead, will be a carless bridge. Currently, pedestrians and cyclists have to cross Breakfast Creek via a busy bridge.

It is among the five bridges announced by Brisbane’s new Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, who assumed the office after the sudden resignation of Graham Quirk.

Cr Schrinner emphasized that one of the great weaknesses of Brisbane in the past has been the lack of bridges and that the city needs more bridges going forward to help make it easier to get around.

“These bridges will accommodate, in some cases, public transport, but they will also accommodate walking and cycling to get people out of their cars, to reduce traffic congestion and create a cleaner, greener Brisbane,” he said.

The council would fund two-thirds of the cost of the bridges, which are estimated to cost at least $550 million. The remaining funds will be sought from the state and federal governments.

Like the plan for Breakfast Creek, the Council is also seeking to construct a new pedestrian and cycle bridge connecting Kangaroo Point to the CBD. Currently, the council is undertaking a business case to pursue the plans of a new bridge in the suburb.

Apart from pedestrian and cycles bridges in Breakfast Creek and Kangaroo Point, the new Lord Mayor also announced a potential pedestrian, cycle, and public transport bridge for linking Bellbowrie to Wacol, Toowong to West End, and St Lucia to West End.

Hamilton’s Most Expensive Homes Sold in 2018

There were several high profile multi-million property sales in 2018 across Brisbane, and four of the most expensive homes sold were from Hamilton, a testament to the ever-growing demand for prestige homes in the suburb, the latest report from Domain group said.

19 Lawes Street, Hamilton

This 500-sqm L-shaped home is designed to take advantage of the amazing of views to the south across the Brisbane river and the city. It features 5 bedrooms with a study, 3 bathrooms, 2 car parking spaces, grassy and secured backyard, inground pool, reception area, timber staircases, floor to ceiling glass, and centrally located kitchen.

*Photo Credit: Domain Group / domain.com.au*

The property was bought in 1999 for $1.17 million. Twenty years after, it was again sold in October 2018 for $5 million.

41 Dickson Terrace, Hamilton

A brand-new house that was sold last November 2018 for $5.25 million to a local Brisbane buyer days before its scheduled listing. The 4-bedroom 4.5-bathroom house offers a sweeping view of the river and the city. It also features a double-garage, a pool, two kitchens, two living rooms, an entertainment room, office, and internal lift.

30 Windermere Road, Hamilton

Set on a 2,024-sqm lot, this 6-beds 4-baths home was sold for $5.95 million last April 2018. The last time it hit the market was in August 2012; selling for $4,685,000. This extremely attractive house, described by its previous owner as a “little resort,” features a main bedroom with walk-in robe and access to a balcony, plenty of entertainment rooms, and ensuite with twin vanities, and a kitchen that overlooks to the living and dining area.

This large property also has a swimming pool, championship-size tennis court, 3,000-bottle wine cellar with an 8-seater table, five car parking spaces, wooden floors, high ceilings, and large sliding doors.

1A Eldernell Terrace, Hamilton

This residence was last sold in April 2008 for $6.1 million before hitting the market again and getting sold last February 2018 for $7.25 million. Sitting on a 910-sqm land, the Harry Poulous designed 3-level five-bedroom elegant home underwent contemporary renovation. It offers fantastic views of the Brisbane river, Gateway Bridge, and the city skyline.

Features of the house include: upper-level master suite with large walk-in robe, marble ensuite, four baths, 4 parking spaces, floor to ceiling glass, new kitchen and butcher’s pantry, and a second kitchen for casual dining.

The house also features a guest retreat area, double New Guinea Rosewood doors, Himalayan sandstone steps, Paul Bangay-inspired garden, and a temperature-controlled wine cellar.

36 Dickson Tce

36 Dickson Tce, or more popularly known as the Christopher Skase house, was 2018’s post-New Year surprise sale, changing hands for $10.138 million when hotelier Steven Shoobridge acquired the property in a hush-hush deal.

Built by one of Australia’s most notorious businessman in the 1990s, the luxurious mansion is considered to be a bargain at over $10 million, considering that Skase spent $35 million for its construction in 1988. An additional $5 million was spent for its renovation in 1997.

Hamilton Hotel: Know the History of This Brisbane Icon

Photo Credit: Hamilton Hotel/Facebook

Did you know that Hamilton Hotel, eponymously named after the prominent Hamilton family, became one of the earliest reference points in the area after they established it in 1865 and was instrumental in the naming of the suburb?

In 1865, solicitor Gustav Hamilton had his wooden homestead constructed, on the same site where the current hotel stands, as a meeting place for horse racing identities. Eventually, the Hamilton Hotel became the reference point of the district.

There weren’t a lot of buildings in the area during those days, thus the Hamilton Hotel stood out.

Mr Hamilton’s family was originally from Toowomba, according to a 1906 report. He and his family, however, would often visit the areas in the north bank of the Brisbane River thus he had this building made.

The white building at the back was Hamilton Hotel, circa 1912.
Photo Credit: Lost Brisbane/*Facebook*

Coincidentally, one of the first lessees of the Hamilton Hotel, a Mrs Warren, was also married to another Mr Hamilton. Since most of the occupants of the hotel came from different Hamilton family branches, the family name gradually became the name of the whole district.

As the town progressed, aristocrats and clergy would call Hamilton their home. The suburb became well-known for its wealthy residents.

These were the houses of the old rich in Hamilton, circa 1930s.
Photo Credit: *State Library of Queensland*

Gustav would eventually sell Hamilton Hotel after deciding to retire in Toowomba. A man named Sam Hamilton bought the place and capitalised on the hotel’s good name.

The Hamilton Hotel would change owners a few more times. Its previous operators were J.R. Ahern and his wife, and E.J. Stewart of the Stewart Hotels.

In the 1960s, the new owners, Castlemaine Perkins Ltd under a Mr and Mrs A. Cox, rebuilt the hotel into a modern two-storey building with a parking facility to accommodate 225 cars, the largest in any hotel in Queensland at that time.

The newly-renovated hotel had a private bar fronting Racecourse Road, which could accommodate 200 guests, along with a public bar fronting Kingsford Smith Drive, which could have 400 guests.

Hamilton Hotel also had eight cold rooms at the back and an additional three rooms with walls that can be dismantled for other uses. This made it easier for the hotel staff to serve bar guests refreshing drinks and good food.

All the self-contained rooms on the second floor, on the other hand, had their own toilet and bath, Hallstrom refrigerator, television, and telephone. There was also a built-in table in each room so that traveling businessmen can make their quarters their temporary office.

In the 1970s, Hamilton Hotel once again underwent renovations to include the Pioneer Grill Room, the Tally Ho Bar and the River Rooms fine dining area. Here, business seminars, birthday parties, and wedding celebrations were accommodated.

In 2015, Hamilton Hotel celebrated its 150th birthday. Today, the hotel remains popular for locals and tourists. It has kept with the times as a trendy venue offering four bars, a bistro, a restaurant, a child and gaming facility, and a couple of function rooms for elegant parties.

10-Storey Commercial Tower Proposed for Sandgate Road and Higgs Street in Albion

A ten-storey commercial building has been proposed to rise at 11 Sandgate Road and 4 Higgs Street in Albion.

Proposed by DRJ Investments Pty Ltd and designed by Red Door Architects, the proposed project is situated in a prime location, just next to the Breakfast Creek Hotel. It also sits adjacent to the Inner City Bypass (ICB) and within walking distance of the Albion Park Raceway and Newstead Park. A pedestrian and cyclist track separates the site from the ICB.

Albion Development Application — *Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

Albion Development Application site — *Site of the Albion Development Application (Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)*

Under the proposal, there will be eight floors of retail space, with levels 1 and 2 designed to be showrooms. Parking for cars, bicycles and motorcycles will be provided at three basement levels.

Aside from the showroom, the ground floor will feature a lobby and reception space as well as a café. The top floor is envisioned to house a roof bar and kitchen with a bar and restaurant, services and equipment, and other amenities.

*Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

According to the development application, the project will significantly add retail, commercial and hospitality to the area, which is surrounded by residential buildings.

The developer describes the design as responsive to the subtropical climate of Brisbane, whilst enriching the urban biodiversity of the local area. The design provides communal shaded space with trees and deep planting at the end of Higgs Street. Green spaces will continue along the pedestrian pathway at the southern boundary.

Landscaped spaces will also be created at an elevated outdoor terrace on the third floor and the roof terrace at the tenth floor.

Initial Review

Brisbane City Planning has done an initial review of the development application and requested additional information and amendments to some portions of the proposal. Among the issues raised include provision of a verge to Higgs Street and easement at the southern boundary.

The review also noted that the plans need to provide additional deep planting area for large shade trees. According to City Planning, the present proposal only provides 49.5 square metres or 1.9% of deep planting area.

Other issues raised include flood impacts and stormwater quality management.

Find out more about Development Application A005081009.

Hamilton Among Top 10 Priciest Suburbs in Queensland

Did you know that Hamilton has consistently been amongst the priciest suburbs in Brisbane for 2018? In fact, it is currently one of the top 10 most expensive suburbs in Queensland.

Brisbane’s property market is looking bright this year. In fact, experts say that it may even be better than the residential market of Melbourne and Sydney.

Despite the challenges in Brisbane’s property market including oversupply and decline in unit prices, the growth of job opportunities in the area helps in boosting property demands.

Hamilton’s Steady Growth

Since the second quarter of 2018, Hamilton’s property market has been promising. The suburb even reached the median house price of $1,442,000, a huge 32.9% increase in a 12-month period.

This notable increase in house prices has made Hamilton the top performer in Brisbane LGA and fifth in Queensland in early 2018. The suburb now also has the distinction of being the most expensive suburb on the list of QLD best performers.

By the third quarter of 2018, Hamilton was still amongst the highest valued Brisbane suburbs as the region achieves an annual median house price increase of 2.3 percent.

Brisbane was able to set a new record high of $675,000, according to the September quarter of the REIQ Queensland Market Monitor report. This is mainly due to several of its suburbs hitting the $1-million annual median sale, including Hamilton.

Queensland’s Priciest Suburbs

Furthermore, Hamilton’s current median house price of $1,302,500 makes it the eighth priciest suburb across Queensland.

Interestingly, the latest property market data also revealed Ascot as the most expensive suburb across the state. The northern suburb ends the longtime dominance of the inner-city suburb, Teneriffe.

Following is the complete list of the suburbs that made to the top of the list:

Ascot $1,600,000
Chandler $1,580,000
Teneriffe $1,577,500
New Farm $1,500,000
Sunshine Beach $1,500,000
Mermaid Beach $1,456,000
Bulimba $1,320,000
Hamilton $1,302,500
Chevallum $1,300,000
Upper Brookfield $1,280,000