Hercules Street Park Now Open After Multi-million Dollar Upgrade

The Hercules Street Park (Hamilton Recreation Reserve) has been reopened following the completion of its $10-million upgrade works.

The park upgrade project is part of the Northshore Hamilton urban renewal, which will see the  304-hectare industrial area transformed into a 2.5km riverside precinct over the next 20 years.

“Since Northshore Hamilton was declared a PDA in 2008, the landscape of the industrial and port precinct has changed dramatically,” Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said.

Funding for the Hercules Street Park upgrade project was made possible through contributions from developers in the Northshore Hamilton PDA. The upgrade works took under 12 months to complete. 

The new Hercules Street Park features 16,000 new plants; a playground and water play facility; a “pup-graded” dog off-leash park; a multicourt play area and exercise; and a barbeque and seating areas.

Mr Dick added that the playground features a multi-level industrial themed container play structure with a four-metre-high tube-slide and a traditional swing. The smart water play area, he said, utilises water captured and stored in tanks, and features a “synchronised programs and lighting at night to create a family-friendly space.”

Northshore Hamilton is Queensland’s largest waterfront urban renewal project with the State Government’s property development and community-shaping agency, Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), having already invested a total of $77 million in infrastructure to date.

The private sector, meanwhile, has invested approximately $1 billion across 3,000 residences, 20,000sqm of retail, and 22,000sqm of commercial space.

“Over the last ten years development in the $5 billion mix-use precinct has seen the delivery of high-quality housing at Portside Wharf and Hamilton Reach; two CityCat terminals and the Eat Street Markets that attract over 1 million visitors per annum.

“Disused industrial places and spaces have been replaced with The Deck, Factories Precinct, Incubation Zones, EV charging stations and Tennis Australia courts.

“Some of the best international and national institutional developers have played a significant role in Northshore’s transformation, including Frasers Property, Brookfield, Shayher Group, Alceon and Devine.

“Locals, visitors, residents, workers and families can continue to enjoy the fruits of their efforts at Brisbane’s newest park in this revitalised precinct,” Mr Dick concluded.



DA Lodged for Brothers Rugby Union Club Refurbishment Masterplan

The Brothers Rugby Union Club has lodged a development application seeking approval for the refurbishment of Brothers Rugby Club and its sporting facilities at Crosby Park in Albion, over two stages.

The subject site, located at 103 Crosby Road, Albion, comprises five parcels of land with a total area of 55,141 sqm in relation to the masterplan area. 

Commonly known as Crosby Park, the site is currently occupied by Brothers Rugby Club consisting of a clubhouse, function facility, gym, change rooms, on-site car parking, and outdoor sport and recreation facilities in the form of two Rugby Union fields.

DA Lodged for Brothers Rugby Union Club Refurbishment Masterplan
Aerial photo of subject site by Near Map, 2019
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council – Urbis / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
DA Lodged for Brothers Rugby Union Club Refurbishment Masterplan
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council – Urbis / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Designed by bureau^proberts, the proposed development will be carried out in a two-stage masterplan, with Stage 1 broken down into three sub-stages, and is expected to be completed over an 18-month period.

Stage 1A involves field and lighting works and tiered seating, which is not assessable under the Brisbane City Plan 2014 and so does not form part of the development application.

DA Lodged for Brothers Rugby Union Club Refurbishment Masterplan
Existing Club’s Office and Administration
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council – Urbis / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
DA Lodged for Brothers Rugby Union Club Refurbishment Masterplan
Existing Club’s Club Gym and Changerooms
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council – Urbis / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Existing Function Facility/ Clubhouse
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council – Urbis / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Stage 1B involves the construction of a new clubhouse and ancillary administration areas with GFA of 1,656sqm, which includes the office area and associated board and meeting room, reception and shop, and the Club room, as well as a kitchen and a canteen. 

Change rooms and “player dressing sheds” are also proposed on the lower level of the refurbishment. These works will occur to the west of the Jack Ross Oval.

In the south western portion of the subject site, construction of a new 860sqm swim school and 160 car parking spaces, including 4 PWD, is also proposed.

DA Lodged for Brothers Rugby Union Club Refurbishment Masterplan
Artist impression – Photo credit: Brisbane City Council – Urbis / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

DA Lodged for Brothers Rugby Union Club Refurbishment Masterplan
Artist impression – Photo credit: Brisbane City Council – Urbis / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
DA Lodged for Brothers Rugby Union Club Refurbishment Masterplan
Artist impression – Photo credit: Brisbane City Council – Urbis / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Stage 1C includes the proposed 501sqm Health care services and the 603sqm Indoor sport and recreation facility in the form of two gyms, to be situated north of the main field.  Both facilities will be open for public use. 

The proposal also includes the introduction of new commercial tenancies to the north of Jack Ross Oval which includes four tenancies across two levels, along with the existing ancillary bar and a new beer garden.

Stage 2 continues the remainder of the refurbishment works to the west of the main field, including a function facility on the upper level and change rooms on the lower level.

DA Lodged for Brothers Rugby Union Club Refurbishment Masterplan
Perspectives of Clubhouse from the North West of Jack Ross Oval
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council –  Bureau Proberts / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
DA Lodged for Brothers Rugby Union Club Refurbishment Masterplan
Perspective of Club House from Car park looking East
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council – Bureau Proberts / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

“The proposed refurbishment to Brothers Rugby Club and its facilities provides a much-needed upgrade to align the club with Queensland premier rugby competition standards. In doing so it allows for the continued use of the facility as a formalised sport and recreation use as well as an informal one for the wider community for passive and active recreation,” Urbis Town Planning report said.

“In general, the proposed investment will considerably improve the Clubhouse and facilities, and increase accessibility and participation for people of all ages and abilities, providing an equal experience for everyone. The upgrade will also embrace and enhance the wide open spaces the community loves and enjoys at Crosby Park,” Brothers Rugby Club said.



Relax and Unwind at This Chic Wine Bar and Restaurant at Hamilton

Kick back, relax, and make wonderful memories with your family and friends over a bottle of wine at Mr & Mrs Jones Wine Bar and Restaurant in Hamilton.

Whether you are looking for a place to grab a quick bite to eat before or after the movies, a date night spot, or a place for either casual or late night drinking session with your best mates, there is no doubt that  At Mr & Mrs Jones is the place to be.

At Mr & Mrs Jones is one of Portside Wharf’s newest establishments. It opened last 7 November 2019 and it is currently located under Dendy Cinemas—making it an easy go-to spot for movie goers.

This wine bar and restaurant has a chic European-style interior that sets up the classy and sophisticated aura of the venue. It also has a side lounge with an open piano that can be used by anyone who feels like playing some notes. Plus, every Sunday, a live jazz session is being held inside the restaurant.

Apart from the restaurant’s interior features, dog owners will be delighted to know that At Mr and Mrs Jones has a dog-friendly terrace too. So, feel free to bring in your furbabies whilst sipping a glass of wine or two with friends.

Photo credit: At Mr & Mrs Jones/ Facebook



At Mr & Mrs Jones’ Offerings

Serving brunch and dinner menus, At Mr & Mrs Jones stands out for its food offerings that are skillfully made by Chef Warren Turnbull—one of Australia’s renowned chefs that is known for his work at Sydney institutions Banc and Assiette, as well as for founding Chur Burger.

A must-try from their menu are the Moreton Bay Bug Meatballs, Fraser Isle Spanner Crab, Hiramasa Kingfish, Crisp Confit Chicken Wings, and Goat’s Cheese Ravioli.

Crisp Confit Chicken Wings
Photo credit: At Mr & Mrs Jones/ Facebook

If you’re in the mood for some wine, relax and have a seat in one of the cosy red velvet armchairs at the restaurant and enjoy a glass or even a bottle of wine with a platter of charcuterie.

At Mr & Mrs Jones has a stellar selection of wine which includes Pol Roger, Perrier Jouet and Veuve Clicquot champagne, whites from Tasmania, SA, NZ, South Africa, Germany and reds from Tasmania, SA, NZ, Italy and Lebanon.

Photo credit: At Mr & Mrs Jones/ Facebook

Apart from At Mr and Mrs Jones’ wine selection, they also serve cocktails which include Mango and Orange Mai Tai, Lychee and Cranberry Highball, Pineapple and Tonka Bean Negroni, and Coffee and Caramel Espresso Martini. Beers, ciders and premium spirits are also available at the bar.

Opening Hours

Wednesday & Thursday12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

To know At Mr & Mrs Jones’ latest updates and offerings, click here.



Bretts Wharf Plaza Officially Opens in Kingsford Smith Drive

The much-awaited completion of Bretts Wharf Plaza is finally done. The new multi-function park area and public event space officially opened at the end of November 2019 with a special celebration attended by locals and VIPs. 

As part of the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade, Bretts Wharf Plaza will connect to the Racecourse Road entertainment precinct, Hamilton Park, and the Lores Bonney Riverwalk. The latter is a modern heritage trail that tells the history of the precinct. 

Bretts Wharf Plaza, located just a few metres off the new Brett Wharf terminal built last 2015, will also link with the Portside and Northshore Hamilton. 



“The opening of Bretts Wharf Plaza and a new park area is an exciting milestone for the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade, adding to the already opened Lores Bonney Riverwalk and paying tribute to our past with a new heritage trail exploring the history of the local area,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said during the opening ceremonies.

The park may now be enjoyed by locals who would like to take advantage of the spacious green area. 

Photo Credit: Cr David McLachlan/Facebook
Photo Credit: Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner/Facebook
Photo Credit: Cr David McLachlan/Facebook


Brief History of Brett’s Wharf

Bretts Wharf was established in 1928 to ferry locals from Hamilton to Bulimba. During the Pacific War, the facility was exclusively used by the U.S. Army to load and ship equipment. After the war, the wharf was also used by commercial shippers until 1993. 

In late 1998, Bretts Wharf ceased ferry operations until it was restored and re-opened in 2007. In 2011, the wharf had minor damages due to the catastrophic Brisbane floods and required extensive repairs. 

In 2015, the original wharf was completely demolished and was replaced by a new structure 200 metres east of its original location near Kingsford Smith Drive. 

Festive Christmas Activities Happening at Portside Wharf Hamilton

Christmas is in full swing in Hamilton as the Portside Wharf unleashes the joy of the Yuletide season with some fun and festive activities for every member of the family. This year, here are what you can expect to see at The Wharf in the days leading up to Christmas.

Christmas Carolers and Elves

Hark! The herald angels will be singing joyful Christmas carols at the Portside Wharf for two weekends. Stop by to listen to the young carolers whilst the Christmas elves hand out sweet candy canes.

Photo Credit: Portside Wharf/Facebook
DATETIME
Saturday
14 December 2019
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday
15 December 2019
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday
21 December 2019
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday
22 December 2019
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.


Christmas Frozen Pop-Up

Dendy Cinemas Portside is running Disney’s “Frozen 2” this Christmas season. To supplement this “Frozen” fever, Portside Wharf will host craft activities bearing the movie’s theme from Saturday to Tuesday, the 14th to 17th of Dec 2019.

This FREE Christmas Frozen event will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and kids will learn to make their own snowflake Christmas tree decorations and snow stencil Christmas cards. Stay a while longer and get a chance to meet Elsa of Arendelle. 

Photo Credit: Portside Wharf/Facebook

Christmas Feast

Tired of preparing food for Christmas day? Then leave the preparations to the masters so you won’t have to dampen your holiday mood. Relax and celebrate at these Portside Wharf eateries.

WHERESPECIALS
Gusto Da GianniChristmas Day Lunch Special 
Four-Course Set Menu
$139 per person
Belvedere Bar N GrillChristmas Day Lunch Special
Three-Course Set Menu
$125 per person
Photo Credit: Portside Wharf/Facebook
Photo Credit: Portside Wharf/Facebook

For a superb Christmas party to remember, these restaurants at the Portside Wharf are open for hosting holiday functions and group events. Inquire about their food packages or take advantage of the group rates and discounted deals: 



One of Brisbane’s shopping and lifestyle landmarks, Portside Wharf is a family-friendly precinct with high-end retailers and top restaurants. Whilst enjoying this year’s Christmas activities, you may also visit this hub to complete your Christmas shopping list.

Studio Thrifty 4 in Albion Sells Everything Half Price This December

Albion’s groovy Op Shop, Studio Thrifty 4, has a special Christmas treat for vintage hunters this December! The store is putting every item at half price for its biggest year-end offering.

Typically, Studio Thrifty 4 already sells their pieces at $5 each but for the remaining days of  2019, every item for sale at the store on Tate Street is priced more affordably at $2.50. To say that this is a steal is an understatement! 

Studio Thrifty 4 is set up at a backstreet warehouse but once you step inside, you’ll be transported to a wonderful shoppers mecca with a funky disco ball at the centre. This place houses some of the best vintage and pre-loved collections in Brisbane.

Photo Credit: Studio Thrifty 4/Facebook


Snag clothes, shoes and accessories for all genders and assemble a wardrobe that’s uniquely you. Score 1950s jeans and dresses, glamorous evening gowns, fashionable platform shoes, and classic men’s jackets which you can no longer find at any store.

Photo Credit: Studio Thrifty 4/Facebook

Studio Thrifty 4 sources clothes from donations as well as other Op Shops in Brisbane. Every sale made at this store helps fund Pay a Sack Forward to support the homeless. 

Open every Friday and Saturday at 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Studio Thrifty 4 is next to She Bangs. Most shoppers hang out at this cafe before or after scoring great deals at the Op Shop.



Four New Commercial Buildings to Rise at Hamilton Northshore

Hamilton Northshore will be the site of four new commercial buildings following a multi-million land agreement between Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), the Queensland Government’s property development and community-shaping agency, and investment company Alceon.

“This agreement unlocks land to support business growth and will create more local jobs,” Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said.

“This is also a vote of confidence by Alceon in the Queensland economy with the company set to build four new commercial buildings over the next six years.”

Alceon, which has already invested $100 million in the Brisbane Technology Park (BTP) Northshore, is set to inject $40 million for the project which is expected to generate more than 20 construction jobs annually for a period of six years.

Mr Dick added that more national and international companies, such as BTP Northshore’s existing tenants Puma Energy, Harris Communications, Fujitsu, Becton Dickinson and Clinical Network Services, will be encouraged to move to the “Sunrise State” as the site expands its portfolio of world-class commercial buildings.

Four New Commercial Buildings to Rise at Hamilton Northshore
Northshore Hamilton Urban Development Area
Photo credit: The State of Queensland (Department of State Development) 2019 / dsdmip.qld.gov.au

“Our developments provide accommodation for a range of land uses including commercial office, research and development and high-tech warehousing together with café amenities and ample secure car parking,” Alceon Project Director Paul Huston said.

“Located strategically between the airport and CBD, Northshore’s bikeways, recreation spaces, retail and childcare offerings provide a unique proposition for both residents and businesses who can live, work and play in a thriving riverfront precinct.

“The success of Northshore is directly linked to continual investment by EDQ in precinct infrastructure and place-making activities.

“Alceon is proud to be part of this exciting long-term project that will benefit Queensland.”

The first of the four buildings to be located at 385 Macarthur Avenue is expected to commence by the end of 2019. These buildings will be home to up to 1,200 employees once completed. 

The Northshore Hamilton master plan is the state’s largest urban renewal project,  located on the 304-hectare former wharf and port area, that will deliver residential and office accommodation, as well as entertainment, commercial, retail, and leisure facilities over the next 30 years. 



Proposed Breakfast Creek Green Bridge Up for Community Feedback

An under-utilised part of the Brisbane River will soon be activated once the proposed Breakfast Creek green bridge is delivered, and as part of the Council’s preliminary planning, locals are invited to have their say about the proposed project before Friday 6 December 2019.

The Breakfast Creek green bridge is intended for pedestrians and cyclists use, improving walking and cycling experience between the new Lores Bonney Riverwalk, a recently delivered project as part of Council’s Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade, as well as enhancing recreational experiences along the River

Breakfast Creek green bridge proposed alignment 
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council /  brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/roads-infrastructure-and-bikeways/

The proposed alignment for the new green bridge stretches from Kingsford Smith Drive at Albion to Breakfast Creek Road at Newstead. Members of the community are invited to have their say by answering the online survey here



Alternatively, they may visit any of the following community information sessions:

DateTimeLocation
Thursday 14 November 201911 a.m. – 2 p.m.Reddacliff Place, 266 George Street, Brisbane City
Saturday 16 November 20197 a.m. – 12 p.m.Davies Park Markets, West End
Monday 18 November 20194 p.m. – 7 p.m.South Brisbane Sailing Club, West End
Tuesday 19 November 20194 p.m. – 7 p.m.Ground level foyer, Queensland Multicultural Centre, 102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point
Friday 22 November 201910 a.m. – 1 p.m.St Lucia Community Hall, 27 Guilfoyle Street, St Lucia
Saturday 23 November 201910 a.m. – 2 p.m.Captain Burke Park, 117 Holman Street, Kangaroo Point
Monday 25 November 20193 a.m. – 6 p.m.Toowong Library, Toowong Village Shopping Centre, 9 Sherwood Road, Toowong
Tuesday 26 November 201910 a.m. – 1 p.m.Queen Street Mall main stage, Brisbane City
Thursday 28 November 201910 a.m. – 2 p.m.Bellbowrie Mobile Library, Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza, 37 Birkin Road, Bellbowrie
Saturday 30 November 20192 p.m. – 8 p.m.Bretts Wharf, Hamilton
Sunday 1 December 20198 a.m. – 3 p.m.Riverside Markets, City Botanic Gardens, Alice and Albert streets, Brisbane City
Tuesday 3 December 20193 p.m. – 6 p.m.City Botanic Gardens (near Alice Street and Edward Street roundabout), Brisbane City

The four other proposed green bridges are:

  • Kangaroo Point Bridge -from Alice/Edward Street roundabout (near the City Botanic Gardens) to Scott Street, Kangaroo Point
  • Toowong to West End Bridge – from near Archer Street in Toowong, across the Brisbane River to Orleigh Park, and near Forbes Street in West End.
  • St Lucia to West End Bridge –   from the corner of Keith Street and Macquarie Street in St Lucia across the Brisbane River to the southern end of Boundary Street in West End 
  • Bellbowrie Bridge – from the river end of Weekes Road in Bellbowrie to Grindle Road in Wacol 

Members of the community may also request information about these projects and or provide feedback by:

  • emailing the project team
  • writing to:
    Green Bridges for Brisbane
    City Projects Office
    Brisbane City Council
    GPO Box 1434
    Brisbane Qld 4001

Eat Street Northshore Recognised as “Highly Recommended” at Brisbane’s Cleaner Suburbs Awards

A dining and entertainment venue situated at the old container wharf at Northshore Hamilton received a “Highly Recommended” recognition at the Brisbane’s Cleaner Suburbs Awards.

Eat Street Northshore, along with Loop Growers, has been cited “Highly Recommended” in the Cleanaway Waste Innovation category of the Brisbane’s Cleaner Suburbs Awards held last 17 October 2019.

Eat Street Northshore highly  Recommended Brisbane's Cleaner Suburbs Awards
Photo credit: Eat Street Northshore / Facebook

Eat Street Northshore was recognised for taking action to eliminate all general waste requiring all vendors to eliminate plastics and convert to compostable items, recycling everything “from cans and bottles, to cardboard, oyster shells, oil, food scraps, and scrap metal.”

Eat Street Northshore highly  Recommended Brisbane's Cleaner Suburbs Awards
Photo credit: Eat Street Northshore / Facebook

Eat Street Northshore is also the first location in Australia to use a state-of-the-art vertical hydroponic farm to grow food right at the site. This enabled vendors to get fresh supplies of veggies and herbs direct from its onsite garden, inside a repurposed shipping container.

Photo credit: Eat Street Northshore / Facebook

Renae McBrien, on the other hand, took home the Cleanaway Waste Innovation Award for her contribution in the reduction of waste that goes to landfill by designing and delivering community gardens, and impacting large scale recycling segregation and sustainable staff education, across 16 health care facilities. Her efforts resulted in the removal of over 1 million plastic units per year. 

Brisbane’s Cleaner Suburbs Awards recognise organisations and individuals for their contribution to the environment and creating a clear and green city. Brisbane City Council worked in partnership with CitySmart to deliver the awards.

Individuals, community groups, P&C, multicultural groups and associations, businesses, workplaces, universities, and schools are eligible to enter the Cleaner Suburbs Awards. 

There were seven categories and 11 Cleaner Suburbs Awards given this year: 

  • Councillors’ Clean Green Choice Award
  • Litter Prevention Awards – Individual 5-17yrs, Individual 18+ yrs, and two (2) Groups 
  • Waste Innovation Award
  • Brisbane’s Clean Green Award
  • People’s Choice Litter Prevention Award
  • Clean Schools Awards – Primary School and Secondary School
  • Outstanding Clean Green Award.


The Cat is Out! New CityCat Double-Decker Water Trials Begin

CityCat’s new double-decker water trials have commenced. CityCat 22 will undergo testing over the next few weeks, before its official launch in November 2019.

The Aus Ships built double-decker was moved from the warehouse and has hit the waters on 23 October. It will cruise the Brisbane River for weeks of testing.  

The first of the seven new CityCat vessels to be delivered over the next four years, CityCat 22 cost $3.7 million to build. Billed as Brisbane’s most modern CityCat, the next generation vessel will join the current fleet next month. 

The Council currently operates a fleet of 21 CityCats, along with nine monohull ferries, within a network of 25 terminals from Northshore Hamilton to St Lucia. 

Video Still Credit: Brisbane City Council / Facebook

The new CityCat 22 vessel will be able to carry a total of 170 passengers. The upper deck is accessible via rear stairs and will provide seating for 16 passengers.. 

Timelapse footage of CityCat 22 Hitting the Water 
Video Credit: Brisbane Development / YouTube
Video Still Credit: Brisbane City Council / Facebook

The rear deck seating provides seating for 16 passengers and space for up to ten bikes. The open front deck, on the other hand, offers a clear viewing panel below the handrail.

Video Still Credit: Brisbane City Council / Facebook

The vessel will also have up to 6 dedicated wheelchair and mobility scooter areas. Lower windows in sections of the main cabin will also allow passengers in mobility devices and children to enjoy the view. 

There will be a table and lounge seating options including USB device charging ports, free Wi-Fi, as well as hearing augmentation loops.

The ferry masters and crew will undergo onboard training for 20 days before the new double-decker gets launched for service. The new CityCat will operate under the existing contract with Transdev Brisbane Ferries.