This month, a popular Hamilton café is celebrating its first anniversary under new management. Pancha Café brings the community together through delicious food and quality coffee.
Pancha Café, located in Hamilton, has become a beloved spot for locals over the past year. The café prides itself on its cosy and welcoming atmosphere, where people can enjoy a tasty meal and a good cup of coffee. The new owners, Margaret and Ariella, took over the café in January 2024 and have continued to build on its reputation for delicious food and friendly service.
Originally, it was a vegan establishment, but it has since evolved to include a wider variety of ingredients, emphasising sourcing produce from local Australian farmers.
The café offers a diverse menu with classic dishes, like poached eggs on toast, alongside Pancha specialties, such as The Margarella, a popular breakfast burger. One customer, who recently enjoyed brunch at Pancha, described the food as healthy and delicious, highlighting the pumpkin salad as a standout dish.
Margaret and Ariella are passionate about providing a positive customer experience and are committed to using high-quality, local ingredients. They believe in keeping the menu simple while offering flavourful and well-balanced meals. In addition to the food, it is known for its organic and fair-trade coffee and its unique and refreshing non-alcoholic drinks.
Customers have praised the café’s friendly and efficient staff, noting the prompt service even during busy periods. The café offers indoor and outdoor seating, with air conditioning for those who prefer to dine inside. Margaret and Ariella are excited to continue their journey with it and look forward to creating a strong community around their business.
They invite everyone to visit and experience what makes it unique, whether for a regular coffee run or a leisurely brunch. You can follow them on social media for updates and specials.
A convicted Hamilton drug trafficker is appealing a decision that prevents her from freezing her eggs while serving a 10-year prison sentence for running a million-dollar drug operation from a luxury Brisbane home.
Rachel Antoinette Smith, 33, was sentenced in 2021 after being identified as the “brains” behind a sophisticated drug trafficking business that operated from a high-end rental property in Hamilton. The operation, which ran between December 2018 and April 2019, involved the sale of methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, and other substances. Smith directed nine runners via encrypted phones, overseeing transactions totalling more than $1 million in just 11 weeks.
Smith lived in the opulent Hamilton home, which featured an internal lift and views of the Brisbane River, and drove a Mercedes purchased with proceeds from the drug trade. She and her junior partner, Lawrence Cheers, also opened a Hamilton business as a front to legitimise their income.
Appeal to Freeze Eggs
Smith, currently incarcerated at Numinbah prison in the Gold Coast hinterland, argues that the decision to deny her access to fertility treatments jeopardises her ability to have children. Her earliest parole eligibility is July 2029, by which time she will be 39. Smith’s legal team has taken the matter to Queensland’s highest court after the Supreme Court ruled that the Corrective Services Act prevents her from undergoing elective medical procedures while imprisoned.
Smith’s lawyer stated that the egg-freezing procedure, which involves hormone injections and a short surgical procedure, would be privately funded by her mother if approved. The court documents indicate the process could take several weeks and may require multiple cycles.
Legal Challenges and Sentencing
Smith also recently appealed her 10-year sentence, claiming it was excessive compared to Cheers, who received nine years with parole eligibility after three years. She argued that her role as the operation’s leader was overstated and that there was an unjust disparity between their sentences.
However, the Queensland Court of Appeal rejected this argument. Judges highlighted that Smith had founded and controlled the business, managed its finances, and made critical operational decisions. They described her as the “architect” of the trafficking ring, emphasising her dominant role over Cheers, who began as a runner and eventually became her junior partner.
The court acknowledged Smith’s claim that she entered the drug trade under duress after being threatened over a former partner’s debt but found no grounds to reduce her sentence based on this.
Photo Credit: Creative Commons
Community Impact
The case has drawn attention to Hamilton, a community known for its affluent lifestyle and high-value properties, now associated with a significant criminal enterprise. Locals expressed mixed reactions, with some questioning the ethical implications of allowing prisoners to access fertility treatments while others empathised with Smith’s desire to plan for a future beyond her sentence.
Approval has been granted for a new residential care facility in Hamilton, designed to include communal and green spaces, as well as accessible parking to foster an accessible setting for the community.
Designed by GJG Architects, the six-storey facility will feature 153 beds and include a ground-floor commercial café space. The project will occupy a 7,000 sqm vacant site at 330 MacArthur Avenue, Hamilton, with frontages on MacArthur Avenue, Angora Road, and Karakul Road.
Development Overview
The residential care facility will have a total gross floor area (GFA) of 9,182 sqm, allocated across key areas:
The ground floor will accommodate administrative offices, a café, laundry facilities, and wellness amenities such as a beauty salon. The upper levels will primarily house residential care units along with communal spaces to support residents’ needs.
Photo Credits: DEV2024/1529
To enhance the site’s outdoor experience, the development will include 2,629 sqm of communal open space and 1,534 sqm of landscaped areas, with 879 sqm of deep planting contributing to greenery and shade.
Photo Credits: DEV2024/1529
The facility will provide 44 on-grade car parking spaces for visitors and staff, with vehicular access via Karakul Road and pedestrian access from Angora Road.
Architectural Design
Planners at Town Planning Alliance describe the design as featuring articulated façades that incorporate recesses, projections, and a variety of external finishes. These include materials, battening, balustrades, glazing, and awnings, contributing to visual depth and appeal.
Photo Credits: DEV2024/1529
The building’s design combines functionality with aesthetics, using a U-shaped ground floor and L-shaped upper levels to segment the structure into three distinct planes. This design helps balance operational requirements with a modern, community-friendly look.
Application Summary
Application Number: DEV2024/1529
Address: 330 MacArthur Avenue, Hamilton
Zone: Mixed-use medium density
Architects: GJG Architects
Planners: Town Planning Alliance
Landscaping Plans: Butler and Webb
Photo Credits: DEV2024/1529
Community Focus
The approved residential care facility in Hamilton aims to provide purpose-built accommodation and essential amenities to meet the needs of local residents.
Incorporating communal spaces, landscaped areas, and accessible parking, the development supports a functional and welcoming environment for the community.
Zheng Zhang has submitted ambitious plans to Brisbane City Council for two neighbouring properties on Windermere Road, which he acquired in 2022 for a combined sum of $10.4 million.
Zhang’s vision involves a comprehensive redevelopment of the sites. He intends to demolish the dwelling on the smaller 908 sq m block at 76A Windermere Road and construct a brand-new luxury residence designed by renowned architect Joe Adsett. This new home, complete with a championship tennis court, will then be offered for sale.
A portion of the adjoining 2,641 sq m property at 76 Windermere Road, which boasts a stunning Queenslander-style home, will be incorporated into the smaller block to facilitate this project. This will provide ample space for the new development and enhance its appeal. The Queenslander will be renovated and become Zhang’s private residence.
Damon Warat, principal of Ray White Ascot, will manage the sale of the newly constructed home at 76A Windermere Road. Warat recently brokered the record-breaking sale of 32 Sutherland Avenue in Ascot. Warat anticipates strong interest in the property, citing the exclusivity of Windermere Road and Joe Adsett’s unique design. He believes the project will be well-received, particularly given the current market conditions in Brisbane.
According to Warat, Brisbane’s prestige property market is undergoing significant growth while construction costs remain high and development applications are declining. This has created a scarcity of new luxury homes in the city, making projects like Zhang’s particularly desirable.
Comparable properties in Brisbane are currently fetching around $15 million, suggesting that the new Windermere Road residence could command a similar price.
A remarkable 120-year-old Queenslander property at 60 Riverview Terrace has come onto the market, offering prospective buyers not just a luxurious home but also a fascinating slice of local history dating back to World War II.
Perched high on Hamilton Hill with sweeping views of Moreton Bay and the Brisbane River, the four-bedroom residence boasts a rich narrative that stretches back to the early 1900s. The property has been home to some of Queensland’s most notable personalities, including the David Jones family and former Wallabies captain John Eales.
Perhaps the most intriguing historical detail is the property’s unexpected connection to World War II. At the top of its tallest domed tower, a unique 360-degree observatory was reportedly used by US Army personnel during the 1940s. According to Queensland’s State War Memorial, the site served as a base for military training, potentially offering strategic monitoring of maritime approaches during a critical period in Australia’s wartime history.
The home represents a stunning example of early 20th-century architectural craftsmanship. Original features include ornate ceiling roses, an Art Nouveau fireplace with a carved timber surround, and particularly noteworthy leadlight windows in the bathroom depicting swimming fish.
Last sold in May 2021 for $3.8 million, the property comes to market at a time of significant property value appreciation in Brisbane. Local real estate data indicates property prices in the area have risen approximately 46 percent since the previous sale.
The property is now open for best offers until Thursday, December 12th at 5:00 pm, presenting a rare opportunity for buyers interested in a home that combines historical significance with modern luxury.
A historic 120-year-old mansion in Hamilton is set to undergo a major renovation after its recent purchase by Hong Kong developer Feng Di and his wife Xiaomin Guan.
Proposed house extension perspective by Clements Clarke Architects Photo Credit: Development.i / A006629782
Located at 15 Perry Street, the $13 million property, originally built in 1905, spans a generous 1,944 square meters with a 40-meter street frontage. The current six-bedroom, six-bathroom home has been home to Dr. Michael Cleary and his wife Mary for 21 years before the sale in February 2023.
Existing view of 15 Perry Street Photo Credit: Google Maps
Proposed Renovations
Di has submitted an application to the Brisbane City Council proposing substantial changes, including:
Demolition of the existing tennis court
Removal of the terrace area
Dismantling of the rear rotunda
Partial demolition of the eastern deck and its roof
North elevation of the proposed house extension Photo Credit: Development.i / A006629782
Extension Plans
The proposed renovation aims to create:
An indoor pool
Three new ensuite bedrooms
Extensions reaching 10.7 meters in height, slightly exceeding the maximum building height of 9.5 meters
Proposed house extension site plan Photo Credit: Development.i / A006629782
Developer’s Perspective
In the planning report submitted to council, the developers argue that the extensions will be “sympathetic to the existing built form,” utilising lightweight materials reminiscent of the original construction period. They emphasise that the topography will maintain the home’s single-story streetscape presentation.
Council’s Response
On November 14, the Brisbane City Council requested shadow diagrams to ensure the renovations will not unduly impact neighbouring properties.
The proposed modifications highlight the ongoing tension between preserving historical architectural heritage and meeting contemporary lifestyle needs in one of Brisbane’s most sought-after suburbs.
Located at 20 Langside Road, Casa Espri has been honoured as one of 50 winners under the Individual Home from $4 million up to $6 million category.
Developed by the renowned Graya, this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece is more than just a home—it’s an architectural symphony that redefines luxury living. Situated on a spacious 607-square-meter corner plot, Casa Espri rises majestically across four meticulously designed levels, each connected by an internal elevator that promises seamless vertical mobility.
Photo credit: Graya/Facebook
The home’s crowning glory is its breathtaking rooftop lounge, a space that blurs the lines between indoor comfort and panoramic outdoor beauty. Here, a tequila bar and viewing terrace offer uninterrupted vistas of the river, city skyline, and distant mountains—creating an entertainment space that is nothing short of spectacular.
Casa Espri’s exterior is a canvas of neutral tones and natural materials, with flowing shapes that echo Mediterranean design principles. The outdoor spaces are carefully curated to create a resort-like atmosphere, featuring a magnesium pool, spa, and inviting day beds nestled within a private courtyard oasis.
Luxury in Every Detail
Photo credit: Graya/Facebook
Inside, the home is a celebration of sophisticated living. A dedicated cinema room with a star-studded ceiling offers the ultimate movie experience, while the wellness room—complete with a gym and four-person sauna—provides a sanctuary for physical and mental rejuvenation.
The kitchen is a culinary enthusiast’s paradise, equipped with top-tier Gaggenau and Miele appliances. Outdoor cooking options include a pizza oven, Teppanyaki grill, and Beefeater BBQ, transforming every meal into a gourmet event.
With five luxurious bedrooms, two powder rooms, and four meticulously designed bathrooms (including three ensuites), Casa Espri offers both comfort and flexibility. A dedicated office and study provide quiet workspaces, ensuring the home caters to both relaxation and productivity.
Industry Recognition
Photo credit: masterbuilders.com.au
Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said every project and individual recognised is a testament to the resilience and leadership that defines the industry.
“Master Builders members continue to demonstrate their ability to deliver high-quality projects that set benchmarks for innovation and excellence in the industry.
“These awards celebrate not just the structures and projects but the people behind them – builders, subcontractors, and their teams who go above and beyond to transform communities.
The new Hamilton location will offer locals unprecedented access to more than 40 varieties of Tamborine’s handcrafted cheeses, alongside a carefully curated selection of cured meats. More than just a deli, the venue will seat between 30 and 50 people, operating from morning until evening with a menu designed to showcase their artisanal products throughout the day.
For Naples-born milk technologist Cristian Salvati, the new venue represents the latest chapter in his remarkable life journey. Opening a cheese factory had always been his dream while still in Avellino, Italy.
Photo credit: Tamborine Cheese/Facebook
After moving to Australia, he dedicated himself to working in the hospitality industry while establishing himself in his adopted home. After acquiring Australian citizenship, Mr Salvati was finally able to set up Tamborine Cheese.
Tamborine Cheese is known for crafting authentic Italian cheeses using milk sourced from over 150 Queensland farmers. The company’s commitment to local partnerships has helped create a unique fusion of Italian tradition and Queensland produce, all set against the backdrop of Tamborine Mountain.
Photo credit: Tamborine Cheese/Facebook
Morning visitors can expect house-made yoghurt paired with fresh fruit and muesli, accompanied by barista-crafted coffee. As the day progresses, the space will transform into an intimate venue for wine, cocktails, and customisable tasting boards—perfect for riverside dining and drinks.
Portside Wharf (Photo credit: Robert Mason/Google Maps)
The arrival of Tamborine Cheese at Portside Wharf adds another sophisticated offering to Hamilton’s growing culinary scene, bringing together the best of European cheese-making tradition with Queensland’s finest dairy produce.
For locals, it promises to be more than just a shop—it’s set to become a destination where they can experience the passion and craftsmanship that goes into every piece of cheese Salvati and his team create.
Visit Tamborine Cheese’s website for more details about the opening date and special launch events as 2025 approaches.
54 properties, 80% are owner occupied. Average owner occupier has been living there for 11 years and 6 months. 33% of residents have lived there for 10+ years.
Some Recent Sales on Langside Road, Hamilton
36 Langside Road, Hamilton
sold Oct 2024
Price Witheld
31 Langside Road, Hamilton
sold Sept 2024
$7,000,000
6/35 Langside Road
sold June 2024
$2,800,000
74 Langside Road, Hamilton
sold June 2024
$4,650,000
20 Langside Road, Hamilton
sold May 2024
$8,701,000
Some Older Transactions on Langside Road, Hamilton
In 1975 44 Langside Road, Hamilton sold for $92,500. In 1987 28 Langside Road, Hamilton sold for $335,000. In 1996 47 Langside Road, Hamilton sold for $260,000.
If you know Langside Road, Hamilton, well and you have some anecdotes or details to add please email: editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au
The median price of a 3-bedroom house in Hamilton in 2024 was $1,310,000. The median price of a 3-bedroom house in Hamilton in 2020 was $875,000. TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3-BEDROOM HOUSE IN HAMILTON SINCE 2020: $435,000.
The median price of a 4-bedroom house in Hamilton in 2024 was $2,800,000. The median price of a 4-bedroom house in Hamilton in 2020 was $1,650,000. TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4-BEDROOM HOUSE IN HAMILTON SINCE 2020: $1,150,000
The median price of a 5-bedroom house in Hamilton in 2024 was $3.650,000. The median price of a 5-bedroom house in Hamilton in 2020 was $2,020,000. TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5-BEDROOM HOUSE IN HAMILTON SINCE 2020: $1,630,000.
The median price of a 1-bedroom unit in Hamilton in 2024 was $480,000. The median price of a 1-bedroom unit in Hamilton in 2020 was $310,000. TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 1-BEDROOM UNIT IN HAMILTON SINCE 2020: $170,000.
The median price of a 2-bedroom unit in Hamilton in 2024 was $665,000. The median price of a 2-bedroom unit in Hamilton in 2020 was $490,000. TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2-BEDROOM UNIT IN HAMILTON SINCE 2020: $175,000.
The median price of a 3-bedroom unit in Hamilton in 2024 was $1,047,000. The median price of a 3-bedroom unit in Hamilton in 2020 was $775,000. TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3-BEDROOM UNIT IN Hamilton SINCE 2020: $272,000.
A consortium of global architects and planners has proposed a $6-billion Olympic precinct in Northshore Hamilton, aiming to address the ongoing planning issues for the 2032 Games without adding any extra burden on taxpayers.
The Brisbane Design Alliance, a team of world-renowned architects, engineers, and planners, has developed a comprehensive proposal to transform Northshore Hamilton into a vibrant Olympic precinct. The Alliance includes several prominent firms, including HKS Architects, one of the key members.
HKS Architects, an international architecture firm led by Andrew Colling, is known for designing major stadiums like SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and AT&T Stadium for the Dallas Cowboys. They bring their expertise in large-scale sports venue design to the project, working alongside other firms in the Alliance such as Buchan (an Australian-based architectural firm), NRA Collaborative, Aurecon (an engineering and infrastructure advisory company), and Nikken Sekkei (a Japanese architecture firm known for its innovative designs).
An Ambitious Plan for Brisbane’s Future
The proposed development would feature a 60,000-seat waterfront stadium as the centrepiece of the precinct.
Photo Credit: HSK Architects
In addition to the stadium, the plan includes a hotel overlooking the venue, a 2500-apartment athletes’ village, pedestrian walkways along the river, an aquatic and wave pool centre, and a retail and restaurant hub.
The proposed Northshore precinct is designed for the Olympics and as a long-term solution to Brisbane’s urban growth. It aims to provide an unmatched mixed-use development in Queensland.
According to the Brisbane Design Alliance, the Northshore scheme is tailored to address the city’s projected population growth over the next 25 years. The project includes plans for an additional 12,000 residential dwellings around the precinct after the Games, providing a lasting legacy for the community. The consortium believes the precinct could be privately funded, similar to Perth’s Optus Stadium, built without direct government funding.
Transport and Infrastructure Challenges
A significant aspect of the Northshore proposal is the need for substantial transport infrastructure upgrades. The consortium has identified this as a critical issue that must be addressed to ensure the precinct’s success.
The proposed site, which spans 150 hectares between Bretts Wharf on Kingsford Smith Drive and the Royal Queensland Golf Club, requires improvements to the existing transport network, including train, bus, tram, and ferry services.
Photo Credit: HSK Architects
The proposal also includes the construction of public parkland and gardens to serve the expected 22,000 residents who will live in the area post-2032. A green pedestrian drawbridge over the Brisbane River, linking the precinct to Bulimba, is part of the project. If there is enough interest and support, this bridge could be pursued as a standalone project before the Games.
The Brisbane Design Alliance sees the Northshore precinct as an opportunity to create a world-class venue that reflects Brisbane’s identity and future growth. The team believes this project could provide a unique Brisbane 2032 Olympics experience while addressing the city’s long-term needs.
Commitment to QSAC Upgrade
Despite the innovative private sector proposal, the state remains committed to its plans for the 2032 Olympics. The state has already initiated a $1.6 billion upgrade to the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) at Mount Gravatt, with tenders for early planning and design work issued last week.
Minister Di Farmer, speaking on behalf of the state government, reiterated the government’s preference for publicly owned Olympic venues. She emphasised that the government’s vision for the Games is clear, including significant investment in social and affordable housing within the Northshore precinct.
The state promised to build 3,000 homes in the area, and recent contracts worth $87 million were awarded for road and civil works. However, the minister did not provide specific details about whether QSAC would be used for the Olympics’ opening and closing ceremonies.
However, the Brisbane Design Alliance remains hopeful that the state will reconsider its position, especially given the transport challenges currently plaguing the Northshore area.
The consortium is confident that with the necessary support from the state government, construction on the Northshore precinct could begin by early 2026, ensuring that the project is completed in time for the Olympics. They also proposed that the state provide the land required for the project, which is currently partly owned by the state, while the private sector handles the bulk of the funding and construction.
