Hamilton Archives - Page 9 of 12

How Northshore Hamilton Evolved from 19th-Century Fishing Ground to Premier Waterfront Precinct

Some of the best places in the world stand out because it’s ever-evolving to keep pace with the needs of their inhabitants and Northshore Hamilton exemplifies this evolution very well.

Northshore Hamilton is currently a premier mixed-use urban renewal precinct with a first-rate waterfront neighbourhood.

Centuries ago, this site was the fishing and camping ground of the First Nations people given its location near the mouth of the river and proximity to Breakfast Creek, with its abundance of fish and wildlife.

A decade from now, it will become the site of the Athlete’s Village for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Busy Camping Ground of Yerrol

The First Nations called Northshore “Yerrol,” which refers to strong vines used as ropes. In the 1830s, Northshore was already a busy area as the site was a dense riverine rainforest pocket, offering different food sources for both humans and animals. Historians said that the First Nations people often caught large quantities of fish from this area to supply Brisbane’s fishing trade from the 1830s to the 1860s.

The Northshore-Breakfast Creek site was once a large Aboriginal campsite with different groups settling down to hunt and interact with other groups. This was the home to thousands, especially during hunting season.

After the 1860s, horse-drawn wagons filled the streets, establishing a travel route between Hamilton Hotel to Breakfast Creek. In fact, Hamilton was one of the first places in Queensland to have its own horse trams.

Yet moving by water was still the quickest way for the Aboriginal people with Northshore as an important crossing point. Access to waterways was located at the area where Brett’s Wharf stands, a corner between Bulimba and Newstead, and a section in the east that has the Gateway Bridge today. These access points had shallow water, making it easier to wade across destinations.

Camping grounds in Hamilton Reach — Photo Credit: Northshore Brisbane

Following the colonisation and settlement, the First Nations people continued to camp in Northshore until the end of the 19th century when their populations were routed out of urban centres. Not far from their camps on Kingsford Smith Drive were several institutions that took in the Aboriginal people. By 1910, the campgrounds disappeared in Northshore.

The Progressive Northshore Port

In the 1870s, the Hamilton Wharf (Portside Wharf) was a growing shipping area and served as the landing site for ferries connecting to Bulimba. As activities in the wharf increased with the development of several estates in Hamilton and Ascot, chief engineer of Harbours and Marine, Ernest Alexander Cullen planned to improve and expand the port with the construction of training walls and more dredging. His idea gave birth to Northshore.

Ships docking at Northshore Hamilton — Photo Credit: Lost Brisbane/Facebook

Mr Cullen also urged the government to capitalise on Northshore for its industrial future. For the next 20 years, active development of the precinct continued. After the First World War, the government built the Cold Stores Wharf for exporting products like butter and cheese to Britain. This ushered the progress of Northshore as the vital export centre of Queensland.

Brett's Wharf construction — Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

In the late 1920s, plans to build Brett’s Wharf were laid out by E A Cullen for commercial shipping. During the Second World War, this area was commissioned by the Allied Forces to stage and load military equipment. Millions were spent to add more facilities as Hamilton became the chief base for naval repairs. The Northshore Port developed rapidly during this period.

Naval ship leaving Northshore Hamilton — Photo Credit: Queensland Maritime Museum/Facebook

After the war, Northshore remained the hive of activities for shipping industries exporting wheat, sugar, and livestock to other countries, especially in war-torn areas of Britain. By the 1970s, the Port of Brisbane Strategic Plan was established to erect a new container port for more commercial endeavours.

Northshore Hamilton: Ambitious Urban Renewal

After Brett’s Wharf was closed to commercial shipping in the early 1990s, Northshore’s urban renewal was hatched. The focus of the redevelopment was to turn the precinct into a mixed-use public site with high-rise units, restaurants, retail outlets, supermarkets, cinema, and a public plaza.

In 2007, the State Government approved the Urban Development Authority Act to tackle housing issues. This served as the catalyst for what Northshore Hamilton provides today.

More than 64 hectares of land in Northshore were set for infrastructure projects that delivered a residential and commercial precinct with new parks and cycleways. The old ports and wharves were also repurposed into riverfront public sites like Eat Street Northshore.

Northshore Hamilton urban development plans — Photo Credit: Queensland Government

Northshore Hamilton present-day — Photo Credit: Northshore Brisbane

In the next 10 years, Northshore Hamilton through Economic Development Queensland will see through the development of training venues that will host more than 15,000 world-class athletes for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. After this monumental event, Northshore Hamilton has been earmarked for more residential accommodation, aged care facilities, and hotels.

Hamilton Hotel: An Iconic Landmark for More Than 150 Years

Since the arrival of the early European settlers in Brisbane, Hamilton and its environs have always been regarded as a highly desirable area to reside. One local landmark that has stood the test of time for over 150 years is Hamilton Hotel, a place that history also credits for giving the suburb its name.

Early Beginnings

Gustav Hamilton, a prominent solicitor from Toowoomba, opened the Hamilton Hotel in 1865 for horse racing patrons. Gustav, a prominent landowner in the Eagle Farm district, built the hotel which still stands on the same site today.

Located at the corner of Kingsford Smith Drive (formerly Hamilton Road) and Racecourse Road, the hotel first catered to horse-drawn wagons travelling from Breakfast Creek. Because of its strategic location, the hotel was part of a major travel route in Brisbane.

Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton Reach, Racecourse Road — The white building is possibly the Hamilton Hotel on the corner of Racecourse road.
Photo Credit: Lost Brisbane/Facebook

Hamilton Hotel was a large wooden structure, similar to a huge homestead, set by the banks of the Brisbane River.

Frequent guests fondly referred to the hotel as “The Hamilton,” which became the main reference point of the district, especially since there were not a lot of busy and prominent establishments in the area. It wasn’t long until “Hamilton” came to informally refer to the entire area, not just the hotel.

Wealthy Enclave. Destination Location.

It was Hamilton Hotel that launched the suburb as a destination location as its patronage increased and the suburb’s residents grew. The hotel promoted the scenic surrounds of the locale and provided the community and guests with both convenience and socio-cultural enrichment.

From the 1860s to the 1880s, the suburb of Hamilton also became known as the “gentlemen’s estates” as settlers built their large villas and mansions here, spurring a boom for the residential sector.

Even then, the subdivision allotments that went up for sale in Hamilton were priced two or three times more than the blocks in nearby suburbs, such as Mitchelton.

Hamilton subdivision allotments — Photo Credit: Lost Brisbane/Facebook

Hamilton attracted old wealth and everyone regarded the suburb as an ideal place to live because of its premier location. The elevated lands gave residents a sweeping view of the beautiful river scenery, the central business district, and the surrounding suburbs.

View of reach — Photo Credit: Queensland Places

When Gustav retired to Toowoomba, he sold Hamilton Hotel to Sam Hamilton who made the most out of the famous family name and sustained the venue’s popularity.

In 1904, Hamilton was officially recognised as a town and the owners of Hamilton Hotel changed hands a number of times. Among its previous operators were J.R. Ahern and his wife, and E.J. Stewart of the Stewart Hotels.

Modern Transformation

By the 1960s, then-owner Castlemaine Perkins Ltd completely rebuilt the hotel as a modern two-storey brick building, with a concreted car parking facility that could accommodate more than 200 cars. The hotel also had a bar and lounge that could accommodate hundreds of guests at a time.

Tom Wilson, the managing director of Castlemaine Perkins Ltd, planned the rebuild of the hotel carefully into two sections to improve the efficiency of the hotel’s operations.

The new Hamilton Hotel introduced an unusual ventilating system that eliminated cigarette smoke indoors. Its design also took advantage of the natural light for the public bar facing Kingsford Smith Drive, whilst a private bar for 200 guests fronted Racecourse Road.

Hamilton Hotel, 1960s rebuild. — Photo Credit: Hamilton Hotel

Hamilton Hotel became known as luxury accommodation with an upstairs and downstairs dining room, as well as a food dispensary that provided guests with choices of quick snacks and a wide-ranging menu that could satisfy the most discerning taste.

Eight cold rooms were built at the back and three rooms with walls that can be dismantled were added 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 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, another renovation added venues like the Pioneer Grill Room, the Tally Ho Bar, and the River Rooms fine dining area to the hotel, allowing it to accommodate more events such as business seminars, birthday parties, and wedding celebrations.

Hamilton Hotel Today

The ALH Group, under Bruce Mathieson, took ownership of the hotel as its expanded its business in Queensland in 2000. In 2015, Hamilton Hotel commemorated its 150th birthday and has remained a popular and trendy social venue for both locals and tourists.

Today, Hamilton Hotel is pegged to benefit from the upcoming multi-stage development of Northshore Hamilton, the massive event space and recreational centre, prior to the 2023 Brisbane Olympics. Stage 1 of this development is underway.

Hamilton Posts 25% Median House Price Growth

The Hamilton property market delivered yet another strong showing for the period October 2020 to September 2021 with a median house price of $1.94 million, up 25 per cent from the previous period.

Highlights

The Hamilton housing market remained strong, with a median house price growth of 24.84 per cent from October 2020 to September 2021, pulling the median house price to just under two million.
For the same period, Hamilton’s unit market stayed relatively flat at $525,000, growing by 2.94 per cent.

Hamilton Median House Price Growth

With a 24.84 per cent house price growth for the 12-month period ending September 2021, Hamilton investors saw substantial gains in their property investment. Per figures from Property Market Updates, the median house price for this suburb nearly hit the two-million mark at $1,947,500. That’s a significant gain from the $1,560,000 median in 2020.

There were 119 houses sold in Hamilton from October 2020 to September 2021, with properties spending an average of 74 days on market. More than half of the transactions that attracted buyers were for four-bedroom homes.

Hamilton Median House Price Growth — Photo Credit: Property Market Updates

Though house prices in Hamilton continue to climb, the property prices in the suburb still give good value compared to other blue-chip suburbs across the country. Industry experts predict that Hamilton’s median house price will continue its upward trajectory as the 2032 Brisbane Olympics draws near, making it a good investment.

Hamilton Median Unit Price Growth

More than 70 percent of dwelling choices in Hamilton are apartment units and there were more unit buyers than house buyers for this period at 391 properties sold with an average of 76 days on market. However, the median unit price growth was relatively flat, with a modest uptick of 2.94 per cent, with the median price ending up at $525,000 compared to $510,000 from the previous year.

It bears noting that Hamilton’s unit market performance follows the same trend as rest of Brisbane’s property market, with houses faring better than apartments, except in markets that are solidly unit-based. However, Brisbane is projected to generally keep outperforming other Australian markets as a result of continued strong interstate migration in 2022.

This momentum will cascade to sought-after suburbs like Hamilton and impact the unit market as well. Buyers locked out of other prestige locations will enter the market by purchasing more affordable apartments.

About Hamilton

Hamilton is regarded as an old, “posh” part of Brisbane bordered by another blue-chip suburb on one side and an industrial precinct on the other side.

The hilly areas of this locale are filled with big character houses from old money. Brisbane’s aristocrats in the early years of its establishment chose to reside in Hamilton.

Meanwhile, the waterfront section, the site of a former cruise ship terminal, has burgeoning modern developments and heaps of apartment buildings suited for small families and young professionals.

This northern Brisbane suburb may deliver a small-town vibe, where locals can shop for handmade pieces at a nearby store on their block. But residents may also go shopping for practical goods at major retail centres after a 20-minute drive. Over time, Hamilton has earned a reputation for its urban lifestyle whilst still offering the simple joys of suburban living.

Hamilton’s original promenade is Racecourse Road, where the public library, post office, retail venues, cafes and restaurants abound. In recent years, however, Portside Wharf, to the southern end, as well as Eat Street Northshore, have become the modern lifestyle venues with more dining and shopping precinct. In a few years, more buildings should be erected in this part of Hamilton, which will likely drive up property prices further.

Hamilton will also be an important location for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, with the planned construction of the Athlete’s Village. The suburb is within the catchment of many reputable schools and has plenty of transport access like buses, the trains in Ascot, and the CityCat ferries that bring residents to the CBD and the Brisbane Airport.

“Great place, close to the city, it’s got everything really… heaps of parks for the kids. Eat street literally down the road. Love it.”
Sk1tza

“The houses are gorgeous, the area has prestige, I felt very safe living here. Fantastic library nearby with wonderful, helpful staff.”
Missy

Northshore Hamilton Prepares to Transform for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics

In a multi-stage development, a section of Northshore Hamilton could first be used as an events space for concerts, a circus space, or a recreational centre before its final transformation into the Games Athletics Village for the 2023 Brisbane Olympics.

A development application (DEV2021/1200) submitted to the State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning is seeking approval to use parts of Northshore Hamilton for different activities for at least six years or until the Olympic Village opens.

Existing buildings in this section could be refurbished and repurposed to accommodate a cinema or drive-in theatre, a party venue for birthdays and weddings, or a flea market that could be held regularly.

The site might also be used for trade shows and exhibits, food or wine festivals, and an assortment of training or workshops. Updates and improvements to the public realms will include landscaping, lighting, and pedestrian access.

Photo Credit: State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning

Currently, Stage 1 of the Northshore Hamilton Development Scheme, covering 304 hectares of land between Kingsford Smith Drive and the Brisbane River, is underway.

“The proposal in no way seeks to compromise the development of the site in line with the ultimate intent of the Development Scheme, but rather seeks to activate – through the use of public spaces and repurposing of existing buildings – the waterfront at Northshore with the anticipation that community goodwill will build, prospective investors will gain confidence, and vibrant people places will result,” the developers stated.

Meanwhile, the Games Athletics Village is expected to house more than 10,000 athletes and officials during the 2023 Brisbane Olympics. After the games, facilities in Northshore Hamilton will be offered as a residential site, an aged care facility, a social housing, or a build-to-rent market.

Revamped Dan Murphy’s Hamilton Has a Craft Beer Canyon with Almost 300 Beers

After its million-dollar makeover, Dan Murphy’s Hamilton has unveiled its new look highlighting a “craft beer canyon,” where customers can choose from almost 300 chilled beers!

The craft beer canyon offers Dan Murphy’s Hamilton customers the opportunity to broaden their options to support more homegrown brewers, distillers, and winemakers, as well as familiarise themselves with international brands.

Customers are enjoined to explore highlighted areas containing engaging information about a specific product or segment. This outlet is the second Queensland Dan Murphy’s store to have electronic shelf labels (ESLs) and NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, so drinks lovers can simply tap the shelf label with their smartphones to get more product information or read customer reviews about a specific product.

“We are increasingly innovating and using technology to meet the needs of our customers. ESL will help us communicate with shoppers in a new way, reduce paper usage and make our store teams more efficient,” Dan Murphy’s Managing Director Alex Freudmann said.

“When choosing what to range in our stores of the future, we use customers’ insights to handpick products that we know locals will love to create hyper-localised ranges. Brisbane is a big craft beer town, and we’ve added over 20 new local craft beers to the range including ales from Brisbane’s Catchment Brewing and Ipswich’s 4 Hearts.”

Mr Freudmann also said that they’ve studied what the customers want and saw their craving for education about the “world of drinks.” However, not everyone has the time to take up long-winded courses about craft beers so Dan Murphy’s came up with this new intiative, where the “magic moments” can take place.

With the new design and technology, the Hamilton site also features a convenient central area set up for craft beer or wine tasting events, micro-classes, and other activities that could enhance customer experience.

“The micro-classes are perfect for customers who have 10-15 minutes spare while browsing the store. They don’t have to go through the hassle of booking in advance, instead, these classes are on-demand so customers decide when it suits them,” Mr Freudmann said.

Once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, Dan Murphy’s Hamilton will regularly hosts the classes and in-store tastings.

“The most important thing for us is that the customer is in charge of how and what they want to experience or educate themselves about,” Mr Freudmann explained.

Dan Murphy’s Hamilton is located on Cnr Kingsford Smith Drive & Racecourse Rd.

Plans To Demolish 84-Year-Old Hamilton Home Rejected By Council

Photo credit: Ray White Ascot

The owner of an 84-year-old home in Hamilton acquired in February 2021 has appealed to Brisbane’s Planning and Environment Court after his request to demolish the property was rejected.

Read: Hamilton Property Market Shows Strength Amidst Covid

The house, located at 11 Dickson Terrace in Hamilton, was designed by JM Collin and was constructed in 1937. One of the notable features of the property is the panoramic view of Brisbane city and river.

It’s currently configured as three flats with a generous 30.7-m frontage and based on the listing for the property, the buyer can ‘engage their architect to create their dream home, subject to Council’s approval.’

In April 2021, Hunter Family Capital Pty Ltd, the current owner of the 759-sqm site has submitted plans to demolish the pre-1947 house. However, in June 2021, BCC refused the applicant’s proposal.

Aerial view of the subject site (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Explaining the grounds for refusal, Council said the dwelling continues to have a scale and form which is consistent with traditional building character and that it still meets the criteria for character listing in the Traditional building character Planning Scheme Policy.

The applicant then submitted the appeal in July 2021, noting that the application had been properly made and that the appellant is seeking approval of the application, claiming that it does not conflict with the Planning Scheme.

In the demolition report prepared by Vault Heritage on behalf of the applicant, they reiterated that Council already granted a demolition approval for the site in 2009 and has extended it in 2011. However, these previous demolition approvals were never actioned and have subsequently lapsed.

‘Protected Pre-1947 Dwelling’

Historical aerial photograph of the Hamilton area taken on 20 April 1936 with the subject site (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Prior to submitting an appeal to Planning and Environment Court, the proposal has received a few submissions from locals who opposed the demolition plan.

A submission prepared by ‘Urbanista Town Planning Services’ on behalf of an interested local resident of Dickson Terrace stated that the demolition of this dwelling will result in the loss of a dwelling that forms part of the traditional streetscape.

Meanwhile, the appeal result remains pending as of writing. For more details and updates about the appeal, see DA-A005715203.

Hamilton Property Market Shows Strength Amidst Covid

Despite the economic and lifestyle challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, the red-hot Hamilton property market continued to be in high demand during the period ending June 2021, as wealthy buyers look to buy into established investment areas with blue-chip amenities and steady appreciation in value.

As the world adapted to the new normal, wealthy buyers continued to crave lifestyle locations close to everything they need and and with the perks they want, as they spent most of their time at home. Hamilton, as one of Brisbane’s blue-chip suburbs, benefited greatly from this affluent largesse, as one of Brisbane’s most established property markets, with median home values soaring well north of a million.

From July 2020 to June 2021, Hamilton’s median house price growth showed a robust 25.65 percent, driving the dollar value to $1,935,000, per data from Property Market Updates.

104 houses were sold during this period, in an average of 89 days on market. Hamilton’s property market is still projected to grow in the coming years.

The most expensive house sold for this period, at $12,000,000, has been a renovated hilltop house on Markwell Street with a 180-degree view of Brisbane and the surrounding landscapes. With the functionality of an ultra-modern house, this luxurious estate has its own leisure facilities for the families though it’s within walking distance from Racecourse Road and close to one of the most expensive schools in Brisbane, St Margaret’s.

Unit Price Growth

Median unit prices of partment properties in Hamilton also showed a modest 2.77 percent increase, pushing the dollar median to $515,000. There were more apartment buyers than house buyers for this period as 270 properties were snapped up by buyers at an average of 76 days. Whilst the growth gap between houses and units in Hamilton continues to widen, this suburb’s unit market is still well above the median for the rest of Brisbane’s property market.

About Hamilton

Hamilton is home to some of Brisbane’s oldest families, thus earning the distinction as a suburb of “old wealth.” These families built iconic mansions, some of which are still standing, that have the best views of the CBD and the neighbouring suburbs.

Photo Credit: State Library of QLD/Flickr

This district was named after Gustavus Hamilton, the owner of Hamilton Hotel, the first hotel in the suburb, which became a landmark and reference point at a time when buildings were still a luxury and quite a few in the area.

In recent years, old Hamilton merged with the new developments like the master-planned Northshore Hamilton project, the largest waterfront development in Queensland that has transformed a former wharf into a residential and commercial hub.

In the next decade, the area will be an integral part of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics as with the plan to build the Brisbane Athlete’s Village.

The revitalisation of Portside Wharf, a former cruise ship terminal, has also improved and modernised Hamilton’s lifestyle as it is now for many apartment dwellers, who could walk around the dining and shopping precinct, or enjoy various recreational activities with their friends or family.

“I purchased a unit in the portside precinct last year and couldn’t be happier with my choice. I moved from a large house in a nice suburb but felt isolated and bored there. Now in Hamilton, I feel happy and connected. I walk my dog along the river morning and night and visit the dog park every day. Almost everyone we encounter is very friendly and approachable for a chat. Cafes, restaurants, bars, cinema, groceries, retail stores, medical facilities… It’s all here on your doorstep!”
Deborahfaye, Homely

“I lived over a year in Hamilton, pricey but comfortable, beautiful, close to city, airport. little nightlife in Racecourse road.”
Vahidsamschalmaer

Best Restaurants That Deliver to Your Home In Albion And Hamilton

Photo credit: cottonbro/Pexels

Want your favourite food delivered to your door? Luckily, there are restaurants and cafes in North Brisbane offering home deliveries for our safety and convenience. Here are some places to try in Hamilton and Albion.

Read: Two Big Developments To Watch Out For In Hamilton And Lutwyche

Brooklyn Depot

There’s no need to drive all the way to Surfers Paradise to taste Brooklyn Depot’s gourmet burgers because they have an Express joint in Hamilton, open until 8:00 p.m. which delivers via Uber Eats. Just a tip: Get the hearty Brook Classic. It’s best paired with Brooklyn Depot’s twice-cooked onion rings.

Phone: 0467045554

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brooklyndepotsurfers

Instagram: @brooklyndepot

Samies Seafood

Photo credit: https://www.samies.com.au/take-away.php

Dubbed as the best fish n chips in Brisbane, Samies Seafood offers different types of fish fillet and chips, as well as a variety of seafood sides, oysters, and burgers available for delivery via Uber Eats. If you need to order for a group, try Samies’ family pack or ultimate variety pack.

Phone: +61 7 3268 1220

Facebook: N/A

Instagram: @samiesseafood

Petrichor & Co

Bring the flavours of Colombia and Latin America to your home with takeaway from Petrichor & Co. This breakfast and brunch cafe was named by a local magazine as North Brisbane’s best cafe in February 2021. Need we say more?

Phone: +61 7 3194 9185

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petrichorcoffee

Instagram: @petrichor_nco

Jocelyn’s Provisions

When you want to linger with a cup of coffee and take in the smell of fresh baked goods, the cakes, breads, and pastries at Jocelyn’s Provisions will not disappoint. Just do note that Jocelyn’s encourages customers to give them a call instead of ordering online. Plus, they have a minimum order required for each order so better check the website first before placing yours.

Phone: 3852 3799

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jocelynsprovisions

Instagram: @jocelynsprovisions

Vaquero Dining

Let’s admit it’s not easy to recreate the scallops from Vaquero Dining. These perfectly cooked scallops are best paired with a glass of wine. Didn’t we mention Vaquero lets you order wine, too? They also have a feast banquet menu for two, perfect for a date night at home.

Phone: (07) 3862 3606

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vaquerodining

Instagram: @vaquerodining

The Yiros Shop

In the mood for amazing Greek food? Check out The Yiros Shop, an Albion based restaurant specialising in fast, fresh, and authentic Greek eats. They have an extensive takeaway menu of Mediterranean dishes, most especially the traditional yiros, a fluffy fresh pita filled with ripe tomato, red onion, parsley, tzatziki and chips.

Phone: (07) 3262 5890

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheYirosShop/

Instagram: @theyirosshop

5 Interesting Facts About Bishopsbourne in Hamilton

View of the Bishopsbourne from outside (Photo credit: Google Street View)

Hamilton is home to many heritage places. Among them is Bishopsbourne, also known as Edlernell and Farsley. Set on top of a hill with views to the city, this four-bedroom mansion is unique not just for its one-of-a-kind aesthetic but for its stories to tell. Here are five interesting facts about this heritage place.

Read: Coming Soon! Rivello, A Riverfront Home, Set for Development in Hamilton

It’s one of the remaining examples of mid-Victorian stone dwellings.

Back of Eldernell, residence in Hamilton, undated (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)

Bishopsbourne, located at 39 Eldernell Terrace in Hamilton, is a type of dwelling that is now considered unusual in Brisbane. Featuring a rustic-gothic style which was common during the 19th century, Bishopsbourne has a steep pitched gable roof and tall, medieval chimneys evoking a church-like appearance.

The building is now 152 years old.

‘Part of a panorama of the house and garden of Eldernell, Hamilton, Brisbane’, undated, (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)

Bishopsbourne has been standing since 1869, making it one of Brisbane’s oldest homes. Did you know that it was originally built for Sir William Hemmant, a draper and politician? He was a British-Australian politician who served in the Legislative Assembly of Queensland from 1871 to 1876.

It was home to five Archbishops.

The Right Reverend Philip Strong, army chaplain, Bishop of New Guinea and later Archbishop of Brisbane (Photo credit: https://anglicanfocus.org.au)

It was purchased by the Anglican Church in 1964 and has been the residence of many archbishops. The first archbishop to occupy the residence was Philip Nigel Warrington Strong, who was the fifth Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane from 1962 to 1970. He was followed by Felix Raymond Arnott, who served as archbishop from 1970 to 1980.

Others who live in the mansion were John Basil Rowland Grindrod (1980-1989), Peter John Hollingworth (1989-2002), and lastly Dr Phillip John Aspinall, who was in office since 2002. Dr Aspinall moved to a smaller mansion in Ascot in 2007, which was also renamed Bishopsbourne.

The old name came from a settlement in Cambridgeshire.

Sir William Hemmant (Photo credit: https://trove.nla.gov.au)

Both Hemmant and his wife Lucy originated from Whittlesey in Cambridgeshire, England near which the town of “Eldernell” is located. It is likely that Hemmant named the property in Hamilton ‘Eldernell’ in memory of the original English location. The house was renamed Bishopsbourne in 1964 when it became the new home of Archbishop Strong.

It’s a reminder of the elite status the suburb of Hamilton once held.

Hamilton, Brisbane (Photo credit: CC-BY-SA-4.0/kgbo/Wikimedia Commons)

Hamilton remains as one of the most expensive suburbs in Brisbane at present. However, there was a time when it achieved an elite status and properties like the Bishopsbourne are the demonstration.

Hemmant assigned James Cowlishaw to be the architect of the mansion. Cowlishaw was not just a prominent architect during his time, but also a businessman and politician in Queensland.

In 2007, the Anglican Church sold Bishopsbourne for $11.2 million, making it one of the most astounding sales around the area at the time. The 5,597-sqm property features a central hallway that leads to the rooms, two fireplaces, and two bathrooms. The mansion was sold just a month after it was listed for sale.

Coming Soon! Rivello, A Riverfront Home, Set for Development in Hamilton

A new riverside apartment complex, boasting 50 metres of absolute river frontage, will soon rise at Portside, the premier residential and lifestyle precinct in Hamilton. Dubbed the Rivello, this project will be one of the last riverfront developments in the suburb.

The 21-storey building will have 150 apartments in one, two, or three-bedroom units, including sub-penthouses and two opulent penthouses. The units will range from 110 to 562 square metres in size and are fitted with high-quality finishes.

Rivello will feature an urban sub-tropical character to blend and complement its riverfront address. Billed as a resort-style sanctuary, the complex will have an infinity-edge pool looking out across the view of the Brisbane River and the CBD.

Heaps of communal spaces for intimate gatherings will also be incorporated into the design, such as barbeque areas, kitchen and bar, resident’s lounge, boardroom and outdoor gardens.

“The majority of apartments will boast river views and all will benefit from the high level of on-site amenity, designed so residents have numerous spaces to relax and unwind, take in the views and catch-up with family and friends,” Brookfield Residential Properties Managing Director, Lee Butterworth, said.

It comes as a report from Urbis revealed that off-the-plan apartment sales in Hamilton’s lifestyle precinct increased to 29 percent in 2020, amidst a low level of supply in the market. More investors are also taking advantage of homes with various lifestyle amenities and a view of the river.

“Since COVID-19, people have been spending more time than ever in their home and are looking for generous spaces to entertain, work, or simply sit back and enjoy the view – this has been considered throughout the luxurious and liveable design of the apartments and exclusive resident amenities.”

Riverfront properties in Hamilton have also enjoyed growth at 5 percent per year in the last 20 years.

“Rivello will be the last project of its kind this close to the river in Northshore Hamilton, as future projects require a greater setback, making it a rarity in this highly desirable blue-chip location.”

Rivello is Brookfield Residential Properties’ ninth apartment building at the Portside. Visit the official site for more details.