Milton Archives - Page 14 of 20

Landmark Build-to-Rent Tower Near Suncorp Stadium to Transform Brisbane’s City Fringe

Brisbane’s former Children’s Court site is set to undergo a stunning transformation with the unveiling of plans for a 32-storey unit tower between Roma Street Station and Suncorp Stadium in Milton.

The development has been selected as the State Government’s third pilot build-to-rent project. The tower will feature 475 apartments, with up to 250 units offering government-subsidized rent.

Treasurer Cameron Dick announced Cedar Pacific as the chosen developer in February 2023, and construction is expected to commence later this year, with residents moving in by 2027.

Build to Rent near Suncorp Stadium — *Photo Credit: DA A006266134*

On Friday 5 May 2023, Cedar Pacific submitted plans to the Brisbane City Council for the demolition of the old court building and the construction of the new tower through DA A006266134.

The tower’s design includes a landscaped rooftop, communal multipurpose areas, a co-working space, cinema, games room, gym, pool, barbecue area, and outdoor open space.

Additionally, a pedestrian arcade will be created on the western boundary to facilitate access between the two street frontages, both of which will have landscaped areas and a welcoming atmosphere. A food and drink outlet will also be located on the higher Quay Street level.

The majority of the units will consist of one-bedroom apartments, with 75 studio apartments, 125 two-bedroom dwellings, and 25 three-bedroom units also included. Each apartment will have a balcony.

Vehicle access will be available from Quay Street, and the development will provide 234 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and bicycle spaces, due to its central location and the expected preferences of its tenants.

Although the tower exceeds the 20-storey limit outlined in the City Centre neighborhood plan, Cedar Pacific has reduced the height from the initial plan of 37 storeys. The surrounding developments on either side of the tower also exceed the height limit, positioning the Cedar Pacific building as a transitional element between the higher and lower towers.

According to the plans, the existing building on the site is disused and visually unappealing, offering a poor-quality streetscape and lacking pedestrian connectivity. The proposed development aims to revitalize the site by constructing a landmark building with an accessible ground floor. This transformation is seen as a significant and positive contribution to the city’s entrance.

Published 17-May-2023

Call for Victoria Barracks to be Converted into Vibrant Heritage Precinct Linking Suncorp Stadium

Suncorp Stadium’s ASM Global CEO Harvey Lister has called for the conversion of Brisbane’s inner-city Defence base, Victoria Barracks at Petrie Terrace, into a vibrant heritage precinct.

During a recent Committee for Brisbane forum, Lister argued that the site should not be dominated by high-rise apartments but rather follow the heritage revival of The Barracks and cater to community needs.

Mr Lister suggested that the redevelopment of Brisbane’s railway station at Roma Street provided an opportunity for authorities to revisit a dedicated walkway to Caxton Street. Lister also said that Suncorp Stadium in Milton should always have included a bridge across Countess Street from Roma Street and past or through Victoria Barracks.

“Every time we have an event at Suncorp Stadium, we have to provide a barricade, take out one lane of Roma Street for people to be able to walk along that fairly narrow footpath,” Mr Lister said in an interview.

He described the massive foot traffic in these areas and said that there have been options to solve this with footbrige but there are “complexities” to the execution.

“The pathway to Suncorp Stadium was always in the plans but unfortunately it couldn’t be delivered at that time the stadium was developed. It was always intended it would be developed at a future stage,” added Mr Lister.

Design Charrette 14 Roma Street Precinct from Architectus on Vimeo.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles recently indicated that better pedestrian and transport connections would be incorporated into the precinct. However, Queensland Walks executive officer Anna Campbell shocked delegates when she revealed that 6,500 Brisbane streets did not have a footpath, with 4,000 of them without a footpath on either side.

Council’s opposition leader Cr Jared Cassidy called for funds for footpaths to increase in the 2023-24 council budget, saying that providing footpaths is basic for any local government.

Australian planning firm Architectus is one of several companies with images of how Victoria Barracks on Petrie Terrace could be blended in with Roma Street Parklands over Countess Street. The forum also heard calls to make areas of Brisbane more accessible before looking to work required for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Published 12-May-2023

After Milton Debut, Guzman y Gomez Plans Further QLD Expansion

Energised by the successful launch of its Milton store, Mexican fast-food chain Guzman y Gomez unveiled plans to open nearly 20 more outlets in Queensland over the next 18 months.

More than 5,100 burritos and bowls briskly marched out of the kitchen of Guzman y Gomez (GYG) on its debut day on Baroona Rd, Milton on its May 4th opening day.

Guzman Y Guzman Milton — *Photo Credit: GYG/Facebook*

The Milton restaurant is managed by Camila Alvarez, a nursing student in her first year at the Queensland University of Technology.

Since arriving in Brisbane nearly four years ago from Colombia, Ms Alvarez has worked at numerous GYGs. She thinks that the “amazing food” and the atmosphere of the well-known restaurant have kept her coming back.

Franchisee Gayle Hancock, who currently runs the Toowong, Indooroopilly, and Jindalee shops, is also behind the Milton location.

Guzman Y Guzman — *Photo Credit: GYG/Facebook*

There will soon be locations in Ripley, Maryborough, Yatala, Cleveland, Rockhampton, and Toowoomba, according to Steven Marks, who founded the restaurant with Robert Hazan in 2006.

He recognised the value of the Queensland market to the business. GYG plans to open 30 restaurants across the nation this year and the following year.

Mr Marks claimed that their path had not been simple because it had taken the company two years to even break even. Five years after opening the first store, the CEO finally had the means to pay himself a wage.

With more than 170 locations in Australia, Singapore, Japan, and the US, GYG is one of the world’s fastest-growing fast-food chains. A commitment to “reinvent fast-food” with made-to-order Mexican burritos, bowls, nachos, and tacos has motivated the company’s ambitious expansion plans.

GYG anticipates generating $1 billion in revenue by 2025 as it continues to grow.

Follow Guzman Y Gomez on Facebook for more updates.

Published 10-May-2023

Sporting Wheelies Plans to Build Australia’s First Para Clubhouse in Milton

Did you know that the charitable organization Sporting Wheelies is planning to build a state-of-the-art sports and recreation centre, Australia’s first Para Clubhouse, in Milton?

Submitted in January 2023, the development application filed with Economic Development Queensland (MID-0123-0669) for the proposed project includes indoor courts, an indoor sports centre, office space, a gym, and allied health facilities.

The development will also involve the internal fit-out of the office and warehouse spaces and a minor reconfiguration of the car parking area to cater to accessibility needs.

The project will retain the existing Umart store and provide 19 car parking spaces, with four spaces dedicated to people with disabilities and six extra-wide spaces.

The Para Clubhouse is expected to have a significant impact on the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities.

*Photo Credit: Open Architecture Studio*

Open Architecture Studio designed the clubhouse to benefit people with disabilities, enabling them to live healthier and more active lives. As part of the proposed sports and entertainment centre, Sporting Wheelies’ current headquarters, which are now located in Albion, would be moved to the new structure.

“The proposed use for the indoor sport and recreation use, and ancillary office space and allied health facilities, is consistent with the use adjoining the northern boundary of the subject site. “

“Further, it is anticipated that there will be limited impact on the amenity of adjoining properties given the surrounding nature of the Low Impact Industry, including office, retail and warehouse buildings,” per the planners, Tract.

The facility will also bring together professionals in disability expertise, allied health specialities, Para Sports coaching, and a community of individuals who are passionate about Para Sports.

Published 10-May-2023

NRL Magic Round 2023 Draws Record-Breaking Crowd in Milton After Tickets Sell Out

Photo Credit: NRL/Facebook

The NRL’s Magic Round in Brisbane has officially sold out, and a record-breaking attendance of 150,000 people is anticipated for the three-day football extravaganza at the Suncorp Stadium in Milton.

The Queensland power brokers who are now trying to keep the event in Brisbane over the long term see this news as a huge victory. Additionally, the event is anticipated to enhance the state’s economy by close to $30 million, which will significantly benefit local businesses.

Fans trooped to Caxton St near Suncorp Stadium, where the opening-night NRL double-header took place. The first match saw the Canberra Raiders take on Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs, followed by the Brisbane Broncos playing away from home against the Manly Sea Eagles.

On Saturday, three matches will be played, while the final three matches will be played on Sunday, including a derby clash between the North Queensland Cowboys and Gold Coast Titans. Legendary coach Wayne Bennett will mark his 900th NRL match at the helm of the newest Queensland team, the Dolphins.

Businesses along the Caxton St precinct are already feeling the buzz of the event. The Caxton Hotel manager, Georgie Hull, confirmed that they had to have extra deliveries of beer for Friday, and Thursday had been a massive day of getting all the bars ready.

Translink is offering free travel and extra services to footy fans over the weekend, encouraging them to opt for public transport as the safest and easiest way of travel. Dedicated shuttle buses will run to Suncorp Stadium from various parts of Brisbane, including Ann St, Carindale, Chermside, Eight Mile Plains/Garden City, and The Gap, looping back at the end of each game. Additional trains will also run after each game.

Translink official Sally Stannard stated that with limited parking around Suncorp Stadium, it is recommended that patrons leave their cars at home and catch public transport.

Published 6-May-2023

14 Park Road, Milton: The Last Remaining 19th Century Shop

As 14 Park Road goes through a redevelopment, it’s worth reflecting on how the Milton property has evolved, as well as its importance to the commercial precinct that Park Road has been for over 100 years.

Number 14 is the last remaining shop that was built in the nineteenth century.

The story of 14 Park Road goes back to 1888 when Thomas Smith, who owned a horse-driven taxi company, purchased the property for 500 pounds and built a shop with a house attached above.

Smith’s wife was a dressmaker and milliner and she plied her trade from 14 Park Road whilst living upstairs.

Ensuingly, the property became a grocer’s shop and in 1906, it became a confectionary shop, back in the days when selling sweets was a standalone business.

It also looks like it traded as a bike shop including motorbikes just before the war.

In 1941 , Hinton’s Shop was fined for selling beer without a license.

In 1954, there was a development application submitted to turn the property into two apartments; however, it was rejected.

In the 1980s, an extension and a car park were proposed but again rejected. By the same decade, a menswear shop and a hair designer were tenants of the property. Hair Diorsa, Studio 14 on Park and Bombay Bliss, 2 Forks, Fish Roe and Rheema Restaurant, Sanctuary 14 and Fromage The Cow have been among recent tenancies.

The new development will look stunning and the renders suggest that Mrs Smith’s profession will be commemorated.

The pyramidal roof and curved verandah roof will remain.

The rear will be extended to enable car parking at the back and the first floor will be turned into a modern office tenancy.

The last recorded sale for the Park Road property was in 2002 when it changed hands for $1.18 Million.

Published 26-April-2023

Police Charge 7 Teens for Theft of Stolen Vehicle Abandoned in Milton

Photo Credit: QPS

North Brisbane detectives have charged seven teenagers in connection with the unlawful use of a motor vehicle, previously reported stolen from Peregian Springs and then abandoned in Milton.

The seven individuals, whose ages range from 12 to 17 years old, were apprehended by police on 24 March 2023, after being tracked and stopped by authorities. The boys were residents of Doolandella, Richlands, Springwood, Redback, Bellbird Park, Inala and Caboolture.

According to the police, the teenagers took the vehicle and abandoned it on Jones Street in Milton. The vehicle was tracked by Polair, and police were able to engage the vehicle using a tyre deflation device successfully.

The police showed great use of tactics in tracking and disabling the vehicle, prioritising community safety throughout the operation. As the teenagers fled the vehicle, they were quickly apprehended by authorities.

All seven teenagers are set to appear in the Brisbane Children’s Court at a later date. The charges include unlawful use of a motor vehicle, theft, and related offences.

Meanwhile, the police encourage anyone with information about the incident to come forward and help in the ongoing investigation by contacting Policelink or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

Published 25-April-2023

This Milton Institution Has Been Around Since 1952 and Offers an Interesting Alternative for Yr 11 and 12 Students

Photo credit: Hubbard’s School / hubbards.qld.edu.au

Did you know that there is a school in Milton that offers an excellent alternative to traditional education, accommodating those who wish to improve their Year 12 results, meet prerequisites, or complete their Year 11 and 12 studies in an alternative setting?

Situated on Lang Parade in Milton, Hubbard’s School presents a unique opportunity for students seeking an unconventional approach to their Year 11 and 12 studies through an accelerated and personalised program. As an independent co-educational institution, the school is committed to delivering a high-quality education that equips students for success at the tertiary level.

At Hubbard’s School, each course or subject is condensed into a single calendar year, instead of the standard two-year period.

In keeping with their non-traditional approach, Hubbard’s School promotes a balanced lifestyle and personal freedom, with a laid-back dress code and no mandatory extracurricular activities. Only attendance at lessons is required.

The school maintains a rigorous academic program that attracts students from diverse backgrounds.

About Hubbard’s School

In 1952, two distinguished academics, Godfrey Hubbard and Dr Robert Squire, founded Hubbard’s School. Their initial goal was to support students in preparing for Senior External Examinations.

In 2001, the school obtained Non-State School status in and expanded its offerings. Today, aside from its academic program, the school includes a Tutoring Program and a range of other courses.

Since its inception, the school has expanded its facilities to include well-equipped classrooms, a cosy lunchroom, and a verandah for students to enjoy.

The school also hires laboratory facilities for science classes when necessary, providing a cost-effective laboratory experience for its students. The building is equipped with a Medi-tek stairlift at the front stairs, and all classrooms are situated on a single level at the top of the stairs.

Typically, families that send their children to Hubbard’s School do so because of its distinctive and customised learning approach that equips students who have non-traditional learning styles or specific needs and preferences with the skills they need to succeed at the tertiary level.

To enter Hubbard’s School, students go through a Senior Preparatory Year program. This serves as the main pathway for entry as the program is designed to help students catch up and accelerate their academic progress, preparing them for the compressed senior school subjects offered by the school.

The program covers foundation skills in English, Mathematics (General and Methods), Science (Life and Physical Sciences), and a Career Education Program (1 QCE point), which are typically taught in Years 10 and 11.

Hubbard’s School offers Year 11 and 12 subjects, with students having the option to select from any five (or six) Senior School subjects. Students may also have the opportunity to choose University subjects (such as those offered through the Enhanced Studies Program at UQ) in their final year.

In contrast to mainstream schools, students at Hubbard’s School complete these subjects within the year, allowing them to focus on alternative subjects towards their ATAR in the following year.

Upon completion of five general subjects (or four general subjects and one vocational subject), students will qualify to receive an ATAR and QCE.

One-on-one tutoring services for students in Years 6 – 12 because the school believes consistent tutoring help students achieve better academic outcomes, particularly in exam preparation and assignment organisation.

Personal Wellness Consulting and Coaching Services are available for students who want to improve their personal well-being. Life Coaching is also available to provide individuals with the guidance and confidence needed to achieve their goals successfully.

Visit their website here to learn more about Hubbard’s School.

Published 15-April-2023

The Latest from Milton State School: Updates and Insights

Milton State School takes pride in its strong bonds with the community, and the school regularly hosts a variety of events to strengthen these connections. Here are some of the recent activities that have taken place at the school in early 2023.

Read: Corgi Garden: Cutest Theme Cafe Opens in Milton

Launch of Active School Travel Program

Milton State School launched its 2023 Active School Travel Program. To kick off the program, they hosted an Active Travel Disco, celebrating students who walk, cycle, skate, scooter, park-and-stride, or carpool to school.

The program encourages students to choose active modes of transportation, and each Wednesday, they collect data on the percentage of students actively travelling to school. The classes with the highest percentage in different areas are rewarded with a sports kit or board games.

By promoting active travel, the school hopes to reduce traffic around the school area and promote a healthier lifestyle for the students.

Containers for Change

This March 2023, the school organised a successful Containers for Change drive. The event attracted an impressive number of participants, resulting in the collection of more than 2,500 recyclable containers in just under an hour. Michael Berkman, MP for Maiwar, was also present to show his support for the cause.

State Swimming Championships

Photo credit: Milton State School/Facebook

At the Queensland Swimming Championships, which took place on 26 March 2023, four students from the school, Rosie, Isla, Alex, and Riley, represented Metropolitan North in the competition against the top school sport athletes in Queensland.

Rosie competed in the 50m Butterfly, Isla in the 50m Backstroke, Alex in the 50m, 100m, and 200m Freestyle, and Riley in the 50m & 100m Butterfly and 50m Breaststroke. Additionally, all of the students participated in relay teams during the event.

Camp at Currimundi

Year 5 students embarked on an exciting camping trip to Currimundi. The itinerary was jam-packed with a range of thrilling activities, including rafting, team challenges, circus skills, archery, catapult building, rock climbing, and caving. For many of the kids, the caving experience proved to be a standout favourite.

Wildlife Rangers

Year 2 students received a visit from the Wildlife Rangers, which proved to be an engaging and informative experience for the students. The children were thrilled to meet some adorable animals and learned about their unique life cycles and identifying features that help to classify them into distinct animal groups.

Read: Milton: The Perfect Suburb for Downsizers Trading Big Backyards for City Living

Published 12-April-2023

Pip Theatre: The Tie That Binds Four Amazing Women Together

Photo Credit: PipTheatre

Deidre Grace has always been passionate about everything she does. As a businesswoman, she and her husband ran People in Plastic, an industrial wholesaler in Brisbane with a national reach. As an actor and theatre producer, she gave her all to her craft and couldn’t help but notice the lack of affordable and accessible performance venues to stage her own work. This need became the seed that led her to put up Milton’s Pip Theatre, a production company and venue for like-minded arts organisations to hire.

With a single-minded purpose, Deidre went to work putting together her dream team, starting with Michelle Apps, Co-Founder and Company Director of Pip Theatre. Michelle has superb qualifications in IT, finance and governance and was on the lookout for a project that fulfilled a worthy social purpose, one that would use her skills and have a lasting impact on the community.

On the creative side, Amelia Slatter, a graduate of Bachelor of Creative Industries Drama at QUT, takes care of the venue’s programming and development as a premier entertainment hub by tapping into and creating opportunities for local creatives to get their chance to shine in the spotlight at PIP theatre.

Jenna Todd, the Marketing Director with a business degree from QUT, communicates and promotes the vision and values of the theatre, especially on online media.

Before Pip Theatre

Whilst Pip Theatre opened in 2022, it was anchored with the establishment of the Dome Dance Bar in the 1990s. Multiple shows were done at this venue in a unique skylit dome, which paved the way for its transformation into the Toucan Bar.

The Toucan Bar was a brightly-coloured Toucan-themed dance venue that attracted a crowd of dancers week after week. More than a decade later, however, the site was reborn as Maggie Black’s Jazz Bar in 2007. Here, lively and captivating jazz music brought a cosy and intimate atmosphere.

Pip Theatre — *Photo Credit: PipTheatre Time Capsule*

By 2011, the jazz bar had become the Brazilian Touch, another Toucan-themed site that served Brazilian dishes. However, the once exciting site was redeveloped as the Milton Dome offices in 2012, closing the chapter on this precinct as an entertainment site until Pip Theatre revived it.

Upcoming Shows

After “Bombshells” in January 2023 and “Moon With a View” in late 2022, Pip Theatre’s lineup of shows for the rest of 2023 includes powerful, compelling and rousing stories.

“Grand Horizons” is a comedic play delving into how a family grapples over the divorce of a 50-year marriage. Bess Wohl wrote the story.

“Beginning” looks hard at making connections, online dating, and dealing with life’s baggage. First shown in London and then at the West End, this play by David Eldridge makes its Australian debut at the Pip Theatre.

“The Penelopiad” is an adaptation by Margaret Atwood based on the story of Penelope, the wife of Odysseus.

CHECK UPCOMING SHOWS

Pip Theatre is also open for co-production with external directors and producers or venue hire for one-off shows. Phone (07) 3275 4900 for enquiries or check out their Instagram page for more information.

Published 11-April-2023