Hey, has anyone lived in or been in cathedral place? Is there anything wrong with it? the apartments there seem to be sooo cheap. Its a devine development right?

Yeah, i have some friends who brought a 2 bedroom apartment there last year.
Apparently there is a large component of Housing Commission apartments in the complex, thus explaining the low prices for apartments compared to other inner city buildings.

That explains a lot.

The housing comission is actually a big rumour. I think there is a lot of dodgeys in there because it was one of the first resi developments in the valley which attracted them. From then on only the dodgeys moved in because it was full of dodgeys.

Big generaliseation but I think you get the point.

lots of drug dealers too. yup.

Pretty high body corporate as well IIRC.

lots of drug dealers too. yup.

sure is

I'm not sure if anyone has posted this but Wesley House (140 ann street) is half demolished now. What was going there again?

Residents of Charlotte Towers are not happy, there was a protest outside the building today.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/tenants-vent-anger-over-hotel-plans/2007/10/15/1192300659575.html

lol. Too bad for them I guess, they are only tenants, they don't have much say.

Property
Offices for Brisbane's north
Lisa Allen
140 words
18 October 2007
Australian Financial Review (Abstracts)
67
English
Copyright 2007 Media Monitors Australia Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved

CRI yesterday announced plans for the development of a $330 million creative precinct at Kelvin Grove north of Brisbane after striking a deal with Queensland University of Technology. Under the deal, CRI will develop the complex in return for a 99-year ground lease and rights to develop an office block at the Kelvin Grove Urban Village entry. CRI chairman Peter Wills said 'I think the timing in the market is very important, we will be capitalising on that'. Construction is expected to start late in 2008 and Mr Wills said he was banking on a lack of office space in Brisbane's fringe.

Number of Mentions in original article: University of Technology (1), CRI (1), Kelvin Grove Urban Village (2), DTZ (1), Peter Wills (3), Max Power (1), Village Centre (2)

Wow. I wonder how big it'll be?

i'ld say about the same height as the other buildings there... i think about 8st maybe?

guys, Sun Princess is heading your way!

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=16076980#post16076980

What is the height of the deck of the Gateway Bridge? Would it fit under there or will it have to dock at Fishermans Island?

What is the height of the deck of the Gateway Bridge? Would it fit under there or will it have to dock at Fishermans Island?

It'll fit under the gateway bridge just checked - Sydney Harbour bridge has a 49 meter shipping clearance and the gateway bridge is 55meters.

But major sea liners don't go under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. They stop next to circular quay which is on the ocean side of the bridge.

But major sea liners don't go under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. They stop next to circular quay which is on the ocean side of the bridge.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/ffximage/sunprincess_wideweb__470x311,2.jpg

well i guess you can make what you want of that picture then

Ahh yes well I have made an arse of myself. I didn't relise that the boat had gone under the coathanger when I posted that comment. So indeed good news that it will actually be able to use our international terminal at portside.

From the SMH:

Vic and Qld dominate architecture awards

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October 25, 2007 - 11:34PM
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Buildings and architects in Queensland and Victoria have scooped most of top prizes at Australia's most prestigious annual architecture awards.

The new State Library, the Gallery of Modern Art and Riparian Plaza in Brisbane along with the Eureka Tower and Southern Cross Station in Melbourne took out top prizes at the 2007 Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) National Architecture Awards.

A total of 27 awards across 11 categories were presented to architects at a special ceremony in Alice Springs.

RAIA jury chair Carey Lyon said the jury had recognised "a generational shift" in the award entries, with the emergence of a new wave of architects primarily concerned with how buildings best fit within our cities, rather than as singular objects.

"In public architecture, award winners reflect a growing confidence in the role and value of architecture in the public realm, adding to the liveability of our cities and regions - even a modest sense of nation building," Mr Lyon said.

The nation's top award for public buildings, the RAIA Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture, was awarded to the State Library of Queensland by Donovan Hill Peddle Thorp.

The jury said the building "well expresses its vast ambition to demand and excite public engagement".

Queensland projects dominated this year's awards, due largely to the success of Brisbane-based practice Donovan Hill, which secured six awards for three separate public and private projects.

A further four awards were presented to other outstanding projects from across the state.

The RAIA Robin Boyd Award for Residential Architecture, the nation's top residential architecture award, was presented to Paul Morgan Architects for the Cape Schanck House on Victoria's Mornington Peninsular.

One of Melbourne's new iconic buildings, Eureka Tower, by Fender Katsalidis was awarded the inaugural RAIA Harry Seidler Award for Commercial Architecture.

The jury said Eureka Tower "clearly demonstrates that commercial architecture can be about more than the 'bottom line'".

"It can contribute a broader value to the life and character of the city," it said.

Australia's top award for international architecture, the RAIA Jorn Utzon Award for International Architecture, was awarded to Melbourne-based architects Denton Corker Marshall's Manchester Civil Justice Centre in England.

The High Court of Australia in Canberra received the RAIA National 25 Year Award for Enduring Architecture.


http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Vic-and-Qld-dominate-architecture-awards/2007/10/25/1192941249593.html

They most recent plan for the boardwalk area of south bank....

http://www.southbankcorporation.com.au/__data/assets/image/13988/Image1.jpg

http://www.southbankcorporation.com.au/__data/assets/image/13989/Image_2.jpg

http://www.southbankcorporation.com.au/__data/assets/image/13990/Image_3.jpg

^ Love it, and a bout time too. Screw the NIMBYS who have held this project up. Next step is cleaning up the maritime museum.

I guess I'm one of those nimbys then. Not that I took an vocal opposal in the project, but I'm very much for preserving the current boardwalk area and actually for once keeping a bit of the fucking history of Southbank instead of developing it into another money grubbing project.

^ Love it, and a bout time too. Screw the NIMBYS who have held this project up. Next step is cleaning up the maritime museum.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :applause:

the maritime museum area definetly needs a cleanup..

i got my boat license there back in 2003 i think, that was before they rebuilt the dry dock..

and the whole place was crap, they had one new building but the area surrouding the ship and the landscaping was like a junkyard.

I guess I'm one of those nimbys then. Not that I took an vocal opposal in the project, but I'm very much for preserving the current boardwalk area and actually for once keeping a bit of the fucking history of Southbank instead of developing it into another money grubbing project.

im with you on this one..
although i like the vibrancy and excitment of southbank, the continual development there over the past decade has continually encroached on the 'parkland' aspect of the area.

When it was first built it was almost all parkland from the railway tracks to the river, now its less the half that and shrinking constantly.

I like the new project, that boardwalk area looks very tired, and it is out of the way of most of the Southbank traffic. I like the idea of being able to follow the riverbank all the way along.

On the subject of Southbank, just as I type this, there is a fireworks display going on there, anyone have any idea what it is for, they had one last night as well.

^
Actually the area of 'parkland' has increased slightly since it opened in '92, with the removal of the carpark: this was one of the requirements of the newer master plan. There is certainly more commercial/retail activity but, at least until they bulldoze down these buildings, it has not come at a net lose of parkland.

I agree about the maritime museum external area.....absolute embarrassment.

Not very roll out the blanket and watch the fireworks is it.

So cold or stale at the moment, where is the colour. I'll wait for better renders.

The Martime Museum area isn't that bad. They are running on a very tight budget.

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/3453/p8220005ei4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^
Actually the area of 'parkland' has increased slightly since it opened in '92, with the removal of the carpark: this was one of the requirements of the newer master plan. There is certainly more commercial/retail activity but, at least until they bulldoze down these buildings, it has not come at a net lose of parkland.



but the carpark is now where some of the buildings are.. maybe its just seems smaller because i was only a kid when it was first built.

and they've taken away the little creek that you could swim in and replaced it with a crappy 'water zone' so they can jam more kids in. not happy.

When did they do that? I haven't been to SouthBank in ages.

Regent Towers - 34 floors Office/Retail + Roof (RL 128.800), also include Hilton & Wintergarden Refurb.

Renders lol?

And AB, I thought you could have made a great pun just before and said "They are running a very tight ship there". ;)

The last lot of land a the top of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs before the park was sold on Saturday...for $6.3Mil!!! (1200sqm) A queensland record for a house lot!

and they've taken away the little creek that you could swim in and replaced it with a crappy 'water zone' so they can jam more kids in. not happy.

when i was a kid that creek was awsome

The last lot of land a the top of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs before the park was sold on Saturday...for $6.3Mil!!! (1200sqm) A queensland record for a house lot!
Ahh, I went past that spot on Sat and saw some "rich" types wandering around.

Ahh, I went past that spot on Sat and saw some "rich" types wandering around.

I bet those 'rich' types would be Sydneysiders, no one else would be stupid enough to fork out that kind of money for a housing block!:bash: Someone up in Brisbane should put a photo of the block and its views on this thread...

I have always wanted to know what a Brisbane 6.3 million dollar view looks like??? Includes a brown river i guess??:lol:

^ The land they are talking about is easily one of the best blocks in the country.

http://www.domain.com.au/Public/PropertyDetails.aspx?adid=2006726408#

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/3341/1anh3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/9420/1dyw5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/1465/1bqu6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/1529/1cef6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/3053/1eew7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Yep, it's pretty much the ultimate piece of land in Brisbane. And for $6.3 million for just the land, you'd want to build a pretty bloody awesome house.

If I had unlimited money I'd rather have one of the big houses on the river at New Farm, with views of the city and story bridge. Or on the hills at Hamilton, looking towards the city.

that house has the perfect view for Riverfire.

This site also has it's best view to the city to the North! Best solar aspect on top of a good height on top of 2 reaches of the river on top of one of the best angle Brisbane city has to offer!

That's why the price is so high!

I day dream about that piece of land... my god i have so many ideas if that were my plot of paradise! It has been said perfect view, atop a cliff and perfect orientation. I seriously hope the new owner puts a masterpiece of architecture and not some massive white Hamilton Hill type mc-mansion.

I bet those 'rich' types would be Sydneysiders, no one else would be stupid enough to fork out that kind of money for a housing block!:bash: Someone up in Brisbane should put a photo of the block and its views on this thread...

I have always wanted to know what a Brisbane 6.3 million dollar view looks like??? Includes a brown river i guess??:lol:

I guess its just as brown as the Yarra???

I guess its just as brown as the Yarra???

no, the brisbane river looks crystal clean compared to the Yarra :puke:

The Yarra is FOUL! Melbourne would be better off without it... Slight exageration but you get my meaing.

I'm down by the river quite a bit, and I have never seen it looking better. It has really picked up in water quality, it is much clearer as well. It's starting to look more green-ish than brown.

yeah i drove past the river yesterday, first time ive seen the river in day time for a few years(i moved away) and it is definetly looking cleaner then when i was at school with a view of the river back in the late 90's.

Yes the river is definetly cleaner. I've seen fish every so often jumping around. and everyone has heard of or seen the dolphins swimming in the river

no, the brisbane river looks crystal clean compared to the Yarra :puke:

**Hint: you missed my sarcasm TOCC...Yes the Yarra is filthy..:lol:

Yes the river is definetly cleaner. I've seen fish every so often jumping around. and everyone has heard of or seen the dolphins swimming in the river

apparently the dolphin thing is a myth.. it came out in a report a couple of weeks ago that asesses the cleanliness of rivers in SEQ, Brisbane River is now up to C mark(used to be around E/F)..but dolphins probably wont be returning for a couple more years, they might come into the mouth of the river but not down to the CBD.

C is way better than E/F. how many years did it take to go from E/F to C?
Can we ever expect A?

apparently the dolphin thing is a myth.. it came out in a report a couple of weeks ago that asesses the cleanliness of rivers in SEQ, Brisbane River is now up to C mark(used to be around E/F)..but dolphins probably wont be returning for a couple more years, they might come into the mouth of the river but not down to the CBD.

Hey it IS true. I saw 2 dolphins in the river today at lunch time just oustide Riverside centre. I was amazed... :)

Hey it IS true. I saw 2 dolphins in the river today at lunch time just oustide Riverside centre. I was amazed... :)
sorry, it appears im a liar, my memory must be failing me because the brisbane river is a D+.. which is a good thing because it means there is more room for improvement.

City's river on healthy course

THE Brisbane River is slowly recovering from years of neglect but it still has a long way to go to reach full health, according to a new report.

The SEQ Healthy Waterways Partnership annual report card showed the Brisbane River's rating rise from a D- to a D+.

The Noosa River was the only estuary to receive an A rating.

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said the result showed encouraging improvement.

"A key finding of the report is that the river is in a better position to withstand the worst effects of the current drought, because of the stable riverbanks and improving water quality," he said.

"Council has set up leading-edge storm water filtration in creeks and streets where flows lead into the river, but we can't trap everything."

Former Lord Mayor Jim Soorley ordered an end to dredging in the Brisbane River in 1997, saying it had been treated like a mine for more than 60 years.

Professor Paul Greenfield, chair of the SEQ Healthy Waterways expert panel, said the 2007 report card contained some positive results.

"It is reassuring to know these waterways are retaining their good ecosystem health in the face of increasing development pressure (and drought)," he said.

"The improvements in estuarine ratings resulted from a combination of low rainfall and run-off as well as upgrades to wastewater treatment plants particularly in the Brisbane River estuary."

Six areas received an F grade, including the Upper Brisbane, Lower Brisbane and Redlands freshwater catchments.

Declines in these catchments had mainly been caused by the worst drought on record, Greenfield said.

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22641037-3102,00.html

Hey it IS true. I saw 2 dolphins in the river today at lunch time just oustide Riverside centre. I was amazed... :)

I've spotted dolphins on several ocassions in the Brisbane river under the Captain Cook bridge

The river is only clean because it never rains in Brisbane - hence no run off.

It has rained heaps in the Brisbane River and the waterways that flow into the Brisbane River.

The river is only clean because it never rains in Brisbane - hence no run off.

well the less run off can be a bonus and a negative actually..

Do the upper reaches of the Brisbane River have a population of platypus's like the Yarra??

(What is the plural of Platypus???)

Pretty sure QLD doesn't have any?

C is way better than E/F. how many years did it take to go from E/F to C?
Can we ever expect A?

nope, too tidal now.

i dont think we want it to become too much clearer, or risk actually seeing whats at the bottom lol.

My Mrs rings me everytime she see's the dolphins from her office (Eagle St), she loves Dolphins..

Do the upper reaches of the Brisbane River have a population of platypus's like the Yarra??

(What is the plural of Platypus???)


I think its like sheep, its just platypus.

Platypi is the plural of platypus.

Directly quoted from: http://sweetwaterfishing.com.au/BrisBass.htm

Some of the country along the upper Brisbane River is in pristine condition. Platypus, snakes and birds are a common sight in some of the quieter areas. Please leave this river as it was before your visit and future generations may also enjoy the beauty and quality fishing that is on offer.

Weren't platypus one of the things thrown up by the residents of Maleny on Woolies when opposing its construction? If so seems like there might be a couple on SEQld.

That's exactly right!

Directly quoted from: http://sweetwaterfishing.com.au/BrisBass.htm

Some of the country along the upper Brisbane River is in pristine condition. Platypus, snakes and birds are a common sight in some of the quieter areas.


Nah, never been there.

apparently the dolphin thing is a myth..but dolphins probably wont be returning for a couple more years, they might come into the mouth of the river but not down to the CBD.

Probably better not tell that to the dolphin that was in the Southbank reach of the river at 6.30 this morning!

Watched for about 15 minutes as it surfaced, first downstream of the North Quay ferry terminal, then near the Victoria Bridge and then upstream next to Brisbane Square. Unfortunately it was too unpredictable and too far away to get a photo.

Probably better not tell that to the dolphin that was in the Southbank reach of the river at 6.30 this morning!

Watched for about 15 minutes as it surfaced, first downstream of the North Quay ferry terminal, then near the Victoria Bridge and then upstream next to Brisbane Square. Unfortunately it was too unpredictable and too far away to get a photo.

Hey Duke, you have a great view of the river, do you ever see sharks as well? I've never seen one in the river, but I have been talking to a few people who work on the ferries and they say they see them from time to time. Apparantly there are a lot of Bull Sharks, which is probably the most dangerous breed, due to their agressiveness

Bull sharks can go right up, have been nosed once by a small one at the reaches while water skiing, and I know a couple of people have been bitten in the same area.

^^ sharks are common as far up as goodna. probably all the way to mt crosby wier. ive heard of stories of 3m sharks being caught at jindalee

^^ Yeah, there's been stories of shark attacks in the Brisbane River as far as Mt Crosby/Karana Downs. Which is essentially not much further than Goodna anyway, but still.

Probably better not tell that to the dolphin that was in the Southbank reach of the river at 6.30 this morning!

Watched for about 15 minutes as it surfaced, first downstream of the North Quay ferry terminal, then near the Victoria Bridge and then upstream next to Brisbane Square. Unfortunately it was too unpredictable and too far away to get a photo.

hey, dont shoot the messenger. I was only going off what i read in a article which was apparently quoting a marine biologists, i havent personally seen any dolphins so i assumed he was correct.

The water quality in the Brisbane River and nearby waterways is improving, but the only evidence dolphins are returning is anecdotal sightings, experts said this morning

The report card from the Healthy Waterways expert panel released today shows improvements to the Bremer, Brisbane, Logan, Maroochy, and Noosa River estuaries.

It says the improvements are the result of low rainfall and run-off, as well as upgrades to wastewater treatment plants, particularly in the Brisbane River estuary.

However, University of Queensland whale and dolphin expert Dr Mike Noad, from the Cetacean Ecology and Acoustic Laboratory, said there was no research being done on dolphins in Moreton Bay to prove numbers were increasing.

"It's all anecdotal. I mean there are a handful of sightings of them coming up the river, but we really don't know very much about it at all," he said.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/rivers-healthier-but-dolphins-doubtful/2007/10/24/1192941113837.html?page=fullpage

Hey Duke, you have a great view of the river, do you ever see sharks as well? I've never seen one in the river, but I have been talking to a few people who work on the ferries and they say they see them from time to time. Apparantly there are a lot of Bull Sharks, which is probably the most dangerous breed, due to their agressiveness

Have never seen a shark. Saw a dolphin going down the river this morning (the same one going home?). The river was very still this morning around 5.45am before it had been disturbed by ferries or rowers and I noticed circular waves starting from the middle of the river. Shortly after I caught sight of a dolphin surfacing.

This (http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/travel/4next.html) is what the New York Times think of Brisbane.

Nice find KJBrissy.

This (http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/travel/4next.html) is what the New York Times think of Brisbane.

Thanks for posting - that's an awesome wrap for Brisbane. NY people certainly love their restaurants and art.

This guy is Australian by the sounds of it. He was born in Brisbane and then raised in Sydney. Wonder if anyone New Yorkers even saw the article.

Bit old but I thought I'd post it if it hasn't been posted before.

Big dough to eat into market
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Graham Readfearn
October 22, 2007 11:00pm
DOUGHNUT sellers are fighting it out for the hole-hearted support of young Queenslanders in a bitter-sweet retail battle.
After the phenomenal success of new Brisbane company Dreamy Donuts, US doughnut giant Krispy Kreme is looking to capitalise on Queensland's love of the ring-shaped treat.
Krispy Kreme is only available in NSW, Victoria and the ACT, but The Courier-Mail understands the company has its sights set on a factory and store in Queensland.
But Dreamy Donuts owner Grant Weston, who started his business in February last year after being knocked back by Krispy Kreme, will be hoping his all-Australian doughnut can win out.
Mr Weston, a former professional photographer, says the fondants used are also locally produced, but the chocolate comes from the Swiss-owned manufacturer Lindt.
"Our doughnut is 100 per cent Australian - but the glaze unfortunately is still American," says Mr Weston, who revealed he was also planning a gluten-free range and was about to launch an improved doughnut recipe.
"It's going to be lighter and fluffier and will melt in the mouth even more than it does now - they're more delicious."

Dreamy Donuts will have expanded to 15 stores by Christmas, with plans to open a further 30 next year with 120 stores in Australia by 2010.
While Krispy Kreme's Australian company is Australian-owned with 24 stores, mainly in the Sydney area, its roots are in North America, where it produces more than 7.5 million doughnuts a day

www.thecouriermail.com.au

:lol::lol::lol: What the hell do they mean by "The Courier Mail understands"?

Krispy Creme is overpriced and very fattening. You can get a big chocolate or strawberry donut for just $1 at some bakeries.

I hope Dreamy Donuts are better value for money.

I've walked past Dreamy Donuts at Chermside, but never bought any. They look exactly like Krispy Kreme donuts (not that donuts have much variance anyway). I do love KK though, and would probably buy a box if they open here.

But true Fab, they are expensive, and very very fattening! :)

You simply cannot compare Dreamy Donuts to Krispy Kreme... Krispy Kreme has been around since 1937 and has much more experience in making the perfect donut.

I tried Dreamy Donuts once, nearly threw up and I will never eat that try hard stuff again. Glad to hear KK will be in the neighborhood soon. ;)

I've had both - I like them both - mmmmm donuts... But I only have one once every few months, so my business is not exactly going to make or break either of them...

i had krispy kremes... didnt really care.

I prefer donut king produced cinnamon donuts.

^^
And they are only $2.50 for 3.

I had Krispy Kremes last night as part of a fundraiser thing and to be honest they're not much different to dreamy donuts. I am not a huge donut fan but I've had a few. Though KK do seem to be lighter then DD. I think KK are going to find it hard to get into the Brisbane market as the guy that owns DD will fight very hard to stop it and he knows that his stores that are popping up all over the place are doing very well.

Its amazing now, a few years ago when you were on a bus or something and saw people with a KK box, everyone would just drull over them. These days people just give you a glance and just ignore you and your contents.:lol:

Almost, but not quite, like the whole Hungry Jack's vs Burger King fiasco.

Almost, but not quite, like the whole Hungry Jack's vs Burger King fiasco.

What's the story with that? I thought Hungry Jacks were just a business that held the franchise rights for Burger King in Australia? I never thought they were competitors?

They aren't competitors, I meant in more the way they sell almost identical products just under different names. Wasn't the best comparison.

the funny thing about the whole DD thing is that they guy who owns it actually applied to have a KK franchise in brisbane.. but KK rejected him so he started his own.

Article in Prime Site today had news about Multiplex acquiring 1.7ha of Parmalat's land at South Brisbane. They plan to build 5 buildings up to 12 storeys, with a total GFA of 60,000 sq/m!

Paul's still have 5ha of land in South Brisbane.

First building will be 6 storey's and 10,000 sq/m.

^^ I was hoping that the Govt would get involved in this areas redvelopment somehow, make it similar to southbank rather then just a wall of buildings along the river.

Actually build something there as a attraction, like suuthbanks fake beach etc .

Though there is still a lot of land left, and the govt can interfere with evey development i suppose.

Glass rains from high rise
By Nikki Todd and Nadine McGrath

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22736127-2,00.html

SEVERAL windows have shattered and at least one pane of glass fell out of a prestigious Brisbane office block, narrowly missing pedestrians and cars below.
Police have cordoned off the block around Waterfront Place on Eagle Street, after at least three tinted glass window panes shattered in the high rise building about 3pm (AEST) today.

The building, which adjoins the Brisbane River, houses some of the city's most prestigious legal and financial firms as well as federal government offices including those of senators and Prime Minister John Howard when he is in town.

A fire officer at the scene said windows immediately below the fallen window also looked likely to fall.

However, he said the incident was not uncommon and would be closely monitored.

A worker from a building across the road, who wanted to be known only as Michelle, alerted authorities to the emergency after thousands of pieces of shattered glass began falling all around her.

"I had just finished work and I was sitting there and then suddenly I heard this 'kaboom' and looked up and saw all this glass falling," Michelle said.

"It was hitting all around me, I just ran inside ... and called 'Help, help' and then we came out and looked up and can see that a second one (window pane) under it is shattered as well and ready to go."

Michelle said although she had been hit by some glass, she had not been injured by the falling shards.

"It was hitting all around me. I got (hit by) one little piece, but it is shattered and it is not going to cut you, so it is quite lucky," she said.

The office worker said it was fortunate the windows had not shattered during the week, when thousands of people stream past the building each day.

We watched those panes of glass falling off that building before. Seems to be a problem with it.

thats why they built those big shade cloths down the bottom years ago, its being a problem for years.

i dont think its boring. if you like cricket, its not boring.
http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,5749474,00.jpg


Huge drop in crowds and ratings



November 14, 2007 12:00am

CRICKET Australia last night denied charges of complacency - despite the summer's first Test recording a mammoth drop in TV ratings and crowds from the Ashes opener 12 months ago.

The sight of empty stands that greeted Australia's walloping of Sri Lanka was yesterday compounded by TV ratings that revealed a 40.7 per cent drop in national viewership from last year.
The on-screen demise was so bad that, late on the first day's play, hackneyed US shows Judge Judy and The Bold and the Beautiful out-rated Australia's first innings.

Oztam ratings obtained by The Daily Telegraph show that Channel 10's Judge Judy enjoyed a 18,000-strong audience lead in Sydney over Ricky Ponting's men between 3.15 and 3.30pm on Thursday afternoon.

The embarrassing defeat was the lowlight of a 40.7 per cent drop in viewers from last year's first Ashes Test. An average of more than one million Australians watched the home side crush England 12 months ago.

But last week's carbon copy slaying of the Sri Lankans could only draw an audience of 627,548 across the five days. The aggregate Gabba crowd of 55,953 was also down 66 per cent on last year's record of 164,727.

Given the incredible hype surrounding the Ashes battle, a decrease on both fronts was reasonably expected. But few were prepared for just 1285 people to bother turning up to witness the Aussies complete another routine slaughter on home soil.

The Pura Cup-esque crowd prompted criticism from Queensland cricket boss Graham Dixon, who accused CA of "resting on its laurels'' in regard to promoting the event.

An ad featuring non-starter Nathan Bracken was the only TV promotion in Brisbane, while first-day coverage suffered after a selection of reporters were barred because of a dispute over digital rights.

But CA spokesman Peter Young last night refused to accept the organisation was guilty of complacency. Instead, Young fingered bad weather and an early start to the international season as prime reasons for the poor gates and TV audiences.

"We are not taking our foot off the pedal, in the same way as Ricky Ponting is not taking his foot off the pedal,'' Young said. "No one can afford to rest on their laurels - it doesn't matter what market you are in.''

Despite a less appealing summer on the horizon than last year's blockbuster, ticket prices for Test matches and one-dayers at all venues have generally remained the same.

A concourse seat for the SCG New Year Test against India has risen from $47 to $48, while premium seats have been discounted by $8. Unlike last year, tickets remain available in all categories on all days.

A Cricket NSW spokesman said sales were on par with the previous Sydney Test against India four years ago that marked Steve Waugh's farewell.

"They start out pretty slowly, but the timing is good for us because over Christmas we tend to see a spike.''

Cricket NSW said it was satisfied with CA's marketing strategy, which will include a promotional event on King St Wharf next month. But the public isn't so convinced.

Still disgruntled over bans of full-strength beer and the Mexican wave, hordes of fans emailed The Daily Telegraph yesterday to sound their intention not to attend this year's Test.

Supporter groups have also reported a downturn in demand, with "too much cricket'' being blamed. This summer will see international cricket played on a record 50 days.

Test series major sponsor 3 Mobile is understood to be content with arrangements at present. Senior figures within the organisation are, however, secretly hoping for the visitors to be more competitive in the interests of re-igniting a contest

On December 4 , The Starlight Foundation will be staging the first ever Star Jump in Brisbane and people will be able to abseil down the 19 Storey Energex House in Charlotte St.

To participate, you must pay an entry fee of $750 and raise a minimum of $2500. You can enter as a team as well.

All proceeds will support the Starlight Foundation which supports children with severe illness by granting them wishes that they want e.g Trip to Gold Coast.

More information here -http://www.starjump.org.au//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=29

Anyone up to the challenge???

They will also be doing this in Sydney and Melbourne.

I have no interest in watchin Sri Lanka play, australia just smash them too well.. I hope that Sri Lanka beat Australia in one match at least, the way it might be slightly interesting.

Does anyone have any information regarding the Brisbane laneways project - or who is repsonsible for the invesitgation - there was some money in the last budget put aside for this. I was just wondering if there was any progress made..

the building on the corner of albert and margaret street (AM60) has been demolished

The MLC/Hitachi weather beacon is getting canned. And laughably instead of saying they don't want to pay for its upkeep anymore, it is being passed off as being shelved for enviromental reasons. Does everything have to be spin doctored today?

http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/iconic-weather-beacon-to-get-the-flick/20071119-1baj.html

The MLC/Hitachi weather beacon is getting canned. And laughably instead of saying they don't want to pay for its upkeep anymore, it is being passed off as being shelved for enviromental reasons. Does everything have to be spin doctored today?

http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/iconic-weather-beacon-to-get-the-flick/20071119-1baj.html

Does that mean it is being switched off and demolished or just switched off and staying on as maybe a communications mast, I wonder?

i dont know if it is even a communications mast at the moment.. i havent seen any antennae's on there

thats sad, but eventual I guess, hope they replace it with LED's at a new location cos its saved me a few times.

I think that it is just going to be turned off. No being replaced from what i read in the article or saw on the news. Leds would save alot of energy but you would need alot of them to get to the same brightness, so not an economic option. However the pole shouldn't be going anywhere as there is communications up there and they would make money of that. Plus for it would be part of the buildings insulation from Lightening even though there are now alot taller.

LED's will be the illuminator of choice very soon. I've seen some VERY impressive production ready commercial LED lighting solutions cross my desk over the last couple months. The amount of ultra high output LEDs required to fill the same role for this tower would probably be less than a quarter on power consumption and probably more than 20+ times the life span.

Still money that the owners of the building would have to spend. This really just seems a reason to get rid of them. M

With 400 George, 275 George, Brisbane Square and the potential for a tall building on the Supreme Court site its only a matter of time until the Hitachi/MLC building is so boxed in no one could see the beacon anyway.

I'd like to see another weather beacon built on a taller building. Just like they replaced the original weather beacon from the old MLC building on the corner of Adelaide and Edward Sts.

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/7202/p3070165cw6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Just found out one of my collegues (said engineer) was instrumental in this, not happy.

Where's the big Dutton Park thing that was on the news this morning with Hinchchchliff getting his mugshot on radio about transit oriented developments. Sounds like quite a big project.

Do you mean the Boggo Road development? Can't see anything new on the website:

http://www.boggoroad.com.au/

Forget the weather spire with lights, they should install a large ball that goes up and down a pole like the 'hellfire club' but instead have Brisbane City Council Meeting, that way we now when the buggers are 'in session' With any luck it would get struck by lighting at the appropriate time.

^^
Its wierd that they are turning off these lights when just the other month Council was advocating the use of neon lights, signs, billboards and other lighting in Fortitude Valley at night to make it more like - Tokyo!!!

J

There are some definite double standards coming out of City Hall these days, trying to go two ways at once, that are not compatible.

Seeing as this is a Queensland story - QLD Newspaper...

This is actually quite amazing!! The CM ADMIT and encourage the public to support Kevin Rudd. I congratulate the Courier Mai for having the balls and writing what we all are thinking... GO KEVIN!l!! :banana:

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m173/soulvisionQ2/0576411900.jpg
KEVIN Rudd is a man for his times: outward looking in a world where our circumstances will be increasingly shaped by events we do not control.

We stand behind a man of our state and our times
Article from: The Courier-Mail | Read why we think it's time for a change (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22805578-13360,00.html)
November 22, 2007 11:00pm

KEVIN Rudd is a man for his times: outward looking in a world where our circumstances will be increasingly shaped by events we do not control; intellectually capable in a climate that demands considered responses to rapid change; and in touch with popular sentiment.

As Opposition Leader, he started the year talking about the need for the Commonwealth government to act on climate change, education, broadband and our decaying urban infrastructure. And he ends it with the very strong possibility of taking government tomorrow against a Coalition that has only belatedly embraced those issues.

He deserves the public's support. And he has the support of The Courier-Mail, only the second endorsement we have given federal Labor since the newspaper was established 74 years ago.

We do not do so because he is a Queenslander, although the prospect of having the nation's leadership understanding this state and its needs and priorities is appealing. The Coalition Government of John Howard has failed, until recent months, to come to terms with the growth pressures confronting modern Queensland. But, like the Coalition's grudging acceptance of climate change, voters are entitled to be cynical and regard this as being too late.

Story Continued... (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22805578-13360,00.html)

Seeing as this is a Queensland story - QLD Newspaper...

This is actually quite amazing!! The CM ADMIT and encourage the public to support Kevin Rudd. I congratulate the Courier Mai for having the balls and writing what we all are thinking... GO KEVIN!l!! :banana:

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m173/soulvisionQ2/0576411900.jpg
KEVIN Rudd is a man for his times: outward looking in a world where our circumstances will be increasingly shaped by events we do not control.

We stand behind a man of our state and our times
Article from: The Courier-Mail | Read why we think it's time for a change (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22805578-13360,00.html)
November 22, 2007 11:00pm

KEVIN Rudd is a man for his times: outward looking in a world where our circumstances will be increasingly shaped by events we do not control; intellectually capable in a climate that demands considered responses to rapid change; and in touch with popular sentiment.

As Opposition Leader, he started the year talking about the need for the Commonwealth government to act on climate change, education, broadband and our decaying urban infrastructure. And he ends it with the very strong possibility of taking government tomorrow against a Coalition that has only belatedly embraced those issues.

He deserves the public's support. And he has the support of The Courier-Mail, only the second endorsement we have given federal Labor since the newspaper was established 74 years ago.

We do not do so because he is a Queenslander, although the prospect of having the nation's leadership understanding this state and its needs and priorities is appealing. The Coalition Government of John Howard has failed, until recent months, to come to terms with the growth pressures confronting modern Queensland. But, like the Coalition's grudging acceptance of climate change, voters are entitled to be cynical and regard this as being too late.

Story Continued... (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22805578-13360,00.html)


we "all" thinking....

hardly lad, i think liberal supporters are just less arrogant then labour.
regardless, lets leave it to the election forum.

Here comes 'Kev.'

i know this isnt about QLD - but concerns Devine - and it made me laugh....

from afr, an article about an apartment block in melbourne. The title reads:
"Devine holds key to fate of rare facade"

HAHAHA - who on earth would trust devine with a rare facade!!!

They hold the key to ruining it.

they will probably have a 'accident' and knock the wall over, just so they can put up there boring ugly shit.

we "all" thinking....

hardly lad, i think liberal supporters are just less arrogant then labour.
regardless, lets leave it to the election forum.

Ignorant hey? At least we can spell the name properly...

they will probably have a 'accident' and knock the wall over, just so they can put up there boring ugly shit.

I think this might surprise you (it surprised everyone in the Vic forum).

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/dbs.jpg

the facade in question:

http://www.thecollectormm.com/private/EasternArcade2.jpg

Ignorant hey? At least we can spell the name properly...

i didnt say ignorant.
and whos name did i spell wrong?

I think this might surprise you (it surprised everyone in the Vic forum).

yes it is suprising.. looks interesting to say the least.

Is the sun angle on the street side, with no shades along the long side?

i didnt say ignorant.
and whos name did i spell wrong?

My apologies you said arrogant. You spelt Labor wrong.

David Devine... how does he sleep at night?

I think this might surprise you (it surprised everyone in the Vic forum).

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/dbs.jpg

the facade in question:

http://www.thecollectormm.com/private/EasternArcade2.jpg

Wow.... Devine made THIS?!
i stand corrected.

Swan's Treasury office to be based in Brisbane CBD:

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22828312-5013650,00.html

Not THE treasury office.... A treasury office.
Treasury will continue to be based in Canberra and run from there.

Go see the film "All my friends are leaving Brisbane", it is great, and they do a terrific job of showing off Brisbane, heaps of skyline shots. And it's also cool seeing so many Brisbane locations like the RE in a movie.

Joel Turner's film clip to his new song is shot in and around the CBD.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF_NJRC4HZU&feature=related

guys, whats this dev going up next to bank of nsw/
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2073/2068060956_7e7656c9e5_o.jpg

^^http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=467374&highlight=george

i thought it was a bad omen to put up a christmas tree before december?

A great city Christmas tree though. Much better than Melbourne's metal mistake... bleh.. was novel but now well overdue for a brand new one:

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/7739/1002624previewxs3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

An article in the SMH Good Weekend magazine on Sarina Russo mentioned her building in Adelaide St, the one 2 doors up from the Marriott. They said they wanted to build a new tower there and would try and make it as high as they would be allowed. Just Sarina Russo spin? Only time will tell.

i dont think Sarina Russo has the financial backing to build a tower 300m tall..

Not to mention that she lacks any major experience in major construction projects.

Isn't she the wealthiest woman in Australia (or close to it). She'd be able to get the finance, she'd also just contract someone to help her do it.

I thought someone was buying her building and the one next door and building something on there?

Sarina Russo mentioned her building in Adelaide St, the one 2 doors up from the Marriott.

There is a building just two doors up from her site called the 'Bellagio'. It is a 6 storey resi tower, single floor units, basement pool, great views of the Storey Bridge. One of the units is For Sale - $2.9M for 280m2 4bm unit.
There is a similiar building to this almost next door, 7 storeys.

I always imagined we would see one of these on her site given it has idenitical dimensions to these other two. They are classy little buildings.

Old news - but relevant to current prestige projects just about to hit the market.

Jade set for a sky-high (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20884758-25658,00.html)
The Austrlian | Fiona Cameron | December 07, 2006

A FOREIGN buyer is understood to have signed a contract to purchase a Gold Coast penthouse for more than $20 million and a beach-house in the same building for about $12 million.
A spokesman for developer Bezzina Group yesterday said there had been no active marketing on the Jade penthouse for several weeks, but declined to comment further.
Sources say the buyer signed conditional contracts last month and that Bezzina expects them to become unconditional within weeks.
If so, the penthouse in the just-completed 15-storey Jade tower at Surfers Paradise will take the record for Australia's most expensive apartment, topping an extraordinary year of sales in luxury apartments and homes.
In September, the national apartment price record was broken when a southeast Queensland businessman signed a $16.85 million off-the-plan contract for the four-level penthouse in Juniper Group's proposed $850 million, 77-storey Soul tower at Surfers Paradise.
That deal smashed a record that had stood for only two weeks, set when "Aussie John" Symond sold his 660sqm apartment on the fifth floor of Sydney's Walsh Bay Wharf in August for $16.5 million.
Previously, the record had been the $15 million that radio star John Laws paid in 2004 for his penthouse in the wharf at Woolloomooloo in Sydney.
On the Gold Coast, other big news in the top-end market came in October when a "knockdown" fibro shack on three lots in prestigious Albatross Avenue at Nobby's Beach was sold for $20 million, the highest price ever paid for a residential property in Queensland.
Bezzina, which has carved a niche in developing luxury, waterfront apartments, also has runs on the board at its Eliza project at Point Piper in Sydney's east, where three apartments have been sold for between $12 million and $14 million each. The remaining units all having $14 million-plus asking prices.
Meanwhile, if the $20 million-plus contract for the Jade penthouse proceeds to a sale, it will mean Queensland's most valuable residential property is an apartment, not a house.
This would confirm a trend that has been under way for some time, with the big money moving into upmarket apartment developments.
Across the nation, developers have been busy building plenty of product catering to cashed-up baby boomers who are demanding well-designed, lifestyle-focused apartments and townhouses.
As well as the three-level penthouse in Jade, the "on-the-sand" building has 12, one-per-floor apartments, each with their own balcony swimming pool. The apartments sold for an average of $5.9 million, and Bezzina says only two are unsold.
The only buyer's name to come to light is champion golfer Adam Scott, but other buyers are understood to include business and rural identities.
Meanwhile, the Midwood Queensland Investment Report, released yesterday, reports that all but one Jade apartment is sold.
It says apartments in the project have sold for an average $15,405sqm.
Those details are provided to the researcher by the Bezzina Group.
Midwood reports that Gold Coast high-rise sales have recovered over the last two quarters, after weak sales between late 2005 and early 2006.
There were 263 new high-rise units sold in the November quarter, says Midwood, after 313 in the August quarter.
Both figures were well up on the 124, 160 and 130 in the previous three quarters.

In last Friday's PrimeSite:

"....... Brisbane based investor had purchased the 2206m2 site earlier this year for $5.7M..... The property has preliminary approval for a 6 storey building but the buyer will revise the the design and re-submit to the city council a new design - possible between 20 and 30 storeys. It will be a mixed-retail, commercial and residential development with underground car parking through Ranwell Lane. "

No Way ! I doubt they will approve over 20 storeys for this site.

Why? It is a very large site and the future Masterplan calls for up to 30st in this area. What better way to kick it off.

On December 4 , The Starlight Foundation will be staging the first ever Star Jump in Brisbane and people will be able to abseil down the 19 Storey Energex House in Charlotte St.

To participate, you must pay an entry fee of $750 and raise a minimum of $2500. You can enter as a team as well.

All proceeds will support the Starlight Foundation which supports children with severe illness by granting them wishes that they want e.g Trip to Gold Coast.

More information here -http://www.starjump.org.au//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=29

Anyone up to the challenge???

They will also be doing this in Sydney and Melbourne.

Just a reminder that the Starjump is on today. If anyone is downtown with a cam, please get some shots. I'm taking care of Sydney and Melbourne.

Ursula Heger
December 04, 2007 05:00pm
POLICE are expecting significant delays in Brisbane City after glass from a skyscraper in Brisbane Square fell on to the street about 4.45pm.

A pane of glass is believed to have fallen from a window on the 28th floor of the building on the Adelaide St side of the square, missing pedrestrians below.

Police have closed Adelaide St from George St to North Quay until further notice.

This one confuses me, L28 is the rec. floor, which has the balcony around it, the balastrading is quite high and I fail to see how a window could fall from this level unless it literally exploded out taking the balastrading with it. Are there any pics?

[edit] CM reports level 8.. :dunno:

The balustrade on Level 28 is made out of glass - I would estimate that it's about 7ft high. I believe this is what fell.

The balustrade on Level 28 is made out of glass - I would estimate that it's about 7ft high. I believe this is what fell.

That makes sense because the balustrade on the plaza side of the building is now covered with some type of black mesh. The only entrance into Brisbane Square is from George Street as both the Adelaide Street and plaza entries have been closed and barricaded off.

Parts of Adelaide St remained closed yesterday after glass fell from a balcony on Tuesday afternoon from the 28th floor of the newly-built Brisbane Square.

Yup...

CBD offices sold for record $839m
Georgia Waters | December 7, 2007 - 2:46PM

The three-tower Central Plaza complex has been sold for a whopping $839.2 million - the biggest commercial deal in the city's history and the largest-ever transaction for a single office complex.

Queensland Investment Corporations today announced the sale of Central Plaza One (on the corner of Queen and Creek streets) and Two (on the corner of Creek and Eagle streets). Both premises are fully leased, with tenants including AAMI, the Macquarie Bank, the Australian Taxation Office and law firm McCullough Robertson.

Central Plaza Three is still under construction and is set for completion in November next year.

The sale of the towers puts the average rate per square metre at about $10,000, reflecting a combined initial yield of 4.9 per cent, a QIC spokesperson said.

The combined floor space of the three towers is about 85,000 square metres.

QIC's head of global real estate, Laurie Brindle, said more than 50 buyers had expressed initial interest in the complex.

ISPT (Industry Superannuation Property Trust) bought Central Plaza One and the final two towers were sold to a joint venture between Australian Prime Property Fund (APPF) Commercial and an unnamed overseas investor, Mr Brindle said.

The sales were negotiated by CBRE's Robert Sewell and Bill Tucker, and Stephen Conry, Geoff McIntyre and John Talbot of Jones Lang LaSalle.

Previously, the record for a single property transaction was held by the 2005 sale of Sydney's Chifley Tower, which sold for more than $710 million.

The 2006 sale of a portfolio of office blocks in Sydney for $879 million is the largest property sale in Australia, but the buildings were in seperate locations.

Mr Brindle said QIC's sale of the complex would allow it to "diversity its portfolio" locally and internationally.

Late last year QIC bought a 50 per cent share in the Westfield Merry Hill shopping centre near Birmingham in the UK for $1.3 billion.

so im assuming that this would reflect positively on future skyscrapers in brisbane.

so im assuming that this would reflect positively on future skyscrapers in brisbane.

well, yes I would dare say it is a good thing for Brisbane.

Ex Lord Mayor Clem Jones has died. He did a lot to modernise Brisbane whilst he was Mayor between 1961 and 1975, but he will also always be remembered as the man who let the trams disapear. He should have kept the most inner city part of the network still going, and let the busses take care of the suburbs.

Although I too will remember him for pissing off the trams. He did do some very good things for us, like surface many side streets and provide sewerage. He was also curator while also being Lord Mayor, not sure Can Do could provide a wicket for a test match at the Gabba.

whats the go with AAS? there has been hardly any posting for a month.

Excuse my ignorance, but what is AAS?

Excuse my ignorance, but what is AAS?

www.allaboutskyscrapers.com ?

Yet another proposal for this site,

This time Consolidated Properties are having a go. They are proposing an extension to this historic building. It will feature a 30m high mural made in perforated steel. The Historic 1942 Qld Brewery Company Building is hertiage listed and currently has 2,670m2 NLA. Trinity bought it from FKP Jun-07 for $15.4M.

^^Which one is 501 again?

A mixed use development is proposed on Adelaide Street opposite Meriton Tower, however as it is a 250sqm lot of land, I can't exactly imagine a large building.

^^Which one is 501 again?


http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/9775/501ann1dw1.png

How weird!!

I can tell you it needs something at the northern part of the property as at the moment there are no active frontages and the area is dead other than vehicular traffic.

Still unsure about the design however.

On another note, reports are that Ipswich City Council are relaxing height limits in Springfield CBD to allow 25 storey towers!!

I absolutely love 501. Beautiful building in a great spot. I'm so relieved to hear it's listed but not sure I'm a fan of this extension...

Our city skyline's success storeys - Skyscrapers soar in a golden era
Daryl Passmore
1144 words
16 December 2007
Sunday Mail, The
2 - State - Main Country
14
English
Copyright 2007 News Ltd. All Rights Reserved

READY TO RISE

High-rise developments approved for construction to start in 2008 in the Brisbane CBD include:

1. 41 Adelaide St Storeys: 12 Uses: Prestige offices above existing retail

2. 308 Queen St Storeys: Eight Uses: Commercial. Heritagelisted NAB bank will remain

3. 470 Queen St Storeys: 31 Uses: Residential units, offices and shops

4. 270 Adelaide St Icon Place Storeys: 15 Uses: "Boutique" office space, retail

5. 156 Roma St Storeys: 30 Use: Boutique hotel

6. 499 Adelaide St Storeys: 37 Use: Student residential units

7. 40 Elizabeth St Adjoining Myer Centre Storeys: 21 Use: 273-room hotel

8. 51-79 Elizabeth St Empire Square Storeys: 72 Uses: 448 apartments, 16level hotel, commercial

9. 549 Queen St Storeys: 59 Uses: 206 residential units, shops, restaurant and offices

10. 103 Mary St Storeys: 27 Use: Residential units

11. 110 Mary St Matisse Tower Storeys: 20 Use: Prestige office

12. 159 Roma St Transit Centre Storeys: 33 Uses: Transport hub, new commercial tower, 1004 parking spaces

13. 42-60 Albert St Storeys: 21 Uses: offices, shops and restaurant

ON THE DRAWING BOARD

Projects awaiting development approval include:

127 Charlotte St Storeys: 23 Uses: Residential units, offices, shops

77 Eagle St Storeys: 51 Uses: Business centre, retail, childcare centre

466 Ann St Storeys: 9 Use: Offices

133 Adelaide St Broadway Tower Storeys: 49 Use: Offices

147 Edward St Victory Hotel Storeys: 5 Use: Hotel

550 Queen St Storeys: 29 Uses: Offices and shops

491 Adelaide St Meriton Adelaide St Storeys: 74 Uses: residential units, serviced apartments, offices, shops, restaurant

133 Albert St Storeys: 32 Uses: Offices and car park

145 Ann St Storeys: 37 Uses: Incorporating existing 1850s Presbyterian Church with new commercial tower, restaurant, community facilities

67 Edward St Storeys: 9 Uses: offices, shops and restaurant

On Page 15: BRISBANE'S CBD is about to undergo a multibillion-dollar facelift as developers rush to keep up with an insatiable demand for offices, apartments and hotel rooms.

Several new skyscrapers will soon puncture the skies above the state's capital, with firms vying to dominate the cityscape with the tallest and most dramatic buildings.

Some of Brisbane's landmark heritage buildings will also get a new lease of life.

Construction is scheduled to start in 2008 on 17 major city centre developments already approved by Brisbane City Council.

Another 10 key projects are awaiting the go-ahead from planning chiefs.

Grant Dearlove, national managing director (residential) with Colliers International, says the CBD will see $2 billion of residential development alone over the next two years.

Commercial projects worth another $2 billion are also on track.

``Brisbane is becoming the prestige centre of Australia for apartment living. The quality of developments coming through now are quite unlike anything we've seen before,'' he said.

``Within 18 months, the number of apartments in the CBD will reach 5000. More than 750 will have price tags of $1.75 million northwards.''

Deputy Mayor David Hinchliffe said there was probably more development than at any time in the past two decades, and now in a year was almost as much as would normally be expected over a five-year period.

``The CBD is one large construction site. In fact, there's so much development happening that construction noise, traffic disruption and footpath closures have become major issues for the 75,000 who work in the CBD and the 9000 who live there.

``In the 20 years I've represented the CBD, there's been a revolution,'' said Cr Hinchliffe, whose ward includes the city centre.

``The ongoing demand from developers is a strong vote of confidence in the continuing strength of our city.''

Council development experts say the total area of buildings to be constructed in 2008 is 284,500sq m.

Brisbane's most successful developer -- the $600 million man Kevin Seymour -- agrees it's the place to be.

``It's the most desirable place in Australia at present,'' said Mr Seymour, whose own 47-storey Skyline apartment block on the riverside was recently completed.

``Because of the success of the Queensland economy, Brisbane is becoming a more and more attractive location.

``We are an advanced, modern city on the world scene now and with such growth in population, everyone will want a piece of Brisbane.''

Mr Seymour said there was plenty of room for competition and welcomed the entry to the Brisbane market of Sydney-based billionaire developer Harry Triguboff.

His Meriton Apartments has lodged an application for a 74-storey building on Adelaide Street, including residential units and serviced apartments.

Mr Triguboff famously dismissed Brisbane as ``a backwater'' in 1981 and turned his attention to the Gold Coast.

A Meriton spokesman last week told The Sunday Mail that the company's founder was now bullish about Brisbane, which he saw as the ``next horizon'' and was looking at several other sites in the city.

At 250m, Mr Triguboff's skyscraper will not quite reach the heights of Vision, the $900 million 79-level ``vertical village'' planned for a block between Margaret and Mary Streets. Groundworks have started on the tower which, with a 24m spire on its roof, will top 287m, making it Brisbane's tallest building.

The development, due for completion in 2011, will include a two-level observation deck as well as 407 apartments, offices, shops, entertainment, a five-star restaurant and art gallery.

Work will begin next year on Trilogy Tower, a 265m high development on the site of the old Red Cross building in Queen Street.

The 70-storey building, featuring a massive lantern which will light up the night sky, will incorporate 109 prestige apartments, a five-star all-suite hotel and office space.

It is due to open in 2010, at an estimated cost of $980 million.

Also approved to start in 2008 is the Empire Square development on Elizabeth Street, with a 240m tall tower and 72 floors of apartments, hotel, offices and shops.

A recent report by commercial estate agent Savills said more than $700 million of office buildings had changed hands over the previous 12 months.

It predicts that at least 500,000sq m office space -- more than a quarter of the current total -- will be added over the next five years, bringing an extra 20,000-plus office workers into the City each day.

``The Brisbane CBD is entering a golden era of development that is unprecedented in its history,'' said the report.

Work is to start on refurbishing the Roma Street Transit Centre, complete with a 33-storey office tower, and the ``revitalisation'' of King George Square will be completed.

The new-look public space in front of City Hall will include a dramatic raised and partially covered deck, with a central city bus station underground.

Bring your wallet for these million-dollar views
152 words
13 January 2008
Sunday Mail, The
2 - State - Main Country
23
English
Copyright 2008 News Ltd. All Rights Reserved

THE price tag is breath-taking but so is the view from Brisbane's newest residential tower.

Penthouses in the Macrossan St project in the CBD's Admiralty precinct start at $5.15 million, with sub-penthouses starting at $2.7. Skyline Apartments, a project driven by developers Seymour Group, Ariadne Australia and Watpac Australia Ltd, stands 150m, or 47 storeys. ``People still feel there is enough capital growth in the Brisbane market to take the gamble and purchase an investment property,'' said Seymour Group development manager Belinda Amble.

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland recently revealed the unit and townhouse market continued to perform well. Median unit and townhouse prices in Brisbane have increased 10.6 per cent to $335,000 in the 12 months to the end of September 2007.

Council approves Riverpark building
Michelle Hele
241 words
21 December 2007
The Courier-Mail
1 - First with the news
65
English
Copyright 2007 News Ltd. All Rights Reserved

FKP has received a development approval from the Brisbane City Council for its first building at Newstead Riverpark -- an office tower to house Energex.

The office building will form part of FKP's Gasworks at Newstead development.

The approval comes amid speculation that FKP is close to pre-selling the building.

FKP would also like to develop a residential tower of up to 32 storeys on its portion of the site.

FKP residential developments project director Peter Rossi said the group had in conjunction with Urban Renewal, Mirvac and Watpac held community consultation on a revised masterplan for the Newstead RiverPark development area.

He said originally proposals were for heights of between 25 and 30 storeys in the precinct, but a revised draft masterplan with a proposal for 32 storeys had been devised.

``Most of it (reaction at the community consultation) was quite positive,'' he said.

``There was certainly some comment on the heights and density.''

Mr Rossi said that overall, people responded well to the larger amount of public open space, which had been increased by about 50 per cent in the latest draft masterplan.

In the meantime, FKP has made a number of other strategic acquisitions including four properties on Longland St.

He said the group was keen to start on the Energex building and was awaiting final sign-off on the remediation of the site.

Devine in $19.5m CBD buy
Michelle Hele
321 words
21 December 2007
The Courier-Mail
1 - First with the news
64
English
Copyright 2007 News Ltd. All Rights Reserved

DEVINE has paid $19.5 million for a site in the Brisbane CBD which it will incorporate into its plans to deliver a $1 billion French Quarter precinct.

The group announced yesterday it had secured a site at 111-113 Margaret St, giving it control of an amalgamated site area of 5570sq m.

Since February this year it had either acquired or secured control of four sites fronting Albert, Margaret and Alice streets, including a private laneway for the development.

Devine plans to build a luxury six-star hotel, residential apartments, retail and commercial space in its development.

Three designs from an international competition have been shortlisted for the first building.

The latest acquisition already has planning approval in place for a 25-storey residential tower.

Devine managing director David Devine said the opportunity to amalgamate a development site of this size in such a premium location was incredibly rare.

``It has taken years of complex negotiations and vision to amalgamate this prime site,'' he said. ``Our vision for the French Quarter is to offer a combination of six-star residential penthouses and apartments linked by Parisian-style cafes and eateries, bringing a vibrancy and sophistication to this part of the CBD,'' he said.

Mr Devine said at the heart of the precinct would be a 6-star hotel with about 120 to 150 rooms.

An international campaign, co-ordinated by Jones Lang LaSalle, is now under way to find an operator for the hotel.

Earlier this year, Devine secured control of all 25 units in the Camelot Court residential building on Albert Street and an adjoining laneway for $22.5 million.

In March it bought the 23-unit Carrington apartment building on the corner of Alice and Albert streets and a vacant 455sq m parcel of land at 140 Alice St for $22.7 million.

^^
Sounds like a highrise version of Emporium.

PS - I absolutely LOVE Emporium!!!

j

The Newstead Riverpark news come as a bit of a surprise. 32 stories is incredible, considering the original plan had buildings of up to only about 6 stories on the site. 32 stories might just be a little too much, especially considering its quite some distance from both the CBD and Valley.

Wow! Devine own half of a massive city block! Hope they do the site justice.

The Newstead Riverpark news come as a bit of a surprise. 32 stories is incredible, considering the original plan had buildings of up to only about 6 stories on the site. 32 stories might just be a little too much, especially considering its quite some distance from both the CBD and Valley.

Yeah the latest Master Plan showed Mirvac with a couple of highrise buildings ranging in height from 18 to 28 stories but with a lot more parkland and fewer buildings overall. To me the downside of this is there will be less ground activites (ie less retail at ground level) and a higher number of residents tucked away on high levels of their apartment. It could end up being like KP where there isn't a lot street level activity with less buildings meaning there will be less retail and restaurants etc at ground level.

Sounds exciting but will increased traffic be an issue? Let's hope the govt can get enough public transport infrastructure in place to service this area.

Blimey, Briz still going strong.

Yeah the latest Master Plan showed Mirvac with a couple of highrise buildings ranging in height from 18 to 28 stories but with a lot more parkland and fewer buildings overall. To me the downside of this is there will be less ground activites (ie less retail at ground level) and a higher number of residents tucked away on high levels of their apartment. It could end up being like KP where there isn't a lot street level activity with less buildings meaning there will be less retail and restaurants etc at ground level.
Wow, I must say I'm quite shocked that the plan has changed so much. I noticed on the FKP site the other day, a small render of the Energex office building - says it will be 28,000sq/m over 8 stories - and it looks very nice.

I have heard this rumour twice now so I thought i'd see if anyone else has heard it. Word is that Toombul shopping centre (Centro) will sold off to developers to develop residential units with the retail component to remain and a hotel development built on the bottom car park with a train station to service the development on the airport line. But I am sure Centro were planning to upgrade the shopping centre even though I think that would be flogging a dead horse, but with Centro's financial woes this won't happen anytime soon. Westfield Chermside has drawn many customers away from Toombul and with even more plans to develop Nundah Village I think Toombul shopping centre might die a slow death.

Not sure why they would go to the expense of putting an elevated train station in on the airport line when Toombul station is so close over the road? There was talk (someone else may be able to give more detail) of a pedestrian overpass being built over Sandgate Rd to better connect the shopping centre and bus station to the train station, but I don't know what's going on there. That would be a cheaper option, I would've thought.

Not sure if you have data to support your "Chermside has drawn many shoppers away from Toombul" comment, but I lived very close to Centro Toombul for quite a while until about 6 months ago, and I was there all the time. I could be wrong, but in my experience, I actually thought that it had become busier in recent times, and I had to start resorting to parking at the back of Schulz Canal (in the carpark they are use for the motorbike learners) again, which I hadn't needed to do for quite some time prior to that.

Also, the AirportLink tunnel project will resume some of the back carpark to build the eastbound (airport bound) portal exit, so that could possibly impact on the ability for a hotel to be built that far back. Coupled with the canal's flooding problems (if we ever get enough rain again), I would think this wouldn't be such a great idea.

I agree with you in relation to the planned renovations possibly not going ahead, but I'm not really convinced that the centre will die for a while yet to come, if at all. I think that it's an important shopping centre for the Clayfield, Hendra, Ascot, Hamilton and Wooloowin areas.

I have heard this rumour twice now so I thought i'd see if anyone else has heard it. Word is that Toombul shopping centre (Centro) will sold off to developers to develop residential units with the retail component to remain and a hotel development built on the bottom car park with a train station to service the development on the airport line. But I am sure Centro were planning to upgrade the shopping centre even though I think that would be flogging a dead horse, but with Centro's financial woes this won't happen anytime soon. Westfield Chermside has drawn many customers away from Toombul and with even more plans to develop Nundah Village I think Toombul shopping centre might die a slow death.

I agree that the centre seems to have become busier in the past few years - although living on the southside admittedly I don't visit often.

As for the site being sold, I'd say it's pure speculation at this stage. The full extent of Centro's troubles has yet to be revealed and regardless the book value of their assets far outweighs their debts. To add to the speculation I'd say that they'd sell some of their smaller regional centres rather than as valuable an asset as Toombul.

Just had a look at the DA (http://pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au/MasterView/modules/applicationmaster/default.aspx?page=wrapper&key=A001972786) for the expansion and I dare say it'll be a while before they can afford it! ;)

Can you post DA number as well, otherwise it's hard to locate.

^^Just click on it once, select ok, then click on the link again. easier than entering in a DA number.

Can you post DA number as well, otherwise it's hard to locate.

Nah it's not. Check out the end of the URL, it has the DA number embedded in it:

http://pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au/MasterView/modules/applicationmaster/default.aspx?page=wrapper&key=A001972786

Easiest way I find is to click on the link once and accept the conditions, then click again and it'll go straight in.

Not sure why they would go to the expense of putting an elevated train station in on the airport line when Toombul station is so close over the road?

The station on the airport line would be to service the proposed hotel for people who are coming from the airport for stopovers, otherwise they would have to get off at Eagle Junction and catch a train to Toombul and then walk another few minutes to the hotel.


Not sure if you have data to support your "Chermside has drawn many shoppers away from Toombul" comment, but I lived very close to Centro Toombul for quite a while until about 6 months ago, and I was there all the time. I could be wrong, but in my experience, I actually thought that it had become busier in recent times, and I had to start resorting to parking at the back of Schulz Canal (in the carpark they are use for the motorbike learners) again, which I hadn't needed to do for quite some time prior to that.

I don't have any data just used my own observations as I have been going to Toombul for my whole life and years ago before Chermside expanded you could not get a park at Christmas time or on school holidays but now there is plenty of parks available during these times. If you want an easy park just go onto the top of KMart, plenty there. If the centre was getting busier then the cinemas wouldn't have left as well as David Jones.

Again this is only a rumour and I am in no way implying this is going ahead I just heard this rumour from two different people so I though there might be grounds for some groundswell for the project. I first heard the rumour before Centro's financial woes even came into being.

True, thanks guys.

If the centre was getting busier then the cinemas wouldn't have left as well as David Jones.


Are you certain that David Jones has left as well? The cinemas have been gone a while now, well just sitting there in mothballs (actually I reakon Cineplex would make a good run of that place but unrelated). If DJ's have left then Toombul is dead, the woolies up the road in Nundah should be slaughtering the Coles as it is a far superior store and after that there is barely anything to draw people to the shopping centre. K Mart is barely worth it....

^^Yeah DJ's are moving to Chermside when their contract is up. (There is already space in Chermside)

^^Yeah DJ's are moving to Chermside when their contract is up. (There is already space in Chermside)

David Jones has actually moved into Chermside, they moved in towards the end of last year, but DJ's at Toombul is still trading but they are definately going.

There is talk about cinemas going ahead at Nundah Village as part of stage 2. Stage 2 includes residential tower/s as well, so if this does go ahead you can see why Toombul is going to suffer.

You're all wrong. DJ's has 6-8 years lef ton their lease, and they're going to renovate their Toombul store shortly. And the Coles at Toombul is great. I shop there because of their great range. The centre itself has picked up alot in the last 2 years. God there is so much unsubstantiated bullshit thrown around on this forum.

I was at Toombul yesterday, and it was pretty busy, no parking close to the shops, and lots of people in the cafes. Looks like they have improved it a bit by putting cafes facing outside near the main entrance. One of the bad things about shopping malls to me is the older ones all face inwards, and sort of ignore the local area.

Here's a pic of Indooroopilly to show what I mean

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/9187/p6150072sl1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

A question, do the articles in 'Prime Site' featured in Friday's Courier Mail get published online. I bought a print edition today of the paper but I'd like to be able to keep myself posted on Queensland developments as I cannot go to the Sydney CBD every week to buy it (too busy or may not have money).

They don't...and it irritates me.

Prime Site in the Courier Mail seems to miss most intresting events anyway, for example nothing about a new 90 story building, which you would think would be the big story.

Brisbane Times seems to get a lot of development stories, as does City News.

You're all wrong. DJ's has 6-8 years lef ton their lease, and they're going to renovate their Toombul store shortly. And the Coles at Toombul is great. I shop there because of their great range. The centre itself has picked up alot in the last 2 years. God there is so much unsubstantiated bullshit thrown around on this forum.

I have read that David Jones at Toombul will close at the end of the lease as it is not profitable and is located in the same district as Chermside. I did not know that they still have 6-8 years left on the lease though. I just don't see how David Jones can have 2 stores within a 5km vicinty and both stay viable. And is there any need to fly off the handle like you did, it is of course a latest gossip thread so sometimes information cannot be substantiated, like most gossip.

And talking about DJ's in Brisbane, the official opening of the revamped DJ's store in Queens Plaza will take place on Feburary 9 and Megan Vale will appear at the event. :) It's been reported as one of the biggest parties of the year :)

As for Prime Site, I have found it to be a great read (even for a tabloid), particularly coming from a city where just one newspaper even bothers to dedicate less than half a page to commercial property reports. And yes we get regular articles from up north. Does Prime Site appear on other days, or just fridays. I remember it was Thursday's during the broadsheet days.

Just Friday's unfortunately. I think the Infrastructure section is on Thursdays.

the Prime site liftout is designed as a weekly roundup of all commercial property news which i believe is far better than the daily single page design in Syd/Melb.

the whole reason i buy the friday edition of CM is to look at the Primesite section, even though most of their stories are mentioned on this site weeks or months in advance.

I find it hard to believe that they would go to all of the expense of building an elevated train station to service just one hotel?? Unless the hotel is absolutely gigantic - I can't see the need for this station. Surely it would be more profitable (and likely) for the hotel to run a shuttle bus from the airport??

I absolutely agree with you in the fact that many years ago (before the Chermside refurb) that it was almost impossible to get a park at Toombul at those times. When Chermside was first renovated, yes, there was a drastic decline in the amount of shoppers at Toombul in general. But since then, I think it patronage has definitely increased. Christmas time last year was definitely busy, and though it might not have been quite as busy as it was years ago, it was definitely full of people and hard to get a park (even above K-Mart).

As for the cinemas and DJs going (even though DJs hasn't left yet...unless they've moved in the last 2 or so weeks...), isn't that to make way for part of the proposed renovations? Sure - the cinemas there were always a bit daggy, and Chermside definitely took all of their business - but weren't the cinemas also moved out to make way for the redevelopment? And, from memory (correct me if I'm wrong), isn't a Target or something supposed to take over the space that is currently occupied by DJs??

The station on the airport line would be to service the proposed hotel for people who are coming from the airport for stopovers, otherwise they would have to get off at Eagle Junction and catch a train to Toombul and then walk another few minutes to the hotel.

I don't have any data just used my own observations as I have been going to Toombul for my whole life and years ago before Chermside expanded you could not get a park at Christmas time or on school holidays but now there is plenty of parks available during these times. If you want an easy park just go onto the top of KMart, plenty there. If the centre was getting busier then the cinemas wouldn't have left as well as David Jones.

Again this is only a rumour and I am in no way implying this is going ahead I just heard this rumour from two different people so I though there might be grounds for some groundswell for the project. I first heard the rumour before Centro's financial woes even came into being.

^^

Like I said its just a rumour and I do not know the specifics.

I heard that Target is going in as well but apparently DJ's is there for another 6-8 years so it will be a long wait.

I will try and investigate into it further.

An elevated station on that line could also service a huge residential area around the north of Clayfield.

The new David Jones store will be the biggest in Australia, 26,000 sq.m. That is almost as big as Kawana Shopping World which is just under 30,000 sq.m. Saturday's Courier used to be good but Friday's Prime Site is quite good. Some of the time it is better than other times. The completion of the Northern Busway in May will have a major impact on Brisbane. Completing such an ambitious project 6 months ahead of schedule is a major achievement. It will be interesting to see how this impacts on other projects.:cheers::)

The completion of the Northern Busway in May will have a major impact on Brisbane. Completing such an ambitious project 6 months ahead of schedule is a major achievement.

I think you'll find that it's the Inner Northern Busway that is set for completion. If it was the Northern Busway then that would be a massive achievement!

I think there are quite a few infrastructure projects around town that are coming in early. Part of the reason may be the dry weather.

Yes traffic should ease up in the CBD with all those buses off the steets and below the city... I think... Apparently due to open in May unless I am mistaken

Re Toombul, they have an application in ATM for a 131,000sqm extension! This would make the total size about 180,000sqm. How does this compare to other centres?

^
are you certain you got the figures correct? The expansion alone would be larger than any existing center in Qld, for example Chermside is arround 122,000sqm.

It includes office space in those figures, but yes, those figures are correct.

I read it as a total expansion of around 20,000 sq m, to make a post-expansion total GFA of 75,053 sq m.

Anyone else?

yeah toombul may have a DA but nothing will happen if centro goes belly up. there was an article not long ago in the northside chronicle about toombul and the centro financial woes.

Westfield is interested in buying some of Centro's complexes if it does go belly up, and Westfield would certainly take advantage of the D/A if they were to buy Toombul.

Westfield is interested in buying some of Centro's complexes if it does go belly up, and Westfield would certainly take advantage of the D/A if they were to buy Toombul.

Toombul used to be a Westfield didn't it?

Yep, until about 5 yrs ago I think.

Went to Toombul for the first time in years a few months ago. Didnt have a nice feeling about it- just seemed old and tired. Think it needs an upgrade. I remember when we had flash floods the cars at the southern end would get washed away. Them were fun days.

This has to be the funniest headlines I have seen in ages, from the Brisbane Times


Grandmother cops eyeful of postman's 'package'

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/grandma-cops-eyeful-of-postmans-package/2008/01/31/1201714114518.html

^^

I heard that the evidence had no problem in standing up in court! , but he was a bit stiff in the sentence he copped. I better stop now.

He had a stiffy whilst delivering packages? How come it poked out, how short where is shorts be, or is it his downstairs that is big? It must be massive to poke 10cm out...

How will he need counselling? He just needs to take something really nonsexual with him to calm it down, and have larger shorts...

OK this is a bit revolting... and dirty.

This is interesting:

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/council-powerless-to-stop-swap/2008/01/31/1201714146061.html

Not that I see converting rentals to short stays as an issue, but rather that demand for inner city dwellings is still extremely strong.

Aurora owners fear 'swarms of tourists'
Shannon Molloy | February 1, 2008 - 12:52PM (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/aurora-owners-fear-swarms-of-tourists/2008/02/01/1201801005451.html)

After hearing news Brisbane's tallest building Aurora Towers could be turned into a hotel, some apartment owners are concerned they will soon have to put up with a swarm of tourists.

Owner-occupier Mitchell Bourke purchased his apartment a year ago and fears what lies ahead, after short-term accommodation provider the Oaks Group recently acquired the building's management rights.

The company has lodged an application with Brisbane City Council to turn the high-rise into a class-three building - or short-term accommodation provider - and has already began advertising Oaks Aurora Hotel with booking websites.

Aurora owners fear 'swarms of tourists'
Shannon Molloy | February 1, 2008 - 12:52PM (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/aurora-owners-fear-swarms-of-tourists/2008/02/01/1201801005451.html)

After hearing news Brisbane's tallest building Aurora Towers could be turned into a hotel, some apartment owners are concerned they will soon have to put up with a swarm of tourists.

Owner-occupier Mitchell Bourke purchased his apartment a year ago and fears what lies ahead, after short-term accommodation provider the Oaks Group recently acquired the building's management rights.

The company has lodged an application with Brisbane City Council to turn the high-rise into a class-three building - or short-term accommodation provider - and has already began advertising Oaks Aurora Hotel with booking websites.

Ouch!

Not that I see converting rentals to short stays as an issue, but rather that demand for inner city dwellings is still extremely strong.

It is an extremely serious issue for an owner occupier who purchases (as their permanent home) an apartment in a building that does not allow short term rentals.

The building management rights are sold and the new managers decide they want to offer short term rentals. First step is to make enticing offers of higher rental returns to investor owners. Next step is to have someone move a motion at a general meeting of the body corporate to amend the letting agreement to allow short term rentals. Assuming they have organised the votes this will get passed.

Manager then just needs to apply to council to have building use changed. There appears to be nothing Brisbane City Council can do to prevent this.

^^ What has it done to Casino Towers? Lots of people seem pretty unhappy with the Oaks Group, except the non resident owners of course.

^^ What has it done to Casino Towers? Lots of people seem pretty unhappy with the Oaks Group, except the non resident owners of course.

I'm an owner of an apartment in Casino Towers, and I'm quite happy for it to go over to short term letting. They are looking to change over in about 3 months time. They've offered owners a free furniture package to Oaks standard (which you have to give back if you take it out of the pool) and an occupancy guarantee. I can see why it would piss owner-occupiers off, but in reality there are very few of those in Casino Towers. Over 80% is managed through the on-site managers, and I assume a few more through other agents. So at most about 15% of the apartments are owner-occupiers...

So Aurora/Oaks deal? Apartments being leased out. Changes the whole dynamic of the building. Imagine during state of Origin or something like that? Our country friends coming down for a few days drinking and fun while watching the game. Tourists dont give a shit about the noise they make.

I would be filthy at this proposal.

I can see why it would piss owner-occupiers off, but in reality there are very few of those in Casino Towers. Over 80% is managed through the on-site managers, and I assume a few more through other agents. So at most about 15% of the apartments are owner-occupiers...

I believe a bit higher than that - between 20 to 25 percent owner occupiers. Casino Towers has a much higher proportion than either Festival or Charlotte which are both around 5 to 10 percent owner occupiers.

Before they can proceed further, Oaks have to get the letting agreement for Casino Towers (which presently prohibits short term letting) amended. This may prove more difficult than they believe.

This whole issue produces a real disconnect between the interests of investor owners and owner occupiers. Investor owners don't really care what happens to the building as long as they get good returns. Owner occupiers are stuck with the results and have no real alternative option as any building you buy into could potentially be faced with the same issue.

I believe however that in the long run investor owners will find that capital gains are reduced in a building that has short term rentals.

It is an extremely serious issue for an owner occupier who purchases (as their permanent home) an apartment in a building that does not allow short term rentals.

I still don't see the problem with this. An owner occupier should have done their research and factor this in as a possibility when purchasing.

I still don't see the problem with this. An owner occupier should have done their research and factor this in as a possibility when purchasing.

I second that. It's just like owners complaining when their view is built out. If there is an obvious vacant block between you and your view, it would be reasonable to assume it will be built out. I guess with Oaks' track record, it would be reasonable to assume any apartment tower in the city could be converted to short stay.

I second that. It's just like owners complaining when their view is built out. If there is an obvious vacant block between you and your view, it would be reasonable to assume it will be built out. I guess with Oaks' track record, it would be reasonable to assume any apartment tower in the city could be converted to short stay.

Hindsight is wonderful. It is very easy to be wise after the event!

Our protection was that the letting agreement for the building specified that it was for long term rentals. There was no precedent at that time to suggest that a future building manager would try to change that.

If you are referring to Northbank with your comment about views then we also carried out our research very carefully. All of the buildings in the vicinity of Casino Towers are heritage listed. There is no vacant land between Casino Towers and the river. You would have had to have been Nostradamus to envisage that the Government would effectively create land where none existed and then allow developers to build on it.

What is being suggested in terms of research and factoring in things as a possibility is similar to suggesting that you should factor in the likelihood of the building being destroyed by a small meteor.

L - I agree with duke - you can easily rationalise EVERYTHING as potentially a bad idea or poor investment option.

Ditto. Would never have known when purchasing an apartment.

On ten news tonight there was an article on Aspire Apartments. In the article they mentioned a 17st Residential tower that had been approved! Does anyone know anything?

On ten news tonight there was an article on Aspire Apartments. In the article they mentioned a 17st Residential tower that had been approved! Does anyone know anything?

I thought Aspire was the recently topped out building in Ipswich ?

It is...this is another tower they were talking about.

KJBrissy and others,
I've been a way for a while(aka. 6 months) and have in turn missed a whole lot of announcements and developments in Brisbane. It would be really appreciated if someone could give me a really short overview of the last 6 months(or however long you want to go back to, 6 months seems a very long time). Anyway, anything would be appreciated,
cheers,
rirwi4

Found this the other day, might be old news though;
I think it is written by a particular councillor.
funny it mentions Ipswich will be for the left overs? wtf does that mean? Anyway what does it matter about where people would want to live, highrises in any location is meant to take pressure off sprawl??? Aspire i thought was a quality development which is affordable to some extent, what is a left over meant to mean then?


IPSWICH LOOKS TO THE HIGH RISE MARKET
"Mayor Paul Pisasale has announced the Ipswich City Council has voted to allow buildings as high as 25 storeys to be built in the Springfield C.B.D. area. This city, despite having no water supply of its own, and its commuters to Brisbane traveling on the State’s slowest Motorway, is gung-ho about doubling its population within the next 15 years.
Hopefully, the new Motorway, when it is built, will be able to cope with this growth and the State’s new convoluted water grid will be able to generate sufficient bulk water to meet the increased demand (although it is difficult to see how, unless the current climate change phenomenon is conquered and the Traveston, Wivenhoe and Somerset dams actually receive enough rain to fill them).
Unfortunately I believe the sea-change and tree-change population migration from the southern states will still be to the coastal areas, so inland cities like Ipswich will continue to attract only the ‘left-overs’,….those who cannot afford to meet the prices the high demand for coastal regions creates."

QUOTE TAKEN FROM:
http://www.councillors.info/component/option,com_uhp/task,view/Itemid,23/id,35/

KJBrissy and others,
I've been a way for a while(aka. 6 months) and have in turn missed a whole lot of announcements and developments in Brisbane. It would be really appreciated if someone could give me a really short overview of the last 6 months(or however long you want to go back to, 6 months seems a very long time). Anyway, anything would be appreciated,
cheers,
rirwi4

Sorry for taking a while will add links after posting:

- Devine have stated they will be proposing twin towers on the Carrington site (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=560914),
- The demolition of 480 Queen for Trilogy Tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=457523) is imminent,
- Demolition for Empire Square (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=457527) is imminent,
- Not long before Broadway on the Mall (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=505097) is approved,
- Not long before Westminster Hall (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=514746) is approved,
- AM60 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=465169) is under excavation,
- DBRREEF tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=469247) is about to start demolition,
- Supreme Courts (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=480773) are now an official proposal,
- Regent Tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=540853) is now proposed,
- Eagle Street Pier (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=398185) hasn't gone anywhere for a while,
- One one one Eagle Street (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=410528)has been approved and the demolition of the Indigo Building is imminent,
- MonMary (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=98083) has been completed
- Skyline Tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=198&order=desc&page=2) has been completed
- Albion Flour Mill (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=499503) has started demolition,
- Meriton Tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=474743) is proposed with another (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=573478) on the way,
- Demolition has occured on the Macrossan (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=355794) site
- 53 Albert Street (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=395499) has gotten a move along.
- Tank Street Bridge (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=359396)has started construction


Any that I've missed?

Good work KJ, appreciate your effort!

Found this the other day, might be old news though;
I think it is written by a particular councillor.
funny it mentions Ipswich will be for the left overs? wtf does that mean? Anyway what does it matter about where people would want to live, highrises in any location is meant to take pressure off sprawl??? Aspire i thought was a quality development which is affordable to some extent, what is a left over meant to mean then?


IPSWICH LOOKS TO THE HIGH RISE MARKET
"Mayor Paul Pisasale has announced the Ipswich City Council has voted to allow buildings as high as 25 storeys to be built in the Springfield C.B.D. area. This city, despite having no water supply of its own, and its commuters to Brisbane traveling on the State’s slowest Motorway, is gung-ho about doubling its population within the next 15 years.
Hopefully, the new Motorway, when it is built, will be able to cope with this growth and the State’s new convoluted water grid will be able to generate sufficient bulk water to meet the increased demand (although it is difficult to see how, unless the current climate change phenomenon is conquered and the Traveston, Wivenhoe and Somerset dams actually receive enough rain to fill them).
Unfortunately I believe the sea-change and tree-change population migration from the southern states will still be to the coastal areas, so inland cities like Ipswich will continue to attract only the ‘left-overs’,….those who cannot afford to meet the prices the high demand for coastal regions creates."

QUOTE TAKEN FROM:
http://www.councillors.info/component/option,com_uhp/task,view/Itemid,23/id,35/


Reading this shit makes me fucking sick. Stop building the motorway and building a fucking dual track rail line RIGHT NOW!!!! Fucking dumbass backwards government.

Sorry for taking a while will add links after posting:

- Devine have stated they will be proposing twin towers on the Carrington site (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=560914),
- The demolition of 480 Queen for Trilogy Tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=457523) is imminent,
- Demolition for Empire Square (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=457527) is imminent,
- Not long before Broadway on the Mall (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=505097) is approved,
- Not long before Westminster Hall (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=514746) is approved,
- AM60 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=465169) is under excavation,
- DBRREEF tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=469247) is about to start demolition,
- Supreme Courts (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=480773) are now an official proposal,
- Regent Tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=540853) is now proposed,
- Eagle Street Pier (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=398185) hasn't gone anywhere for a while,
- One one one Eagle Street (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=410528)has been approved and the demolition of the Indigo Building is imminent,
- MonMary (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=98083) has been completed
- Skyline Tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=198&order=desc&page=2) has been completed
- Albion Flour Mill (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=499503) has started demolition,
- Meriton Tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=474743) is proposed with another (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=573478) on the way,
- Demolition has occured on the Macrossan (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=355794) site
- 53 Albert Street (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=395499) has gotten a move along.
- Tank Street Bridge (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=359396)has started construction


Any that I've missed?
Your an absolute legend KJBrissy, really appreciated!!
rirwi4

Sorry for taking a while will add links after posting:

- Devine have stated they will be proposing twin towers on the Carrington site (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=560914),
- The demolition of 480 Queen for Trilogy Tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=457523) is imminent,
- Demolition for Empire Square (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=457527) is imminent,
- Not long before Broadway on the Mall (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=505097) is approved,
- Not long before Westminster Hall (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=514746) is approved,
- AM60 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=465169) is under excavation,
- DBRREEF tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=469247) is about to start demolition,
- Supreme Courts (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=480773) are now an official proposal,
- Regent Tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=540853) is now proposed,
- Eagle Street Pier (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=398185) hasn't gone anywhere for a while,
- One one one Eagle Street (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=410528)has been approved and the demolition of the Indigo Building is imminent,
- MonMary (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=98083) has been completed
- Skyline Tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=198&order=desc&page=2) has been completed
- Albion Flour Mill (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=499503) has started demolition,
- Meriton Tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=474743) is proposed with another (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=573478) on the way,
- Demolition has occured on the Macrossan (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=355794) site
- 53 Albert Street (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=395499) has gotten a move along.
- Tank Street Bridge (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=359396)has started construction


Any that I've missed?

:bash:and no-one noticed Vision?

I left out the projects that were getting regular attention. I assumed he would have noticed these already.

There was a mention in the Courier Mail today that the 10 pin bowling alley at Milton will be shutting down. Shame.

^^ there was a DA lodged on that site ages ago for the redevlepment of the whole tennis and ten pin site. might be some action here

This is a massive site, and being so close to the train station as well, I would hope a dense urban village type project here. I just hope of very high quality. Any idea of the developers?

Milton Bowl is closing down!!! That is a major shame - the Bowl has been open for years (and looks pretty original too). Not to mention the Ally Bar, which supports an enormous amount of local music, it's a great platform for new artists and bands to start out.

Ipswich Council has bought the Commonwealth Bank building, a very central site in Ipswich. Part of their develop or piss off plan, which seems like a good idea. One thing I have noticed in Ipswich is that the large number of empty shops in the CBD area looks pretty bad, a bit slumy, so I'm glad they are going to do something about it. The back of Wollies could do with a bit of beautifying as well.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/council-pays-cash-for-ipswich-bank/2008/02/18/1203190710638.html

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/share-the-ipswich-vision-or-get-out-lucas/2008/02/15/1202760596475.html

Good news for Ipswich, but i agree, a NEW motorway isn't the answer, the government needs to forceably acquire land and triple the capacity and have a rail/bus corridor down the middle ala Perth.
I mean FFS the land around the current alignment is largely undeveloped and easily acquired and what the hell is going to happen in 25 years + time when theres a massive city right on our doorstep?

The Sprindfield line will hook around through Ripley Valley and back into Ipswich. So Ipswich will have 2 rail lines.

The Sprindfield line will hook around through Ripley Valley and back into Ipswich. So Ipswich will have 2 rail lines.

I thought the transit corridor back to Ipswich was still being investigated to the type of usage. Has rail been confirmed? Would be unbelievably awesome if it had.

Sorry nothing's being confirmed at this stage. It was more that the route starts from where the springfield line finishes and finishes at Ipswich Railway Station and goes through areas that are proposed to have 100dwellings a hectare or more. I was just assuming...either way they want mass transit there.

The Govt would be crazy not to make it rail, but they are renowned for taking the cheaper option ahead of practicality. It has to be rail and I really hope it is, but its probably a long time before its built. It would be good to have a direct link between two growing CBD's.