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Craft’d Grounds in Albion Wins Prestigious Architecture Award

Brisbane’s architectural landscape has been invigorated with the remarkable transformation of Craft’d Grounds in Albion, earning it the prestigious ‘John Dalton Award for Building of the Year’ at the Australian Institute of Architects regional awards.

Read: Craft’d Grounds, Tenants: How Are They Holding up After the Albion Floods?

The ceremony, held in Fortitude Valley in May 2023, recognised the conversion of an old warehouse into a bustling hub for food enthusiasts and lifestyle aficionados. Craft’d Grounds will now advance to the state finals which will be held in late June 2023, along with other noteworthy winners.

The building was designed by renowned architectural firm Conrad Gargett, known for their cutting-edge designs and visionary approach.

Craft'd Grounds in Albion — Photo credit: Conrad Gargett

Developed in collaboration with Craft’d Grounds co-founder James Rennell, Conrad Gargett director John Flynn spearheaded the transformation, drawing inspiration from renowned cultural enclaves such as Melbourne’s vibrant laneways, laid-back strips of Byron Bay, and the iconic Grounds of Alexandria.

The design also showcases a unique ‘Made in Brisbane’ essence, incorporating raw industrial elements and rustic architectural features.

“The architectural design is a sustainable exemplar for building reuse, reflecting the ethos of its owner and considering financial viability. The existing significant steel portal framed structure with its distinctive sawtooth roofscape is retained, whilst many of the intrusive later additions that were incrementally added over time, have been removed with layers carefully peeled back to reveal the industrial story of the building beneath,” Conrad Gargett said in its website.

The judges at the Australian Institute of Architects were captivated by the building’s ability to revitalise the light industrial inner-city suburb where it stands. They applauded the robust design, which enabled the building to house a diverse range of businesses, thus underscoring its commercial success.

The converted warehouse has quickly become a thriving destination, attracting locals and visitors alike with its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings.

Read: Esteemed Brisbane Architect E.P. Trewern: the Man Behind Notable Homes in Ascot and Nearby Suburbs

Craft’d Grounds in Albion has successfully melded the old and the new, breathing new life into the neighbourhood and elevating it to new heights. This recognition by the Australian Institute of Architects serves as a testament to the project’s visionary design and its significant impact on the community.

Published 9-June-2023

Local Talents Brighten Ascot Streets With Colourful Artworks for Artforce Brisbane

Around Ascot is a vibrant collection of artworks on traffic signal boxes made by local artists depicting various themes. Part of the Artforce Brisbane program, the initiative started in 1999 and continues to showcase local creativity and diversity.

Here are some of the artworks and where you can find them.

Brisbane Cats’ River Ride

This artwork from the students of Ascot State School depicts a lazy Sunday afternoon scene where cats leisurely float down the Brisbane River in a handmade boat. The design showcases the juxtaposition of modern high-rise buildings, lush green trees, and diverse residents, all adorned with magical vines and flowers.

Location: Racecourse Rd & Kent St

Spring Racing Blooms

From artist Corina Hibberd, “Spring Racing Blooms” embellishes the Energex Padmount Transformer located on Racecourse Road, adjacent to the Eagle Farm racecourse. The vibrant floral arrangement pays homage to the iconic Spring Racing Carnival at the Eagle Farm and Doomben racecourses while injecting colour and life into the surrounding garden bed.

Location: 85 Racecourse Rd

Spring Racing Artforce Brisbane — Photo Credit: Artforce Brisbane

Flocking Ibis

The “Flocking Ibis,” another captivating piece, presents a colourful and playful interpretation of the Australian ibis, a bird that has become a familiar sight in suburban areas. The artwork from Karla Morris and Kate Slaughter challenges the bird’s commonly-held negative reputation and encourages viewers to appreciate its unique presence.

Location: Nudgee Rd & Lamington Ave

Flocking Ibis Artforce Bribane — *Photo Credit: Artforce Brisbane*

Race Like a Girl

“Race Like a Girl” is a particularly inspiring project involving five young girls aged between 6 and 10 years old: India McConnell, Eva Jackson, Charlotte Jackson, Millicent McConnell, and Violet Jackson. Drawing inspiration from the nearby racecourse, the girls aimed to celebrate female heroes in horse racing. The artwork features bold colours symbolizing tenacity, striking racing silks representing resilience in a male-dominated sport, and horseshoes as symbols of luck and hope. The main jockey portrayed in the artwork is Michelle J. Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup in 2015.

Location: Nudgee Road & Racecourse Village Shopping Centre

Race Like A Girl Artforce Brisbane — Photo Credit: Google Maps street view

The Ascot community has embraced these Artforce Brisbane creations, recognizing their contribution to the neighbourhood’s identity and sense of belonging. These artistic endeavours not only beautify public spaces but also foster connections, inspire creativity, and promote inclusivity among residents of all backgrounds.

Published 8-June-2023

Opal Health Care Unveils Plans for Ascot Grove Care Community

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Plans have been unveiled for the construction of Ascot Grove Care Community a state-of-the-art, aged care facility in Brisbane’s Doomben precinct.

Read: How Milton Rum Distillery Redefines Australian Rum Scene

Plans have been unveiled for the construction of the five-storey, aged care facility in the Doomben precinct. Lodged by Opal Health Care, one of Australia’s leading aged care providers, the proposal is part of an ambitious $1.5 billion master plan by the Brisbane Racing Club.

The 154-bed Ascot Grove Care Community will sit on a 4,600-sqm site at 52 Hampden Street in Ascot.

This project aims to solidify the BRC’s position as the premier destination for thoroughbred horse racing and training in Brisbane, whilst also unlocking the potential for diverse entertainment, commercial, and residential offerings in the area.

Ascot Grove Care Community has been masterfully designed in an ‘H’-shape, maximising efficiency and providing each room with a balcony for natural light, ventilation, and scenic views.

The upper floors consist of two wings, with 18 bedrooms in one wing and 15 bedrooms in the other, resulting in a total of 151 bedrooms and 154 beds. Each generously sized room includes a private ensuite, prioritising comfort and privacy for residents.

Opal Health Care Unveilsplans for $1.5BN Ascot Grove Care Community — Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Architectural Design and Features

The Ascot Grove Care Community will feature a bold and contemporary design, aligning with Opal Health Care’s vision for an upmarket facility. The H-shaped building will consist of two wings surrounding internal courtyards, creating private inner-garden sanctuaries.

The architectural plan includes featured framed balconies on the northern and southern facades, breaking down the bulk and scale of the structure while providing inviting outdoor spaces for residents and visitors.

Facilities and amenities

“The proposal responds to community and economic need for additional housing options for older persons in the locality and importantly will support the ability for residents within the locality to ‘age in place’ as their housing needs change.
Ageing in place enabled through the
co-location of the existing approved Retirement facility on the adjoining land 36 Hampden Street, which allows residents to transition to a higher level of care when required.” – Town Planning Alliance

The facility will offer a range of amenities to enhance residents’ quality of life. The ground floor will feature a central entry foyer and reception area, alongside ancillary facilities including a dining area and café.

Read: Ascot Attempted Break-in Incidents Highlight Importance of Home Security

Moreover, recreational and health facilities, including a theatre, function room, terrace, consulting rooms, and wellness centre, will be available to residents. Internal communal open spaces will incorporate dining and lounge areas that open out to two outdoor terraces, totalling 320sq m. Additionally, each residential room above the ground level will have a private terrace.

Published 18-May-2023

How Milton Rum Distillery Redefines Australian Rum Scene

Milton Rum Distillery, now based in Albion after its Milton home was inundated by floods, is on a mission to redefine the world of rum in Australia. Get to know how their cutting-edge technology, novel innovations, and strategic partnerships are helping them towards that goal.

Read: Globite Returns To Brisbane With New Store At Domestic Terminal

Their objective is to bring a fresh approach to the Australian rum scene by creating beverages that blend time-honoured distillation methods with cutting-edge innovations, resulting in a distinctive and unparalleled drinking experience.

Alexander Bell, Director at Milton Rum emphasises that being based in Brisbane has provided them with countless opportunities for growth. The city’s reputation as one of the world’s most innovative cities, owing to its cutting-edge technological advancements, has allowed the distillery to stay at the forefront of the industry.

Photo credit: Milton Rum Distillery/Facebook

Mr Bell, the creative force behind the company, has also designed a remarkable four-metre-high hybrid continuous column still. This extraordinary creation, comprising seven stills-in-one, has revolutionised the company’s rum production.

It can produce over 300,000 bottles per year whilst utilising a fraction of the raw materials and energy required by traditional pot stills. With this cutting-edge apparatus, the distillery has set a new standard for efficiency and sustainability in the distilling world.

The distillery’s journey took a significant leap forward when it joined Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s Future Food Initiative. This pivotal decision opened doors to opportunities that would have otherwise remained inaccessible.

Since 2018, the Future Food Initiative has supported the ambitions of more than 400 businesses, providing them with the means to expand globally and accelerate their pathways to success.

For the distillery, this partnership has been a game-changer, enabling them to scale their operations, access new markets, and secure necessary funding to fuel their growth.

Read: IGA Marketplace Ascot Goes On the Market After Extensive Renovation

With a combination of technological prowess, innovative thinking, and strategic partnerships, the distillery is reimagining the rum experience for Australians.

Gone are the days when rum was viewed as a conventional spirit. Today, it represents a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity, crafted with care and precision.

Published 12-May-2023

Ascot Attempted Break-in Incidents Highlight Importance of Home Security

Photo credit: Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

Two separate incidents in Ascot have underscored the benefits of installing home security systems to make one’s home less vulnerable to intruders.

Between 9.10 am and 9.20 am on Monday, 17 April 2023, two homeowners on Kitchener Road and Yabba Street in Ascot were notified by their CCTV systems of attempted break-ins by unknown individuals.

At both of these addresses, the residents noticed a white Nissan X-trail that had been stolen from an address in Grange. CCTV footage also showed the same offenders attempting to break in. Fortunately, the residents were able to notify the authorities, and as a result, the offenders left without taking any property.

In a separate incident, at around 9.25 pm on the same night, offenders attempted to enter a residence in Henry Street, Ascot but were unsuccessful. The resident was able to provide police with CCTV footage of the suspects. The white Nissan X-trail was located by police and crashed at Enoggera.

The attempted break-ins in Ascot emphasise the significance of implementing security measures to safeguard your home. The police suggest that installing alarm and CCTV systems that comply with the Australian Standards for domestic use to help in identifying offenders.

As evidenced by the incidents in question, residents in Ascot were able to promptly notify law enforcement and furnish them with valuable evidence of the attempted break-ins, thanks to the aid of such systems.

Aside from security systems, it’s also important to remember to lock your doors with a key, even while you’re at home. This extra security measure provides an additional hurdle for potential offenders attempting to enter your home.

Moreover, to ensure the safety of your loved ones and property, it’s advisable to have a well-lit exterior, particularly around your home’s entrance. Sufficient lighting can discourage potential intruders since it makes it more visible to others if someone is approaching the house.

For more information on home security, follow this link: Home and multi-residential security | QPS (police.qld.gov.au)

Published 3-May-2023

New Fine-Dining Destination Victory Lane To Open At Racecourse Rd

Did you know that Victory Lane, a high-end, winery-inspired gourmet dining destination will soon open on Racecourse Road in Ascot?

Read: IGA Marketplace Ascot Goes On the Market After Extensive Renovation

The establishment will be located at 150 Racecourse Rd, in the former spot of One Fifty Ascot bar and eatery, which has now undergone a complete transformation.

Photo credit: Victory Lane Ascot/Facebook

Scheduled to open in May 2023, the restaurant will offer lunch and dinner services from Wednesday to Sunday, catering to food enthusiasts in the area.

The restaurant emphasises the use of fresh, local produce to produce delicious gourmet fare. Its menu will feature a range of innovative and sophisticated dishes that showcase the best of modern culinary techniques.

The menu will also offer an array of wine options to complement the food, with a focus on local and international labels. Keep tabs on their menu offerings when they become available here.

The new restaurant will feature an outdoor dining area as well as a distinct bar area, complete with a glass roof and a stunning waterfall feature. In addition to its indoor dining and bar spaces, Victory Lane will feature a charming courtyard that will serve as an ideal function area for occasions.

It’s the latest offering from Muragh Operations, the company behind popular Brisbane restaurants such as Newstead’s Botany Restaurant and South Bank’s The Jetty.

Despite its fine dining credentials, it aims to create an inviting and approachable atmosphere that exudes relaxed vibes. The restaurant’s design will be sleek and modern, with an emphasis on comfort and functionality.

Read: Da Biuso Hits the Road With Ascot as Its First Stop

Follow Victory Lane on Facebook or on Instagram @victorylaneascot for news and updates.

Published 24-April-2023

IGA Marketplace Ascot Goes On the Market After Extensive Renovation

Did you know that IGA Marketplace Ascot is now up for auction, with a brand-new, 20-year lease?

In 2022, HG Retail relaunched IGA Marketplace Ascot after taking over the old supermarket, following an extensive $4-million renovation. The location was previously the site of the long-standing Sirrani’s, the popular Ascot supermarket that closed business after 55 years.

The IGA relaunch entailed refitting the supermarket and adopting a state-of-the-art facility, complementing the suburb’s demographic.

Located five kilometres from the CBD in one of Brisbane’s most upmarket suburbs, IGA Marketplace Ascot is near four in-demand schools thus guaranteeing a significant number of traffic regularly.

“This is an ultra-rare opportunity to purchase a prestigious freestanding supermarket investment with a brand new 20-year lease,” Michael Feltoe of Ray White Commercial said.

“The long-term guaranteed income growth, combined with the prized location and site’s long supermarket history, will give buyers great confidence in this trophy asset.”

The auction is set for Wednesday, 19 April 2023, at 10:00 am, at 111 Eagle Street, CBD.

Published 11-April-2023

Discover Why This Stunning Home on Massey Street Became the Darling of Social Media

Video still credit: Queensland Sotheby's International Realty / YouTube

This Palm Springs-inspired trophy home in Ascot was sold in 2022 for a whopping $4.45 million. See why this architectural masterpiece on Massey Street has caused a stir in social media and attracted dozens of prospective buyers despite the hefty price tag.

Located at 110 Massey Street in the affluent suburb of Ascot, just 400 metres from local shops was sold last October 2022. Dubbed ‘Montrose on Massey’, this stunning home’s first open home inspection attracted more than 250 people amid the pouring. And we see why.

Designed by architect Graham Lloyd, Montrose on Massey’s main feature is its showstopping double helical staircase that’s backed by an expansive glass that frames the greenery outdoors that harmoniously blends with the luxurious, organic interiors that feature a 3m ceiling, full-height glass and quality European oak floors.

Then there’s the gourmet kitchen with a butler’s pantry, with multiple zones for relaxation or hosting guests.

Meanwhile, the oak and glass doors are retractable to offer a seamless integration of its indoors and outdoors where you can find a Palm Springs-style oasis with a resort-style pool, an alfresco area, and a low-maintenance lawn and garden.

The 534 sqm house also boasts five bedrooms, including the northeast-facing master suite sanctuary and four elegantly designed bathrooms whilst the three act as deluxe ensuites. One is situated in the ground floor guest wing fitted with travertine marble finishes, calacatta vagli marble vanities and Astra Walker fixtures throughout.

110 Masset Street was sold after 10 days of being on the market. It was the most viewed home in Queensland and fourth most viewed nationally with 263,726 online views and 24.8 million media reach nationally.

The suburb of Ascot has experienced a 23.4 per cent price growth in the past 12 months to February 2023 with the current median price for houses at $2.17 million.
Published 29-March-2023

Globite Returns To Brisbane With New Store At Domestic Terminal

Global luggage brand Globite has found its way back to where it started, after opening a new store at the Brisbane Airport.

Read: Sime Darby Motors to Arrive at Brisbane Airport Development Soon

The luggage brand has a history that dates back to the 1890s, when it started on the corner of Queen Adelaide and Edward Streets (now the Queens Plaza Shopping Mall) in Brisbane.

Alfred Ford was a migrant from the UK who moved to Australia and started as a manufacturer of trunks and imported china and glass. He was joined by the Sherington family, who was known for their background in retail. Mr Ford also went on to marry Clara, sister of entrepreneur Ada Sherington.

The venture later became a family-run business and has shifted its focus from metal trunks to leather goods such as travel trunks and handbags.

By 1892, the Sherringtons moved from Brisbane to Sydney, operating in a site at Kippax St Surry Hills. The site was acquired by Mr Sherington in 1911 and had enlisted architects Robertson & Marks to design the Federation style building.

Students with their Globite bags circa 1930s (Photo credit: Globite/Facebook)

The warehouse was extended by the early 1920s when the number of factory workers increased to 400. The warehouse is now one of the heritage-listed sites in Sydney.

The suitcase’s genuine cowhide, hinges, and fixings were all made in Australia, but the locks were made in England.

Vintage bags from the brand (Photo credit: Globite/Facebook)

Today, the brand has found its way back to where it began around a century ago, with a newly opened store in Brisbane Airport. The store features their iconic luggage, travel bags, packing cubes, and accessories such as luggage tags and organisers.

Read: Latest Data: More Flights Have Been Directed Over Water as Part of Aircraft Noise Mitigation Measures

Globite is open seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Level 2 of the Domestic Terminal near Gate 24. For more details, visit Globite’s website or follow them on Facebook.

Published 21-March-2023

Da Biuso Hits the Road With Ascot as Its First Stop

Ever heard of Da Biuso? This restaurant-on-wheels has hit the streets to deliver exquisite European-style fine dining beginning March 2023 in Ascot, with a schedule to pop up at other sites across Brisbane.

Brisbane’s first mobile fine dining restaurant will be rolling down Brisbane streets very, very soon in Ascot Green. Whilst you may see this converted vehicle as nothing more than an old 12.5m school bus, inside, this venue is a classy nod to old Brisbane tram services with its upholstered seats, elegant curtains, patterned carpet, wood detailing and subdued ambient lighting.

The bespoke mobile restaurant can accommodate 14 diners at a mixed two and four-seater table, or up to 18 diners when hired for a group function, which means it’s large enough to comfortably serve a satisfying six-course Sicilian-inspired degustation menu.

Owners, Biagio and Sarah have operated several restaurants across Brisbane, Sydney and Cairns including Marina Paradiso which closed in 2019 and Fortitude Valley’s Casa Nostra Ristorante. In fact, the idea of Da Biuso came when the family was trying to keep Casa Nostra afloat during the pandemic’s early stages with a limited seating capacity, which they realised worked very well for them.

Biagio and son Joseph will be in charge of the menu with plenty of seafood-based offerings including oysters with sea foam, watermelon granita and caviar cigars; scampi with prosecco and Aperol and orange gels that’s paired with a spritz cocktail; and Tasmanian lamb with broccoli stufati (stew) and balsamic bone reduction.

If that’s not enough, you can opt to add three more courses for an extra cost.

Meanwhile, Sarah will be offering a drinks menu that includes a 30-bottle Italian wines list along with Italian digestifs, cocktails, beers and non-alcoholic beverages.

Da Biuso will launch on 3 March 2023 with Ascot Green as its first stop. The mobile restaurant will operate from 12 noon to 3 pm for lunch and from 5.30 pm for dinner, Monday to Friday.

For reservations, click here.

Published 26-February-2023