Did you know that Hendra could soon be getting a new childcare centre and sport & recreation facility with a basketball court and handball court?
Lethem Street Projects has submitted a development application to establish a 239-place childcare centre at 25 Lethem Street, the former home of the Hendra Lawn Bowls Club.
With a height of 8.7 metres, the two-storey building is designed to be of a house-sensitive scale that easily integrates with the surrounding uses.
Designed by Mijollo International, the proposed development includes a provision for a 2,254-sqm private outdoor sport and recreation facility which will contain a 556-sqm basketball and handball court.
The courts will be available for hire outside the main hours of operation of the childcare centre.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / https://developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au
The 239-capacity childcare centre will have a total of 2,458.8 sqm of gross floor area and will contain a total of 11 activity rooms broken down as follows:
Room 1 (including outdoor) – 39sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 12 children, and an 848sqm outdoor space;
Room 2 – 39 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 12 children;
Room 3 – 52 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 16 children;
Room 4 – 52 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 16 children;
Room 5 – 65 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 20 children;
Room 6 – 65 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 20 children;
Room 7 – 71.5 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 22 children;
Room 8 (including outdoor) – 107.25 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 33 children;
Room 9 – 71.5 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 22 children;
Room 10 – 107.25 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 33 children;
Room 11- 107.25 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 33 children;
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / https://developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au
There will be 52 car parking spaces provided across the basement level plus two outdoor play areas and two common indoor play areas.
The childcare centre’s proposed hours of operation will be 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, whilst the multi-purpose courts will be available through bookings, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Mondays to Sundays.
After hovering around the $1.5-million mark for the last three years, the median house price in Ascot displayed a 27 per cent increase in the 12-month period ending September 2021.
Ascot property market had a remarkable 27.4 per cent growth from October 2020 to September 2021.
The median house price for Ascot’s market is now at $1,911,000, with 135 houses sold for this time period.
The median unit price increased by 6.59 per cent to $550,000 for the same period.
House Price Growth
Whilst house values in other markets only showed modest increases or remained flat for the period covering October 2020 to September 2021, Ascot’s prestige market flexed its property acquisition muscles to drive the median house price up by 27.4 per cent, according to Property Market Updates.
During this period, the median house price was $1,911,000 — up from $1,500,000 for the same period in 2020. Around 135 houses were snapped up, spending an average of 71 days on market. Four-bedroom houses attracted more buyers, although two-bedroom houses were quick to go off the market as well.
A tightly-held market like Ascot is hard to get into given that residents hold on to their homes for at least 10 years. Thus, demand for beautiful Ascot homes has always outstripped supply, which has continued to drive prices up.
Unit Price Growth
Though most unit markets have underperformed during the pandemic, Ascot hit some growth in this sector by 6.59 per cent for October 2020 to September 2021 as well Investors who see such a strong price increase for detached houses, constraining affordability, also tend to look towards the unit market for options to take a piece of the booming Ascot property market.
Inventory turnover for unit listings was faster than house listings at an average of 55 days’ time on the market. Ascot’s unit price for the same period was at $550,000 with 184 properties sold. Two-bedroom apartments were most attractive to buyers but there were two quick sales of single-bedroom units which closed rapidly, spending just 10 days on the market.
Demand in medium-density sectors in blue-chip suburbs like Ascot has been slowly flowing back whilst developers race to complete constructions to append the supply.
About Ascot
Prestigious for its old but grand Queenslander homes in large blocks of land and excellent location, Ascot is a well-established Brisbane locale with picturesque surroundings. Several of the streets in this suburb are lined with beautiful poinciana trees, adding to the lifestyle overtone and character of the neighbourhood.
Ascot is also known for its good schools like St Margaret’s and the Ascot State School. There are also a number of highly-regarded private and public schools within the neighbouring suburbs, attracting families to move into this suburb. Despite its prestige, the community vibe is friendly and helpful.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
The suburb is also filled with quality cafes, restaurants and retail stores that make shopping and dining much more pleasurable. Children have plenty of green spaces and parks to play and hold sports competitions. It’s also very accessible to the airport, the CBD, and travel all the way to the Sunshine Coast.
“It is an expensive place but this is a place for the Rich. I bought it just before COVID19 and got it for a bargain that’s because it needs renovation. Ascot State Primary School one of the best in Brisbane. About 10 mins to the city couple dog park. If you can’t afford the area then Albion is the next best for living and investment.”
Kennedy
“Safe, clean and best schools. Great coffee shops (Vanilla Pod), best architecture (beautiful old homes) and fantastic people. Beautiful gardens (people really take pride). Better value than Bulimba Hawthorne, Bardon, Highgate Hill and Chelmer which are all in the same price bracket except Ascot has large blocks of land. Close to the airport and Sunshine Coast just up the freeway love it, love it. Best playgrounds for the kids.”
Fantastic
“Good suburb overall. It has many different parts including hilly areas with lovely views and flat leafy areas. Nice neighbourhood but people like high fences. Nice schools. The traffic can be an issue with Sandgate Rd and Kingsford Smith Drive very busy in the mornings. It is expensive compared with other suburbs that offer similar lifestyles in innercity North, West and South.”
Did you know that the Brisbane Racing Club is hosting two FREE Christmas events for the entire family to enjoy at the Eagle Farm Racecourse?
On 18 December 2021, Birralee Choir, Excelsior band, Opera Queensland, and St Rita’s College will fill the air with the magical sound of Christmas carols at St Leger Lawn at the Eagle Farm Racecourse.
Families will also have the opportunity to browse through artisan stalls at the creative market for some last-minute Christmas gift shopping. A curated selection of food stalls will also be on hand to give market-goers and spectators that much-needed calorie boost.
Photo credit: 2020 – 2025 Brisbane Racing Club / brc.com.au
On 22 December 2021, be sure to bring the entire family to the Public Lawn at the Eagle Farm Racecourse for a night of Christmas laughter and cheer as the Brisbane Racing Club presents the Christmas Movie on the Big Screen featuring ELF. The film follows the adventures of Buddy (Will Ferrer), who was raised by Santa’s elves, as he travels to New York in search of his biological father whilst donning his elf outfit.
Photo credit: 2020 – 2025 Brisbane Racing Club / brc.com.au
Completing this family movie event is Brisbane Racing Club’s line-up of free family-friendly activities to delight especially the kids including face painting plus a special appearance from Santa Claus before the movie starts.
Please note that starting Friday 17 December 2021, BRC will be implementing the State Government vaccination mandate that allows only double-vaccinated patrons entry to hospitality venues, including Brisbane Racing Club. So, be sure to bring along your Government-issued COVID-19 vaccination certificate to the event.
What: Ascot Green Christmas Carols and Markets – to register, click here
When: Saturday 18 December 2021, 5pm – 8pm
Where: St Leger Lawn, Eagle Farm Racecourse
What: Christmas Movie on the Big Screen – ELF – to register, click here
Two new vegan restaurants are about to breathe new life into the Racecourse Rd Precinct, with their healthy menu offerings and cosy spaces that will make you want to eat your veggies and come back for more.
Pancha, a vegan cafe from the same folks who brought Little Digs to Fortitude Valley, just opened its doors at Racecourse Rd on 8 December 2021.
The new eatery offers delicious and organic coffee from Sacred Grounds, a perfect match to their healthy and sumptuous all-day brekkie, salad bowls, sandwiches, and smaller bites like fries and arancini.
Photo credit: Pancha Cafe/Facebook
What’s special about Pancha is that they grow their own vegetables at their farm located in the Southern Downs. They try to make all the dishes in-house and strive to have flavours that even non-vegans can enjoy.
Some of the food on offer include croffle, a mishmash of croissant and waffle; burger with falafel patty; Massaman curry; pancakes with grilled bananas, maple syrup, and whipped vegan butter; and raw green caesar salad.
Pancha is open for all-day breakfast and lunch from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mondays through Sundays.
Dicki’s
Photo credit: Dicki’s – Vegan Dining/Facebook
Meanwhile, Justine Khoury, owner of Dicki’s at New Farm, is preparing to open a second location on the former venue of Meltz Pizza, on the corner of Racecourse and Lancaster Rd.
The entire space will be given a revamp with the addition of banquettes, hanging and potted greenery, and brass details. Dicki’s interiors will have an industrial feel to it, with the heightened ceilings and concrete floors, with guests being able to enjoy the view of Eagle Farm Racecourse whilst dining.
The Ascot kitchen will be bigger than the one in New Farm, with the owner even planning to make their cakes and sweet treats from the new location and supply the other venue. The menu, however, will feature the same favourites. Customers can expect all their vegan favourites on offer, from the famous breakfast burrito to their ‘beef’ burger and ‘chicken’ tacos.
Dicki’s in New Farm (Photo credit: Dicki’s – Vegan Dining/Facebook)
Dicki’s Ascot, which is slated for a late 2021 opening, will have a liquor licence and will introduce local and international beers, cocktails, and sustainable wines. For non-drinkers, the vegan cafe will be offering healthier versions of their beloved smoothies. To stay updated about their opening, follow Dicki’s Ascot on Facebook.
The Paradizo Latin Dance Studio is back in business and has re-opened classes two weeks after its unexpected move from Gore Street in Albion to Fortitude Valley.
In early November, the Albion studio, Paradizo’s home since 2018, was destroyed by a fire that started in an old Queenslander house next door. Reports cited that the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) deemed the incident as “suspicious” and has been conducting investigations into the “crime scene.”
The QFES also said that the Queenslander home emitted large amounts of toxic smoke because of the paint.
Paradizo Latin Dance Studio was having a Halloween party when the fire broke out but everyone got out of the building safely. Witnesses said that they heard two loud bangs before they saw what looked like a massive bonfire that also burned down another house.
Photo credit: Paradizo School of Latin Dance/Facebook
Meanwhile, the dance studio owners Carlos and Chloe can’t begin rebuilding but they have received immense support from the community with over $62,000 raised on GoFundMe. Carlos and Chloe temporarily hold classes and events at The Zoo in Fortitude Valley but the pair is still planning to have a place they can call their own.
“Not many available studio spaces to run classes or rehearse, nowhere to do privates, no costumes to do gigs, no commercial spaces affordable to start over,” Chloe said. “Thank goodness for THE ZOO, for letting us be active and stay in touch with our Paradizo Family! Yes, it’s amazing, but it’s not ours.”
Olympic planners are looking at the possibility of building an indoor arena at Albion Park Paceway for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, something which could be used by the community even after the Games.
According to Councillor Krista Adams, chair of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Committee, the new indoor area in Albion will have 12 indoor courts for basketball and volleyball.
The facility, described by Cr Adams as a “para-sports centre of excellence” will have a 12,000 seating capacity and will be built between 2026 to 2028.
It draws similarity to the Coomera Indoor Sports Centre and the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, which were both used for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Inside Coomera Indoor Sports Centre (Photo credit: Hans Kang/Google Maps)
Previous plans involved building a stadium with 50,000 capacity at Albion Park, but it raised concerns from locals who are worried that the new venue will be useless once the Olympic Games are over.
Cr Adams said the state-of-the-art facility will be used by the community and for people with disabilities through active sport participation and community programs. She said it could also be used for local, state, national and international events.
Albion Park Paceway (Photo credit: Si Vi/Google Maps)
Albion Park Paceway, located at Yulestar St, is owned by Racing Development Corporation and is the current racecourse in Albion. It’s three kilometres away from the CBD and has been used for events such as the G1 Grand Circuit, Sunshine Sprint, QLD Derby, Be Good Johnny Sprint.
The racecourse first opened in 1968 whilst the main grandstand was built in 1983. However, the Russ Hinze Grandstand was demolished in 2009 after independent engineers raised concerns about the structure’s stability.
Lamington Avenue may soon have rows of low- to medium-density townhouses in neatly arranged and organised clusters, to be delivered in five project stages based on an updated development proposal.
Promoted as the “postcode-perfect address” within the blue-chip suburb, Ascot Aurora‘s 219 standard lots will be developed in five stages, to streamline both construction and occupation of the dwellings, with specific approval conditions for each stage.
The first stage of the development, which is already underway, will include the delivery of 47 townhouses, as well as the residents’ social and recreational facilities, the public park, and car parking spaces.
More housing, both attached and detached, as well as parking spaces for cars and bikes will continue for Stages 2 to 5, with the final stage allowing for the construction of a four-storey apartment building.
“The proposed staging includes the apartment complex and 219 standard lots ranging from 76m2 –248m2 as well as the required common property being the road infrastructure, pocket parks, visitor car parks, residential facility, a community garden that form part of the approval,” the developer stated via DA A005844654.
The location offers residents fluid indoor/outdoor spaces that take advantage of natural light, comforting breezes, and stunning views. Here, residents could enjoy building their connections with their neighbours.
“Homeowners will relish the convenience and conviviality of this popular precinct, quickly realising that every whim, appetite and coffee craving can be satiated with a stroll along Racecourse Road. Hamilton Harbour and Portside Wharf precincts are also within walking distance, providing close, connected hubs to stock up on groceries and catch up with friends.”
Vaquero, a swanky and sophisticated Spanish restaurant on Sandgate Rd in Albion, really did not look like it needed much of a makeover but owner Nick Pinn wants to make his customers’ dining experience even more unforgettable with an exciting, new renovation.
By the end of 2021 or early 2022, changes will be underway at the butchery and restaurant as the meat shop on the front side will soon become an intimate 10-seater dining room for private events.
Mr Pinn revealed that the butcher shop will be moved and separated from the restaurant, as demands for more private spaces are ever-increasing. In fact, Mr Pinn is also setting up some changes at the back of Vaquero as the dining space close to the kitchen will also become another private dining area with 14 seats, perfect for a small birthday party or group function.
Photo Credit: VaqueroDining/Facebook
Vaquero’s renovation might have some impact on the operations but Mr Pitt and Chef Angelic Lokeni plan to work around the changes to allow service even as some rebuilding work is ongoing.
Vaquero, which opened in 2016 on the very busy Sandgate Road, offers tapas-style dining and drinking under the stars, courtesy of its relaxing outdoor courtyard. The restaurant is even more popular for its butchery and small goods section.
The crew has a combined 60 years of experience in chic European hospitality with a focus on consistency of quality. The drink list at the bar includes up to 80 selections of Spanish and Australian wines.
“Atmosphere was excellent and not overdone. Intimate but open and not loud at all. Staff were efficient, knowledgeable, helpful but also friendly and relaxed. Overall, warm. The wine and drink list was comprehensive without limitations or too many choices. A really great dining experience and the food was excellent too! Staff were very flexible with our order. Looking forward to revisiting!”
James Baillie
“Amazing experience. Don’t think I’ve ever been to the same restaurant 3 times in a week. Food quality 100% and staff excellent. Damon’s knowledge of coal fire cooking is particularly impressive and have been looked after by Cameron exceptionally well. Sad to go home to Perth knowing it will be a few months before I can visit here again. Well done Vaquero crew.”
The Ascot community has lodged a petition to include the Nyrambla House on Henry Street into the Queensland Heritage Listing. Used as a spy house for Australian, U.S., and allied soldiers during World War II, the home was sold at auction to a private owner.
Australian artist Lawrence Daws and his wife Andree, both deceased, used to own the property but their family decided to sell the mansion to an undisclosed new owner during an auction held in May 2021.
The famous Ascot house has been cited as a heritage place with the Brisbane City Council since 2008 but the locals believe the house should also be acknowledged in the state register. In 2022, the Allies will be celebrating the 80th Anniversary of their collaborative work during World War II to defeat the Japanese forces.
“It would be an appropriate acknowledgment of the strong bonds that bind Australia and the United States of America,” the petitioners stated.
The petition will remain active until 30 Nov 2021.
The Queensland Heritage List may consider adding a place to the list if it has brought significant value to the “state’s wider pattern and evolution of history and heritage.”
The Nyrambla House, originally built in the mid-1980s as a residence for Henry P. Abbott, was subdivided and then converted into rows of flats in the 1920s after G.W. Whatmore of the Centennial Hall Ltd acquired the property from Abbott.
By the Second World War, the Central Bureau occupied the house for Allied codebreakers to intercept Japanese communications. In 1988, American veterans dedicated the plaque installed at the Nyrambla House, which reads:
“Central Bureau, an organisation comprising service personnel of Australia, USA, Britain, Canada and New Zealand, both men and women, functioned in this house from 1942 till 1945. From intercepted enemy radio messages, the organisation provided intelligence which made a decisive contribution to the Allied victory in the Pacific.”
Photo Credit: Paz Avalos/Google Maps
The deed to the Nyrambla House remained with the Whatmore family until the auction last May 2021.
Are you ready for Brisbane Racing Club’s Spring Racing Carnival 2021? Racing, entertainment, fashion and fun will all come together at the Spring Racing Carnival 2021 in Ascot, promising six days of live local races, all-day entertainment, and interstate action on super screens around the course.
The Spring Racing Carnival kicked off with the XXXX Queensland Cup Raceday on 9 October 2021 at the Eagle Farm Racecourse, where guests were entertained with performances from Stafford Brothers, two of Brisbane’s most acclaimed DJs.
If you missed the starting event, check out the five remaining race days happening until 6 November.
Super Saturday RaceDay
Photo credit: Brisbane Racing Club/Facebook
16 October 2021 | Eagle Farm Racecourse
Interstate feature races the Caulfield Cup and TAB Everest will be accompanied by a stellar racecard at Eagle Farm Racecourse. Then there’s the Oscar Salons Fashions on the Field, pop-up bars and food stalls trackside to make Super Saturday RaceDay one to remember.
Oscar Oscar Salons Ladies RaceDay
Photo credit: Brisbane Racing Club/Facebook
23 October 2021 | Doomben Racecourse
Watch the Cox Plate as it happens, with the screens on course showing the legendary race live. Accompanying the interstate action is a thrilling race card at Doomben.
Moët & Chandon Derby RaceDay
Photo credit: Brisbane Racing Club/Facebook
30 October 2021 | Eagle Farm Racecourse
The height of luxury is showcased on Moet & Chandon Derby RaceDay, one of the most prestigious days of spring racing shown live on the screens around the course. The racing action continues on course at Eagle Farm with an exciting race card. The thrill from the track and screens spill out onto the grounds with monochromatic fashion, incredible gastronomy, and vibrant entertainment to get the heart racing.
Canadian Club Melbourne Cup RaceDay
Photo credit: Brisbane Racing Club/Facebook
2 November 2021 | Eagle Farm Racecourse
Eagle Farm will be on the largest screen in the Southern Hemisphere as the $8 million Lexus Melbourne Cup is shown around the course. The glamour doesn’t stop there with plenty of entertainment, Oscar Oscar Salons Fashions on the Field, pop-up bars and eateries trackside to make this a Melbourne Cup RaceDay to remember.
Teddy Bears Picnic Family RaceDay
Photo credit: Brisbane Racing Club/Facebook
6 November 2021 | Eagle Farm Racecourse
This reinvigorated raceday will host exciting family friendly experiences on and off the track. Enjoy an array of jumping castles proudly provided by AstroJump, seasonal culinary delights and a family themed Fashions On The Field that emulates the style and excitement of this raceday.
To buy your tickets and for more details on the upcoming events, visit BRC’s website or follow them on Facebook.
