The Alceon Group has lodged a development application with the Brisbane City Council that calls for the creation of a $200 million commercial, residential and retail precinct dubbed “Hudson Common”.
Work for the project will be centred on the ten-storey old TAB building in Sandgate Rd, and this work entails total building refurbishment, a facade upgrade, the construction of an open area plaza, as well as an all-new mid-level commercial tower. Plans are also in the works for the implementation of an onsite bistro, a supermarket, and boutique retail.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Development.i
The old TAB building, a Brisbane landmark that has been deemed by many as an eyesore, was first constructed in the 1970’s and has been one of the largest structures in Albion despite its dingy looks and state of disrepair.
Photo credit: Google Maps
Initially, there were plans to demolish the building and construct a new one over the site, however the Alceon Group opted to refurbish it instead in order to reflect corporate responsibility through sustainable design.
Hudson Common aims to revitalise the Albion Village precinct by becoming the new heart of the suburb, providing activation seven days a week and establishing a new commercial business park complete with high-end transport options and amenities.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Development.i
With the Cross River Rail network linking to Albion’s, the proposed precinct is shaping up to become Brisbane’s next inner-city growth area.
The site of the proposed mixed-use development can be found at 240 Sandgate Rd, Albion. For more information, visit the Hudson Common website here. Those interested in reading the proposal can do so via its application number: A005515830.
From its small beginnings as a backyard business, trendy kitchenware online store Dreamfarm, with its warehouse in Albion, has ballooned into a multi-million company with heaps of well-designed and useful kitchen products.
Founder Alexander Gransbury said that they are on track to reap strong sales for 2021 after a worrying few months at the start of the pandemic when sales dipped to 22 percent. However, things picked up within two months as other stores had problems with their international supply chain.
Dreamfarm’s sales grew to 60 percent in Australia by the end of 2020 and 30 percent in the U.S. as their products became popular on social media. In anticipation of the growth, the company has hired two new designers who will create more innovative kitchen items that are sure to become a hit with consumers in Australia and the United States.
Gransbury sees the move to bring in more talented minds as a worthy investment as Dreamfarm’s unique and creatively designed products have set them apart from the competition, who are still selling the same kitchen and homeware items. Indeed, there’s nothing quite like the store’s most popular products.
The Ortwo (pictured above), described as an “ultra-sharp ceramic grinder is fully adjustable with 6 settings from super fine to coarse, will never corrode or rust and is perfect for all spices,” can be conveniently used with just one hand.
The Clongs are “click-lock tongs that have a clever bend in their handles to sit them up off your kitchen bench when you put them down, just like a built-in spoon rest.”
Photo Credit: Facebook
The Chopula is “a spatula that’s thin and flexible for flipping from the front, but also incredibly strong for chopping on its side” — perfect for burgers, pancakes, or separating eggs from the pan.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Gransbury started his business in 2003 whilst he was still based in Canberra and then moved the company’s operation in Albion in 2008, when Dreamfarm had 40 products. Aside from the online store, Myers and Bloomingdales also carry a selection of Dreamfarm award-winning items, as recognised by the Good Design Award.
“We’re proud to be a company that has grown from a backyard shed by creating original products and always doing our own design work. That’s not a big deal to everyone, but it’s everything to us,” the company’s founder and managing director said. “Every millimetre of our designs exists for a reason, so if you ever wonder about anything, please just ask! The only thing we’re crazier about than our products is our customers and making sure you’re super stoked.”
Follow Dreamfarm on Facebook for product updates and other store news.
Another popular restaurant in Ascot has announced it will be closing its doors and serving its last pizza slice on 30 June 2021. The owner of Meltz Gourmet Pizza Bar, located on Racecourse Road, said that he’s looking to pursue other opportunities after running his restaurant for three and a half years.
In a post on Instagram, Kellum Tate said that negotiations for the lease renewal of Meltz Gourmet Pizza Bar fell through thus the decision to close the shop. He also said that he’s not considering moving into a new location and continue the brand he built. However, he is hoping that someone would be interested in “snapping up the opportunity” to takeover Meltz Gourmet Pizza Bar.
“This was not a decision made lightly,” Mr Tate said. “However, I have decided after 3.5 years of dedication to Meltz as a local business and building the brand, it is in the best interest of my family to pursue other business opportunities which will provide a friendlier work/life balance.”
In the remaining months, the pizza bar will continue to prepare and serve customers for its final hoorah.
Photo Credit: FacebookPhoto Credit: Facebook
Mr Tate bought the restaurant from its previous owners in September 2017 and rebranded it into a gourmet pizza and bar, serving “a wide range of pizzas, burgers, calzones, and loaded salads to suppress any appetite.” As a fully licensed bar, the eatery had been a regular hangout for the young crowd but families with kids, as well as the oldies who occasionally enjoy pizza with beer, also frequented the pizza place.
Meltz Gourmet Pizza Bar thrived amidst the pandemic, when lockdowns, work-at-home orders, and dining restrictions were in place, affecting many businesses all over Brisbane.
In the event that the Brisbane Olympics 2032 pushes through, plans are in the works to redevelop Woolloongabba’s beloved stadium Gabba instead of creating a new building in Albion.
In the past, the Queensland Government had set their sights on constructing an all-new stadium in Albion Park, however it seems that the locals who had previously disapproved of this development will now have less to worry about. It is looking more likely that the new home of the 2032 Olympic Games — should the Brisbane bid push through — will be The Gabba in Woolloongabba.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk suggested that the beloved stadium in Woolloongabba could be used for the games’ opening and closing ceremonies on top of athletics, however, it will need to be upgraded to accommodate up to 50,000 people.
The construction of entirely new buildings will no longer be necessary, but it is clear that the existing venues will need to receive a series of improvements in the event that the Olympics 2032 will take place in Brisbane.
The Gabba in Woolloongabba. Photo credit: Facebook/The Gabba
The Gabba, which had previously hosted seven games for the 2000 Olympic Games Men’s Football tournament, would have to be completely rebuilt from the ground up in addition to its slew of potential new upgrades, says Premier Palaszczuk.
One of these upgrades would include a new pedestrian plaza that would link the Gabba to the upcoming Cross River Rail station, which is still in the midst of construction. This plaza could become a games hub, serving as an exciting venue for concerts and medal presentations.
The stadium’s sheer accessibility and proximity to the CBD is what makes the Gabba the ideal venue for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, and the development of an Athletes Village, or Olympic Village, within close proximity of the Gabba could also bring in a range of benefits to the community.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games Athletes Village. Photo credit: CC BY-SA/Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons
For instance, the 2018 Commonwealth Games Athletes Village in Southport in the Gold Coast, is now home to over 2300 people, and it’s estimated that this number will rise to 3000 in July 2021. Unit complexes and commercial centres could transform Olympics infrastructure to a residential and commercial precinct to bolster the local economy.
The Gabba is located at Vulture St, Woolloongabba. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates concerning the stadium. Stay up to date with the Olympics and related announcements by following their Facebook page
Transport and Main Roads will begin the platform upgrades at the Doomben Station in Ascot using a new design and methodology developed specifically for Queensland Rail. Work to be carried out will entail raising the platform but it will be a quick process and will not require the isolation of overhead powerlines.
Commuters frequenting the Doomben Station, however, are advised to be on the lookout as the majority of the civil works will be underway from 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, 10 April 2021, to 6:30 a.m. on Monday, 12 April 2021. Minor works will then be carried out in the following weeks but will not disrupt the railway’s operations.
Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said that the new modular system will bring “reduced maintenance costs” and a “longer lifespan” to the facilities at the Doomben Station. This project is part of the $50 billion infrastructure guarantee of the State Government and will support 14 jobs and businesses like Virginia Sheet Metal (VSM), Austact Civil, Customised Traffic Management (CTM), Secure Corp and Blackbox.
Photo Credit: Supplied
“This is great news for commuters and people who use Doomben station to visit the race track, especially for our older travellers, parents with prams and locals who use mobility aids like wheelchairs,” Mr Bailey said.
“It’s also great news for these businesses, who are just some of the hundreds getting involved in upgrades like this and major projects like the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail, supporting jobs as we recover from COVID-19.
“Making Doomben more accessible adds to new stations being built in the heart of Brisbane as part of Cross River Rail, making it more accessible for local commuters to get to their destination.”
A founding member of the Hendra Club, a group of Australian veterinarians and medical experts, is tracking and studying a new and potentially lethal strain of a horse virus known to transfer to humans. This virus was first discovered in the country at the Doomben and Eagle Farm racetracks in the 1990s.
Dr Peter Reid of the Australian Veterinary Association encouraged horse owners and breeders to get their animals vaccinated as soon as possible from the Hendra virus amid concerns that the new strain could progress “very quickly,” especially in areas considered as “low risk.”
The doctor experienced first-hand the fatal effects of the Hendra virus in 1994 after he was called on to the Doomben and Eagle Farm stables to check on Drama Series, the racehorse of his friend, stable owner Vic Rail.
Initially diagnosed as an infection, Drama Series’ condition worsened quickly and affected a dozen more horses at the stables in a matter of days. Mr Rail also became seriously ill, prompting the equine veterinarian to seek the help of pathologists from the University of Queensland.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Following Mr Rail’s death and three more funerals for human victims, the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) in Geelong, Victoria, was able to pinpoint the deadly culprit as the Hendra virus. Dr Reid then made it his mission to focus on learning about this strain by speaking with the survivors, the other veterinarians and the families who have been raising horses.
In his studies, Dr Reid learned that all animals could catch the Hendra virus but it’s only horses that could pass on the strain to humans. However, it is not airborne and it’s dangerous only if the person comes in contact with bodily fluids. This explains why the risks are higher to personnel working at the stables.
Since the 1994 outbreak, the AAHL has also prioritised studies on the Hendra virus. The Hendra Club was born soon after the 9/11 terrorist attack as there were concerns the virus could be used as a bioterrorism agent.
Today, the Hendra Club with Dr Reid has been training and teaching up-and-coming virologists to curb future outbreaks. Samples of the new strain have been discovered in Queensland but with vaccination efforts, the expert said there are strong chances of preventing deaths and sickness.
Bernborough Ascot in Doomben Racecourse has received its first 6 Star Green Star Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia in recognition of its sustainable and eco-friendly development.
The $270 million Leadlease retirement facility, featuring strategic and sustainable designs from Marchese Partners, completed its first stage in October 2020 and has been seen as a benchmark for green community living in Brisbane.
Bernborough Ascot has been envisioned in a well-positioned section of the Doomben Racecourse, which will take advantage of the cool air and natural ventilation of the environment. Before the construction, the developers had to carefully relocate and preserve a 140-tonne weeping fig tree.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Upon the completion of the project, this residential site will have “300 large luxury independent living apartments and penthouse-style homes.” Some parts of the dwellings are already open to residents.
Photo Credit: Facebook
The buildings will feature a number of connected walkways and green spaces or communal gardens, with carefully selected plants, that will be immensely enjoyed by its residents. The facility’s main energy supply will come from solar panels and its water sources feature have been engineered to lessen the needless consumption of potable water.
Green Building Council of Australia CEO Davina Rooney commended the developers behind Bernborough Ascot for achieving such a feat and it certifies the retirement facility’s topnotch standards.
Bernborough Ascot is part of Brisbane Racing Club’s master plan to turn the Doomben and Eagle Farm racecourse into an integrated community. To learn more about this development, visit the official site.
Officials from the International Olympics Committee (IOC) have drawn up plans to host the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, Australia, which the committee has announced to be the “preferred candidate city”.
The Queensland Government believes that the Games will play a vital role in the city’s post-pandemic economic recovery as it would provide people with new jobs and extra facilities as the Olympic Games will lead to the creation of seven new venues and stadiums.
Photo credit: Australian Olympics Committee
Potential White Elephant?
Albion residents are concerned about these new venues becoming useless ‘white elephants’ much like the Olympics stadiums in certain cities. Rio de Janeiro’s, for instance, found little use after the Games in 2016, and this is particularly problematic as constructing these stadiums is a costly endeavor.
The prospect of having a new stadium in Albion Park has raised many concerns among Brisbane locals. In a Neil Breen interview, Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates said that it is preferable to avoid constructing a stadium specifically for the Olympics. Instead, the Games should be held in already-existing venues, to avoid further pressure to allocate new funds which they think can be used elsewhere.
In response to this, the IOC has also expressed interest in utilising the Metricon Stadium, the venue that staged the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in Carrara instead, with the ceremonies hosted at either the Gabba in Woolloongabba or the Suncorp Stadium in Milton.
The Metricon Stadium in Nerang Broadbeach, Carrara Photo credit: CC-BY-SA/Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons
Dreaming of the Olympics
Not all of Albion’s residents are wary of hosting the Games in 2032. Many find themselves excited at the prospect, such as local schoolgirl Isabella Harte, a middle distance athlete from the St. Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School who aspires to become an Olympic athlete by the time the stadium comes online 11 years down the line.
Harte, the current Under 16 3k and Cross-country 4km National Champion, will be 26 and in her athletic prime by the time the 2032 Olympics roll into town.
It is estimated that the Brisbane Olympics, which will run from July 23 to August 8, 2032, will cost approximately $4.45 billion to operate and run. Of this, $2.27 billion will be provided by the IOC, whilst the rest of the sum will be made from ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorships.
Despite valid concerns from the locals, Brisbane has much to gain from hosting the games and the city can take a leaf from Sydney’s experience in the 2000 Olympics.
In Sydney, approximately 160 hectares of badly degraded land were put to good use, becoming one of the largest urban parklands in Australia. Now that the Sydney Olympic Park is out of use and its land repurposed, the local community can now enjoy 35 kilometre tracks as well as open-air BBQ and picnic facilities.
Leftover venues from the Sydney Games have also been transformed. The Olympic Park, for instance, has become a commercial, residential, and sporting precinct that hosts a variety of events and facilities.
With proper planning, organisers think it is likely that Brisbane, including Albion, has the potential to gain significant welcome additions which can be used long after the Games have ended.
For the latest news and updates concerning the Olympic Games in Australia, visit the Australian Olympics Team’s website here, and follow them on their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and developments.
One thing’s for sure. Hamilton and Ascot foodies would most certainly not be strangers to Gino’s Restaurant. This popular family-owned restaurant celebrates 40 years in business in 2021, making it a local fixture on Kingsford Smith Drive and everyone’s favourite Italian haunt.
Gino Fiorini first opened his eponymous restaurant in 1975, serving pizza and pasta in a casual format reminiscent of traditional Italian home cooking.
Gino Fiorini during a visit to Gino’s in 2019. The stove is the only part of the kitchen that has been standing since 1975. Photo Credit: Facebook/Gino’s Restaurant
Six years later, in 1981, Sayed and Deborah Barakat took over running the business, continuing the traditional Italian menu and ambience, whilst ensuring the quality of food remains the same.
Over the last decade, the reins of the business have been passed to the next generation. Sayed and Deborah’s children – Simon, Charlotte, and Dominique, have been overseeing the business. Their cousin Eddie has also spent many years working in the restaurant.
Photo credit: ginosrestaurant.com.au
Except for the addition of a few dishes, nothing much has changed over the last four decades. People order their pizza while others are enjoying their oysters.
Customers craving for their Italian fix come to enjoy the popular schnitzel and spaghetti, which is composed of crumbed veal served with spaghetti bolognese, best enjoyed with chips, napolitana sauce, or a choice of pasta sauce.
Ladies who lunch also find themselves setting their diets aside to enjoy Simon’s Special, fettuccini served with fresh chilli, bacon & prawns in napolitana sauce.
As a fully licensed restaurant, Gino’s also serves a wide range of beers, wines, and spirits. Patrons can also opt for BYO for their favourite bottled wines.
Photo credit: ginosrestaurant.com.au
“Just the smell alone of the food, walking past the restaurant is enough to draw you in and you won’t be disappointed when you do go in. The food is authentic, fresh, and amazing,” said one of their regulars.
With authentic recipes curated and developed over the past four decades, this family restaurant’s menu hasn’t had to make many adjustments in order to maintain its relevance over the years.
Gino’s is also known for its excellent service and the place’s friendly vibe, attentive staff, and swift order times.
Photo credit: Thefork and Tripadvisor
Gino’s Italian Restaurant is conveniently located at 468 Kingsford Smith Drive, Hamilton. They are open for dinner Tuesday to Friday and on weekends, the kitchen remains open for pickup or delivery. Customers can order for pickup or have their food delivered through UberEats, Deliveroo and DoorDash. Visit their websitefor more information or follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates on special deals, promotions, and their business hours.
Plan your last coffee meet-ups at The Coffee Club Ascot now because this popular cafe and favourite hang-out along an equally popular shopping strip will be ceasing operations soon, after 22 years.
The Coffee Club Ascot, located on Racecourse Road, is shutting down in March 2021 but a new tenant is expected to take over the premier location.
“For many years, this site has enjoyed ‘first option’ status for breakfast, lunches and a central meeting place for coffee. Situated only a skip from Eagle Farm Racecourse, the site enjoys abundant walk by traffic and is nestled amongst many boutique stores,” Commercial Brisbane stated in the listing.
Photo Credit: Facebook
The Coffee Club was established in Australia in 1989 as a cafe/restaurant with full table service. The first store was built on Eagle Street Pier in Brisbane CBD.
Five years later, the business became a franchise and has reached over 400 stores in nine countries, with most outlets in Australia, New Zealand and Thailand. The Ascot outlet was the 37th store to open.
Photo Credit: Facebook
In early 2020, The Coffee Club rebranded to cater to the younger market but COVID-19 struck and affected the usual stream of customers.
In December 2020, two other outlets also shut down in Queensland. A liquidator for The Coffee Club said that rents have been unsustainable during this uncertain period.
