NICHOLAS LOFTUS

NICHOLAS LOFTUS

Now Open: Woolworths At Racecourse Village, Ascot

Woolworths just opened its latest store at Racecourse Village in Ascot. The newest store is Woolworths’ first next-generation store. It boasts a number of new features guaranteed to create a whole new shopping experience.

Woolworths 3.0

The new features, dubbed as “Woolworths 3.0”, include flame-roasted chickens and an array of seafood from a new fish market. Other features include artisan bread and made-to-order cakes from the full production bakery. The Woolworths Ascot store will also feature a new ready meals section. The ready meals section is filled with fresh sandwiches, salads, and healthy juices for customers looking for easy meal options.

Picking up orders in-store is now even more convenient for those who prefer to do their shopping online. There is a dedicated Drive Thru service area  at the side of the building with parking bays.

Photo credit: The Retail Designers/Facebook

“Woolworths Racecourse Village Ascot marks the next evolution of our journey to create a neighbourhood food store for Queensland customers. It provides a great shopping experience for our local customers, with good prices on products they want, a great fresh offer and the convenience they are looking for,” Woolworths Queensland State Manager, Matthew Franich said.

“Our team has spent a great deal of time understanding how local customers like to shop and designed this store with their shopping needs in mind to create this next-generation grocery shopping experience.”



Photo Credit: Ian Bond/Facebook

Store highlights:

  • Fruit and Vegetables – Shoppers will experience a “marketplace” feel while choosing from an extensive range of Australian fresh fruit and vegetables.
  • Deli – Pick up cured meats sliced to order. The can also choose their favourite olives from the deli or select from 90 delicious kinds of cheese.
  • Flame-Roasted Chicken –  Expertly marinated with breadcrumbs, herbs, and the juice of half a lemon – and hand-stuffed in-store. Free-range chicken is flame roasted to tender perfection for 30 minutes.
  • Bakery – Customers can order custom-made party cakes and freshly made pastries. They even have artisan bread loaves and freshly-made flatbread which are perfect for burritos, wraps, and even pizza bases.
  • Butcher – A new and free ‘Bag and Bake’ service available in meat and poultry, including Memphis Smokey BBQ, Cajun Seasoning, Herb and Garlic, and Portuguese Seasoning marinades. Meats are sourced locally, organic, and Heart Smart.
  • Seafood – Fresh fish caught locally from Australia and New Zealand. There offer free ‘Bag and Bake’ with fantastic marinade options, including tomato and basil, lime and chilli fusion, Thai sweet chilli, roast garlic and herbs, and teriyaki and ginger.
  • Macro Wholefoods Market – Pick from an extensive range of certified organic products, including loose nuts, seeds and grains, and gluten-free range.
  • Sushi – Made to order and handmade fresh sushi with Platter pre-orders are also available. There are hot Japanese dishes on the takeaway menu, including Poke bowls, Katsu Chicken, and Teriyaki Chicken.
  • Pick up – online shopping made convenient through a dedicated Pickup area at the front of the store. Likewise, there is a convenient Drive-thru service to the side of the building with designated parking bays for store-to-boot convenience.

One With the Community

To minimize environmental impact and ensure sustainability, Woolworths used LED lights and carbon-efficient refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. 

“Being part of the local community is very important to us, and we’re looking forward to hosting local schools in our Fresh Food Kids Discovery Tours program. We’re also helping minimise food waste via our partnerships with OzHarvest and Foodbank to help provide meals to Australians in need,” Matthew Franich concluded.

Woolworths Ascot is located in Racecourse Village, 188 Nudgee Rd, Ascot.

Ascot Is Brisbane’s Top Performing Suburb on the Northside for Property Price Growth: Report

Ascot led Brisbane’s top performing suburbs on the north side in the first half of 2018 in terms of price growth, says a PRDnationwide report.

According to their “Affordable & Livable Property Guide in the 1st Half of 2018” report, Ascot tops the North area of Brisbane in both House and Unit property.

Demand for houses in Brisbane saw a healthy growth with the number of houses that were sold in Brisbane City Local Government Area (LGA) rising by 17.9%. The median price grew by 3.1% as well, the PRDnationwide report says.

Units, on the other hand, became more affordable as prices dipped -3.1% while rental prices remained stable in the LGA, for both houses and units. These give property buyers affordable alternatives amid rising costs of houses in the north and south suburbs.

Brisbane’s top performing suburbs in the 1st half of 2018
Area Suburb Type Median Price 2016 Median Price 2017/2018* Price Growth Projects 2017**
Inner Kangaroo Point House $860,000 $972,500 13.1% $105.0M
Newstead Unit $594,791 $627,500 5.5% $116.4M
North Ascot House $1,309,000 $1,520,000 16.1% $7.7M
Ascot Unit $445,000 $485,000 9.0% $7.7M
South Doolandella House $458,500 $530,000 15.6% $25.7M
Rochedale Unit $495,000 $545,000 10.1% $28.7M
East Bulimba House $1,157,500 $1,295,000 11.9% $21.3M
Cannon Hill Unit $450,000 $480,000 6.7% $6.0M
West Oxley House $528,000 $570,000 8.0% $11.4M
Oxley Unit $370,000 $457,000 23.5% $11.4M
*Median Price reflects transactions from 1 January 2017 – 31 March 2018
**Project developments is based on the aggregate of estimated construction value for residential, industrial, mixed-use and infrastructure projects that are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2018.
Source: PRDnationwide

Affordability & Liveability

The PRDnationwide report also indicated a decline in housing affordability in Queensland. There was an increase of 27.6% in the proportion of income to meet home loan repayments over the past 12 months (to the December 2017 quarter).  

Among affordable suburbs for houses in greater Brisbane, Ellen Grove, Inala, Acacia Ridge and Darra emerged as the suburbs that meet their criteria. To meet affordability criteria, suburbs should have a maximum property sale price of the average state loan plus 40% deposit.

Top 3 Lowest Priced Suburbs
Top 3 Lowest Priced Suburbs* Median Price 2017/2018* Project Development** Median Rent 2017/2018 Rental Yield
Ellen Grove $295,000 $9,600,000 $325 4.5%
Inala $368,000 $2,884,000 $325 4.3%
Acacia Ridge $406,500 $3,750,000 $355 4.0%
*Top 3 suburbs are located within 20 km from Brisbane CBD. The suburb median price and median rent figures represent data from the 1st January 2017 to 31st March 2018.
**Project development is the aggregate value of estimated construction for residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, and infrastructure projects commencing in the 1st half of 2018.
Source: PRDnationwide
Brisbane's Top Performing Suburb
Photo credit:PIRO4D/Pixabay.com

These areas, however, failed to meet liveability criteria. Liveability criteria were added in 2018, including factors such as accessibility (within 5 km radius) to schools, parks, shopping centres, healthcare facilities, as well as low crime rate and unemployment rate.

Algester, Bracken Ridge, and Geebung, thus stood out as most affordable and liveable for houses. Algester, Northgate, and Parkinson, on the other hand, were the top picks for units. The suburbs considered are within a 20 km radius of the CBD.

Affordable and Liveable Suburbs for Houses
Suburb Median Price Price Growth Rental Yield Total Projects Radius from CBD
Algester $514,500 5.0% 4.1% $1.5 M 16.0 km
Bracken Ridge $500,000 4.2% 4.0% $2.9 M 15.6 km
Geebung $538,000 4.5% 3.8% $3.8 M 11.1 km
Source: PRDnationwide
Affordable and Liveable Suburbs for Units
Suburb Median Price Price Growth Rental Yield Total Projects Radius from CBD
Algester $365,000 17.4% 5.4% $1.5 M 16 km
Northgate $414,000 7.5% 4.8% $5.1 M 9.4 km
Parkinson $401,000 8.7% 5.4% $12 M 18 km
Source: PRDnationwide

To determine the most attractive properties in greater Brisbane, affordability and liveability, and other factors and methodology were considered such as trends, investment, and project development.



Experience the Ultimate Rush at the Newly Renovated Slideways Go Karting in Eagle Farm

Get ready to race to the finish line as Slideways Go Karting in Eagle Farm opens its doors to racing fans once again after their massive multi-level indoor kart track renovation.

Guests can now enjoy go karting on their 425-metre long track including a loop in the car park plus two second-level structures.


Credit: Slideways Go Karting/YouTube

Slideways Go Karting’s previous track has operated for four and a half years prior to its major upgrade. One of the crowd favourites of the track was the giant crossover bridge which has been retained in the current track.

Photo credit: Slideways – Go Karting Brisbane/Facebook

The bridge part of the track has been extended to the car park end of the building and a second level structure was added at the Kingsford Smith Drive end of the building. Other improvements to the facility included a new ground-floor spectators area and their air-conditioned corporate area has a great view of the new section of the track.



Slideways Go Karting features the latest European state of the art machines that can handle 24-hour endurance go kart racing. If you are new to go kart racing, their staff will also be available on the track to guide you and give you helpful tips and tricks for racing.

Photo credit: Slideways – Go Karting Brisbane/Facebook

Go kart racing is open for guests 11 years and up. All drivers must read the track safety rules prior to riding. Before each session, track staffs will give a full safety briefing and are on hand to give driving tips and any assistance.

The indoor kart track is open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Bookings essential so call (07) 3868 2225 to book. To learn more, you may visit the official website of Slideways Go Karting.



St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Ascot to Open Its New Sports Precinct Soon

St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School will have its new sports precinct by late 2019 or early 2020. This was announced by St Margaret’s principal Ros Curtis. Construction is set to begin after the end of Term 4.

Redevelopment in Support of Physical Education

Ms Curtis described the planned redevelopment to be the largest and most significant alteration to St Margaret’s school thus far. The transformation will cover almost a third of the 43,892 sqm campus which currently caters to Prep to Year 12 students.

“As educators, we recognise the value and importance of physical education, and the significant impact it has on student wellbeing,” principal Ros Curtis said.

“Our goal is to create an environment which best serves the health and well-being of our students, enhances the value of our outstanding and diverse sports program and adds to the depth and relevance of our curriculum,” Ms Curtis added.

Out With the Old, in With the New

The project is part of the property master plan that was developed in 2014 which will redevelop the northern end of the campus adjacent to the primary school, between Butler and Lapraik Streets. Phillip Harris Sports Centre will be demolished to give way to the construction of a new building.

Artist impressions of views from Lapraik and Butler Streets

Photo credit: St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School/stmargarets.qld.edu.au

Proposed Sports Precinct Masterplan

The new building will house the gymnasium, face, swimming pool with retractable roof, storage, showers, change rooms, and health and physical education classrooms. The existing tennis courts will be demolished as well. In its place will rise a new building with a ground floor basketball court and provision for retractable seating and floor space for gymnastics.

The existing swimming pool will also be demolished to give way for the construction of a new staff car park which can be accessed via Lapraik Street and Comus Avenue.

Photo credit: St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School/stmargarets.qld.edu.au

St Margaret’s has always recognized the importance of a well-organized sports program and has been a proud supporter of sports especially women in sports. Some of its notable alumnae are Bronte Barratt, Emily Seebohm, Emma Jackson, Brittany Elmslie, and Sally Kehoe. St Margaret’s  is one of the three founding members of the Queensland Girl’s Secondary Schools Sports Association (QGSSSA).

Get Ready for Ascot’s Most Adorable Event for July: Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Fun activities await kids and their furry friends this Saturday, 28 July 2018 at the Teddy Bears’ Picnic at the Races.

Photo credit: Brisbane Racing Club/Facebook

Hosted by Brisbane Racing Club, Teddy Bear’s Picnic will be supporting Variety – the Children’s Charity of Queensland and is set to fill the Doomben Racecourse with adorable teddy bears, colourful picnic blankets, rides, games, and entertainment for the children to enjoy.

Photo credit: Brisbane Racing Club/Facebook

The event’s kid-friendly activities include a Kids Disco, face painting, jumping castle, petting zoo, build-a-bear workshop, and more. Kids can also get a chance to enter into the Fashions on the Field with their best-dressed bears.

Gates open at 10:30 a.m. and rides will be operating from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with children’s ticketing available for purchase on the day. Fashion on the Field registration starts at 10:30 a.m. and by 1:45 p.m. dancing starts at the Kids Disco.

Photo credit: Brisbane Racing Club/Facebook

Rates for admission per person are as follows:

  • General Admission from $15.00
  • Giddy Up Club Marquee from $5.00
  • Giddy Up Club Membership $20.00 provides access for one child and two adults.
  • Big Ted Group Package from $25.00
  • Little Ted Group Package from $25.00
  • Teddy Bear’s Picnic Family Picnic Pass from $85.00
  • Tapas in the 10,000 from $55.00
  • Champions Bar Courtyard from $90.00
  • Private Suites per person from $75.00

For more information, visit the event’s official website or Facebook page.

Buy your tickets.

 

Authentic & Modern Italian Dishes Coming To The Racecourse Village

The Racecourse Village in Ascot is set to open this month and it brings with it not only sustainable energy but a wide range of retail outlets and a foodie precinct for the local community.

Delicious and authentic Italian food is coming to the development in the form of Vitos Cucina & Bar. Open for breakfast and lunch as well as dinner on Friday and Saturday, it will bring to you all your Italian favourites.

Photo credit: Vitos Cucina & Bar / Facebook

The restaurant is owned by Vito Mandarano, who also owns Vitos Espresso Bar in Everton Park.

Vitos aims to provide the community with modern authentic Italian dishes with a twist. They will be serving eight varieties of bruschetta as well as seafood platters, pastas, and many more.

The restaurant will have indoor and outdoor seating. Their interior combines the colours gray, black, greens, and wooden texture for that classy and modern feel. An airy atmosphere will be provided by the huge windows letting in natural lighting during daytime.

Photo credit: Vitos Cucina & Bar / Facebook

The restaurant will open on 31 July 2018.


Read: Racecourse Village In Ascot Almost Ready To Opens Its Doors


Racecourse Village In Ascot Almost Ready To Open Its Doors

The solar-powered Racecourse Village in Ascot is almost finished. Scheduled to open this month, the project is part of the new $1.2 billion master-planned Eagle Farm Racecourse redevelopment.

Heritage Controversy

Earlier this month, the masterplan has gotten into a controversy when the Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) applied to delist sections of the Eagle Farm Racecourse site from the Queensland Heritage Register. It asked to delist four lots starting behind the Gallopers Sports Club down to the front of Nudgee Rd.

However, Elizabeth Handley, the president of the Brisbane Residents United, said that such proposal shows the development is gradually eating away the heritage of the racecourse.

All’s Well

Nevertheless, the delistment pushed through with the BRC not receiving objections during the feedback period in March of this year.

In light of this, the architectural design of the development paid tribute to the fabric and history of the Eagle Farm Racecourse by adapting some of its elements. They used materials such as exposed brick, terra cotta, timber, and wrought iron, that represented the site’s heritage and its historical significance.

What To Expect

The Village will offer 5,000 sq m of retail establishments. One of them is a Woolworths Supermarket, the first full-line supermarket in the catchment.

Aside from that, there will be plenty of food establishments coming. An Asian-fusion eatery called Koodle will be serving delicious Asian cuisine, whilst there will also be sushi for your Japanese food cravings, courtesy of Sushi Kura.

Fancy a burger? Da’Burger will give you tender and juicy patties wrapped in soft buns. For your pasta cravings, Vitos Cucina & Bar will be the perfect stop for you.

For your bread and pastry needs, Ascot Bakehouse will also open at the Racecourse Village.

Other establishments include Le Tooth Dentist, Epic Hair Designs, and La Diva Nails & Beauty.

Removal Of Trees For Upcoming Ascot Park Angers Residents

Preliminary works have begun at the Brisbane Racing Club’s (BRC) car park in Ascot between Lancaster Road, Kitchener Road, and McGill Avenue. This has brought on outrage from the residents upon discovering that mature trees have been removed on the site.

According to the residents, they weren’t informed that the trees were being removed. Environment, Parks and Sustainability Chairman Cr David McLachlan said that the council has begun initial works, which included the removal of 15 dead and diseased trees.

Cr McLachlan also mentioned that community Have Your Say sessions were held mid-May in which the council said the preliminary works include street trimming and the removal of 18 trees and they will be replaced by up to 50 new trees. He also said that the council wrote to the community in May to send a notification about the park creation associated tree works.

However, residents remain firm that they didn’t know about this. Last month, Cr McLachlan took to social media as well as to address the situation.

His post said that the trees were investigated by senior arborists and also reminded residents about two recent incidents where two significant trees in the area fell over without warning. He said that the council is only following the advice of an expert for the safety of the community.

Residents can view the arborist report at his office.

Glamorous Tattersall’s Tiara Race Day is Back at Ascot

On the 23rd of June, be part of the Tattersall’s Tiara Race Day at the Doomben Racecourse starting at 10:30 a.m.

Photo credit: BRC

As part of the 2018 Winter Racing Carnival, the race day marks the 153rd anniversary of the Tattersall’s Cup, which was first held in August 1865. Eager punters are in for some great racing action. Of course, there will also be a family area along with free rides and entertainment promising a fun-filled day.

 

Photo credit: Style Magazines

The glamourous Wintergarden Fashions on the Field will also be back with a new judging panel and exciting prizes. Be sure to express yourself and dress up for the win, and don’t forget that put on the perfect millinery for this posh and glam event.

You can buy your tickets here for $20, or you can buy your tickets at the gate for $25. Children under 12 years old will receive free entry to the race course.

For the Members Stand tickets, you can also purchase it online for $40 or at the gate for $50.

The Tattersall’s Club was founded in 1865 and throughout the years has played a significant part in the growth of Brisbane. They remain to be prominent in the horse racing industry in Queensland.

Address: 75 Hampden St, Ascot

Initial Works Underway for New Park in Ascot

Initial works on Ascot’s new park development are now underway as part of the Council’s commitment to keeping Brisbane clean and green. The new district park is located between Lancaster Road, Kitchener Road, and McGill Avenue.

The park is part of the Racecourse Precinct Neighbourhood Plan, developed between 2009 to 2011. Under the plan, the former Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) members’ car park at the corner of Lancaster and Kitchener Roads will be converted back to public parkland.

Draft of the new park’s concept plan. Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

The historic suburb of Ascot has been home to a diverse community that is constantly growing. This project aims to create an attractive park that can be enjoyed by the community and celebrate the history of the suburb.

Draft of the new park’s playground concept plan. Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

The park will increase accessible green space in the area and will also have a new fenced playground for children to enjoy.

The Council is now finalising the plans after a productive community consultation held in May 2018. The final design for the park will be available in late 2018 and all the feedback from the community will be included.

Construction of the park will take place in 2019, including the decompaction and regeneration of the soil, followed by park embellishment works.

For more information about the project, you can: