Albion Archives - Ascot News

Preliminary Design of New Albion Station Hub Revealed to Brisbane Community

The preliminary designs for the new Albion station hub, aimed at transforming transit and community infrastructure in Brisbane’s inner north, have been released.

Set to rebuild and upgrade the existing Albion train station, the New Albion Station Project is designed to meet the expected rise in passenger traffic from the upcoming Cross River Rail project. With four updated, wider platforms, the design caters to increased interchange activity. This development is closely integrated with housing, retail, and commercial spaces, creating a vibrant community hub around the station.

The project is tied with the ‘Albion Exchange’ initiative, a significant Transit Orientated Development led by Geon Property. This development will introduce up to 1,200 new residences, along with commercial, retail, and entertainment facilities, marking a major urban renewal for the Albion area.

The revamped station will feature an array of modern amenities, including new lifts, stairs, a ticket office, accessible toilets, and enhanced wayfinding and signage. Security will also be improved with updated lighting and CCTV systems. Moreover, the station design includes a new pedestrian overbridge and a southern concourse that promises better connectivity across the rail corridor, thus making it easier for people to access the station from different parts of Albion.

“This will be the key piece of infrastructure for the creation of a genuine Transit Oriented Development, providing for up to 1200 new residences, commercial, retail, lifestyle, and entertainment uses,” GEON Executive Director and CEO, Ben Griffin said.

“It will advance the suburb’s renewal by providing a high level of convenience for residents and workers in the community.”

Community Engagement and Feedback

The Department of Transport and Main Roads will host information sessions to engage the community, offering a platform for feedback and further insights into the project plans.

Details on these sessions, along with opportunities for online feedback, are available on the TMR website, ensuring community members have ample opportunity to contribute to the project’s final design.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Submissions will remain open until 20 September.

New Albion Station Key Features

Four straighter, wider and raised platforms, with shade cover;
An elevated concourse at the southern end of the platforms, providing opportunities for a high-quality public domain and accessibility across the rail corridor;
A new station building with customer facilities including lifts, stairs, ticket office, accessible toilets, wayfinding and signage, lighting and CCTV;
A new pedestrian overbridge at the northern end of the platforms and cross corridor connection to Hudson Road and Mawarra Street;
Reconfiguration of the rail corridor, infrastructure and systems;
A kiss ‘n’ ride; and
Bicycle storage facilities.

Published 29-Aug-2024

Albion Precinct Set for Major Upgrade as Brothers Rugby Club Secures 25-Year Lease

A new 25-year lease has been granted to Brothers Rugby Club for their Albion base, paving the way for a significant upgrade to the community’s sporting facilities.

The agreement comes after changes to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venue plan, which previously earmarked the area for redevelopment. Under the new arrangement, Brothers Rugby Club will spearhead a comprehensive overhaul of Crosby Park, transforming it into a modern sports and community hub.

Planned Improvements

The master plan for the 5.5-hectare precinct includes several key developments:

1. Indoor Sport and Recreation Centre

A new indoor facility will be constructed to accommodate various sporting activities.

2. Enhanced Parking and Learn-to-Swim Classes

Additional car parking will be provided, along with the introduction of learn-to-swim classes for local families.

3. Community-Focused Amenities

Plans include a new clubhouse, café, gym, function room, and public seating areas.

4. Upgraded Change Rooms

New change rooms will be built to cater for the growing number of female players, which now make up over 40% of the club’s membership.

5. Allied Health Services

The final stage of development may include on-site allied health services to benefit both facility users and the broader community.

Community Impact

Brothers Rugby Club president Geoff Rodgers highlighted the need for modernisation, noting that the club’s amenities had not seen major additions since the early 1980s. He expressed the club’s aim to become a hub for the local community, catering to sporting, social, leisure, and recreational needs.

The upgrade aligns with the city’s vision for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. While the original plans for a Breakfast Creek Sports Precinct have changed, with Racing Queensland retaining its raceway at Albion Park, the Brothers Rugby Club development ensures the local community will still benefit from improved facilities ahead of the Games.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner emphasised the importance of investing in grassroots sports. He stated that the development would help make Brisbane an even better lifestyle capital for years to come.

As the Brothers Rugby Club project moves forward, the state government is yet to decide whether the previously planned Brisbane Indoor Sport Centre will be built at Zillmere or Boondall. Meanwhile, Racing Queensland is planning a mixed-use development around its raceway, complementing new residential towers planned for the Breakfast Creek area.

Published 13-Aug-2024

Albion Mourns the Loss of ‘Loveable Rogue’ Danny Carr

Photo Credit: Swanborough Funerals

The Albion community came together to honour Danny Carr, a cherished grandfather who tragically perished in a suspicious fire.

Family, friends, and former coworkers paid tribute to the 67-year-old on Friday, 5 July 2024, during an emotional service at Mount Gravatt Cemetery. He was known for his kind nature and unfiltered humour.

Emergency services responded to a fire at a small apartment complex on Amelia Street, Albion, around 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 13 June. Carr was discovered deceased in his living room, while Jasmin Boyd, 33, managed to escape the blaze and collapsed on the street.

Boyd, identified as Carr’s carer and friend, was later hospitalised in the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital’s burns unit. She remained in critical but stable condition for several days before being released.

Peter McCarthy, the funeral celebrant, highlighted Carr’s life and character. McCarthy described Carr as a “loveable rogue” who had a unique bond with his grandchildren and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Carr’s straightforward nature and penchant for storytelling were also remembered fondly.

Clint, a close friend of Carr, recounted the significant impact Carr had on his life since he was 18. Known as “Wheels” during his youth, Carr left school in Year 10 to pursue a career as a diesel mechanic, a profession he passionately followed until health issues forced him into retirement. Despite being legally blind due to an eye stroke 15 years ago, Carr remained active and involved in his family’s lives.

Carr’s passing leaves a void in the lives of his mother Val, his three children Belinda, Shontelle, and Jay, his eight grandchildren, and his great-grandchild, Storm. The service was a poignant reminder of the joy and support he brought to those around him, encapsulating the sentiment that “Danny did it his way until the very end.”

Boyd’s absence from the funeral was notable, but there is no implication of wrongdoing on her part. The Queensland Police have declared the unit a crime scene and are continuing their investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. Shontelle Robinson, Carr’s daughter, expressed frustration at the lack of answers three weeks after the incident, clarifying that media reports of her father being wheelchair-bound were incorrect. Instead, he used a walking stick to aid his mobility.

The community of Albion remains in mourning, united in their memories of Danny Carr, a man who will be dearly missed for his robust personality and enduring kindness. As investigations continue, the legacy of this “loveable rogue” lives on through the stories and affection of those who knew him best.

Published Date 10-July-2024

Bathhouse Albion to Open Doors, Transforming Brisbane’s Spa Experience

Bathhouse Albion is opening its doors next month, promising to be Brisbane’s premier urban wellness destination. This luxurious new spa and bathhouse is bringing the ancient concept of European bathing into the modern era with stunning opulence.

Read: Luxury Shoptop Apartments Set to Transform Ascot Landscape

Designed by award-winning architects Hogg & Lamb, the gorgeous, light-filled space features soaring ceilings, atmospheric lighting, and an abundance of travertine stone. But it’s the lineup of rejuvenating wellness experiences that is truly remarkable.

At the heart is a heated vitality pool, complemented by euphoric heating and cooling experiences like an invigorating six-degree ice bath, multiple infrared and traditional saunas (including a Finnish sauna with fireplace), a steamy tiered steam room, and refreshing 12-degree cold pool.

When you need a break from the thermotherapy, bliss out in the float room or restorative relaxation lounge surrounded by calming fragrances and meditative sounds. This phone- and alcohol-free oasis is devoted to helping guests unwind, re-energize and restore balance.

“Intimate session sizes, Sans[ceuticals] body products, calming fragrances, meditative sounds, unlimited cotton towels, and a phone free environment all create an unrivalled wellness experience,” owners stated.

The owners said their aim is to transcend the standard spa experience and create a space where guests can truly escape, as part of a balanced lifestyle in an unmatched wellness setting.

Read: American Airlines Launches Longest Nonstop Flight to Brisbane

The Bathhouse Albion is joining the Albion Fine Trades Precinct in June at 64 Nariel Street. Albion Fine Trades, Brisbane’s freshest upscale lifestyle hub, emerges from the minds behind James St. It hosts renowned names like BLOW, Botanica, Joeclyn’s Provisions, Raw Power Yoga, and the latest addition, The Bathhouse Albion.

Visitors can book casual sessions starting from $59 or inquire about memberships to secure regular access to this premier new sanctuary. Check out their website for more details.

Published 3-May-2024

Albion to Welcome the Queensland Fire Department in 2025

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is gearing up to transition into the Queensland Fire Department in June 2024 and will relocate to a new headquarters in Albion in 2025.

Scheduled for completion in 2025, the new headquarters will consolidate more than 500 Queensland Fire Department (QFD) state-level executives and corporate staff, currently spread across four locations including Kedron, Albion, and Brisbane City. This strategic consolidation aims to foster greater efficiency, collaboration, and return on investment, ensuring that the QFD is positioned for future success.

This site is located at the former TAB building, now known as Hudson Common, along 240 Sandgate Road in Albion. This move signifies a fresh chapter for the department and promises a significant economic boost and urban renewal for the Albion community.

The decision to relocate responds to various internal and external reviews, including the Inspector General Emergency Management review and the necessity of accommodating organizational growth and improving operational efficiency.

Architectural and Environmental Vision

The Hudson Common building, undergoing extensive refurbishment by Alceon Queensland with Nettleton Tribe as project architects and Graystone as the construction contractor, is set to become a contemporary, 5-Star NABERS energy-rated green space. This transformation underscores a commitment to environmental sustainability and marks a significant upgrade from its original 1970s architecture.

Queensland Fire Department 240 Sandgate Road Albion — *Photo Credit: Hudsoncommon.com.au*

The project is part of a broader vision for urban renewal in Albion, aligning with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure developments.

Economic and Community Impact

The move is anticipated to inject a new lease of life into the Albion area, providing a massive economic boost and enhancing service delivery to the community. Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery Nikki Boyd highlighted the significance of this move for both the QFD and the Albion community, noting the benefits of bringing over 500 personnel together in this vibrant location.

The development is seen as a key component of Albion’s urban renewal, promising to modernise the area and support its growth as a bustling community hub. It represents a significant investment in Brisbane’s social infrastructure, reflecting confidence in the region’s growth and the demand for high-quality, sustainable office spaces in suburban locations.

The comprehensive plan aims to establish a new focal point for Albion, contributing to its evolution as a critical urban precinct in Brisbane.

Published 18-March-2024

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

Inside Doughcraft, Home Of European Pastries In Albion

Albion’s newest food hub Craft’d Grounds is home to Doughcraft, an artisan bakery where you can grab French and Italian bread and pastries.

Read: Artisanal French-inspired Food and Wine Experiences at Craft’d Grounds

One of the must-tries here is their panino, an artisanal sourdough served with salame, caramelised mushrooms infused with truffles and spinach. It also comes with a fully vegan version, made of focaccia stuffed with Mediterranean style grilled zucchini and eggplant, rocket, roasted tomato relish, confit garlic and herbs.

Doughcraft is the place to go for a range of unique, flavourful, and flaky pastries such as the Pizza Mini Danish, which is a perfect mix of sweet and savoury and the mouthwatering Eggplant Parmigiana Danish.

Cheese lovers shouldn’t leave without trying their croissant stuffed with blue vein Gorgonzola, a rich and strong-flavoured cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy.

Behind the European-style bakery is a group of chefs and bakers who took their love for food to the next level by opening an eatery.

Steven Chevalier, one of the owners, was born in Normandy, France, and came from a long line of boulangers. In French, boulanger is a person whose job is to bake and sell bread and cakes.

Chevalier has over 15 years experience making artisan bread. He is joined by Italian chef Marco Conti, who has over a decade working in top restaurants across London, Sardinia, and Liverpool; and Samantha Taverner, former Head Chef of Collingwood Black also known as the Donut Queen.

Everything is made onsite by their sibling wholesale company Farine & Co, including an array of artisan loaves, and delicious sweet and savoury donuts.

Read: Ascot: A Look Back in Time at One of Brisbane’s Premier Suburbs

Doughcraft is open from 6:00 am, Wednesday to Sunday. Visit their Facebook page for more details.

Toast to World Gin Day at Granddad Jack’s Craft Distillery in Albion

Did you know that World Gin Day is coming up soon? June has been a special month for the juniper spirit since 2009. In Albion, gin lovers can toast to a special deal from Granddad Jack’s Craft Distillery to celebrate gin, the world’s most popular spirit.

From Saturday 11 June 2022 to Wednesday 15 June 2022, or until stocks last, guests at Granddad Jack’s tasting room may enjoy a complimentary 10 packs of 180-ml East Imperial grapefruit tonic with any 500-ml Greenhouse or 65 Miles Gin purchase.

The complimentary grapefruit tonic is a popular choice for G&T lovers, with its a round and lavish initial palate, packed with pomelo and citrus oil and finished with a generous hint of ruby red grapefruit zest.

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: granddadjacks/Facebook

This perfect pairing is also on offer at their online store. Online orders placed before the 3:00 p.m. cut-off are dispatched on the next business day whilst pick-up options are welcome as well.

World Gin Day is doubly special for the popular hang-out. The distillery is also commemorating Granddad Jack’s 103rd birthday on World Gin Day. That’s one more reason to celebrate!

Named after the family’s late grandfather, David “Granddad Jack” Goulding, Granddad Jack’s Craft Distillery opened at Collingwood St and on the Gold Coast in mid-2021. The business is from the Ridden family in Miami.

Follow the store’s Facebook page for updates.

About World Gin Day

In 2009, Neil Houston from Birmingham, United Kingdom started World Gin Day with his buddy Emma Stokes. Ms Stokes (also known as ‘Gin Monkey’) introduced the idea to London in 2010. The annual event has since gone global and Ms Stokes has been running it each year since 2013.

More than 30 countries join in this annual celebration, including Australia. That’s over 200 million gin lovers raising a glass to all things gin.

Paradizo Latin Dance Studio in Albion Reopens in New Location After a Fire

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.”

Follow updates about classes and the studio’s latest news on Facebook.

Vaquero Set for an Exciting Makeover in Albion

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.

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.

Follow updates from Vaquero via Facebook.

“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.”
Iain Johnston