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Toombul Shopping Centre Redevelopment a Possibility, Community Will Have a Say

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Once plans are ready, community drop-in sessions will be held to provide opportunities for locals to have their say on plans for the redevelopment of Toombul Shopping Centre. This was Mirvac’s commitment after discussing the possibility of rebuilding the flood-damaged northside shopping precinct with local representatives.

Mirvac expects to come out with the redevelopment plans in the second half of 2023 but a concrete timeline has not been outlined just yet, according to MP Leanne Linnard who met with the company’s executives alongside MP Anika Wells in mid-October 2022.

“Mirvac has confirmed … their commitment to retail, green-space, and ongoing access to public transport in any rebuild,” Ms Linnard shared.

“We have also been advised that there will also be opportunities to attend drop-in sessions to provide your direct feedback on what you would like to see at the site.”

A spokesperson from Mirvac also confirmed that they will come up with a community consultation program and keep the public up to date, beginning with the shopping centre’s demolition to prepare for the rebuilding.

Northsiders have been asking Mirvac to reopen Toombul Shopping Centre following the February floods, especially with the approaching holiday season.

However, the damage from the floodwaters has resulted in moulds all over the building. According to reports, Mirvac has begun stripping these moulds, a process which is expected to go on for weeks.

Meanwhile, PRAX Studio has come up with its own masterplan for Toombul Shopping Centre. The company said they are a “stakeholder in the future of Toombul” and thus wanted to engage the developer, Mirvac, by sharing their ideas about the future of the precinct.

“Our masterplan vision for Toombul prioritises the community’s needs and desires while taking maximum advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver an open, green and accessible community heart for the enjoyment of future generations,” Prax Studio said.

“By advocating for the community and articulating a vision in which their views a better represented, our vision will contribute to achieving a development outcome that will be an enduring piece of public architecture befitting this wonderful site.”

Construction of New Motor Museum in Banyo Underway

Photo Credit: Brisbane Motor Museum / Facebook

If you love classic cars, then this upcoming motor museum in Banyo is worth waiting for. Construction of the Brisbane Motor Museum on Nudgee Road is well underway and it could open very soon!

Just minutes north of the Brisbane CBD and Airport, the Brisbane Motor Museum at 959 Nudgee Road is set to become the new home for historic and classic car enthusiasts. Construction is already well underway with the target opening in late 2022 or early 2023.

According to plans, the ground floor space will include a foyer, storage area, reception and access to the undercroft car parking area. There will also be meeting rooms, a gift shop, a food and drinks outlet, a public elevator, a library and a 900+sqm of space that will serve as the exhibit area.

Level 1 floor plan | Photo Credit: Brisbane Motor Museum / Facebook

Level 2 floor plan | Photo Credit: Brisbane Motor Museum / Facebook

A “Minor Change Request” application has been lodged to propose changes to the previously approved development application A005810743, including the installation of a Pad Mount Transformer and changes to the hours of operation.

According to the application letter submitted by Planning Insights, the museum will house luxury and rare/vintage vehicles. To accommodate enthusiasts who may elect for a group appointment after office hours and those patrons who may wish to indulge in their interests on a Sunday, operating hours are then proposed to change to 7 am to 10 pm (from the previous 7 pm), Monday to Sunday (from the previous Saturday). After 7 pm operating hours are likely to be by appointment only for better management of the number of visitors and on-site activities.

Car parking is also proposed to be changed from the approved 41 to 39 on-site spaces, inclusive of one PWD (3 towards the front boundary, 33 internal and 3 along the northern boundary).

“The exhibit is planned to offer both a static and dynamic display. Our static display houses mostly vehicles from the museum’s collection as well as feature cars that are on display beyond the exhibit’s duration,” Brisbane Motor Museum said in describing the marques that will be on display at the museum.

Exhibition at Royal Exhibition Building | Photo Credit: Brisbane Motor Museum / Facebook

“Our dynamic display is as mentioned, rotated every exhibit theme providing patrons fresh displays across many interests. Dynamic displays may involve themed events such as ‘The Best of a British’ or ‘The Italian Festival of Speed’ or focus on a car club’s anniversary or celebrated marque.”

959 Nudgee Rd, Banyo QLD 4014, Australia

Brisbane Ghost Tour at the Nundah Cemetery Returns

Photo Credit: Rocketrod1960, Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

It’s spooking time once again! Visit the historic, said-to-be-haunted Nundah Cemetery, join the ghost tour, and hear true ghost stories and eerie facts that have been part of the local lore.

Historic Australia director, Jack Sim, has long been fascinated by stories of true crimes, ghost tales, and jailbirds. For years, he has preserved numerous details of items and subjects that many would find strange and frightening. And in 1998, he established Ghost Tours Australia which today is considered Brisbane’s longest-running ghost tour organisation.

At the Nundah Cemetery, see more than 800 monuments and hear real ghost stories from within the cemetery and of those who have been buried there. The one-hour-guided ghost tour will feature creepy but true stories about the earliest graves, the house by the cemetery, a child ghost, hoodoos, a ghost ship, a medical fraudster, and death by chocolate.

Brisbane Ghost Tours Nundah Cemetery Returns — Photo Credit: Jack Sim Presents / Facebook

And if that is not enough, they might also hear horrible tales of tragedy and crime or even witchcraft and magic that may have been part of the site’s creepy history.

Located on Hedley Avenue in Nundah, the heritage-listed Nundah Cemetery was established in 1846 by German Lutheran missionaries. The cemetery was at the time known as German Station Cemetery, after the district’s name, and is believed to have over 4,000 graves today.

Other Brisbane Ghost Tours include Toowong Cemetery Ghost Tour (The Original), Toowong Cemetery Ghost Tour (Other Side), South Brisbane Cemetery Ghost Tour, and Lutwyche Cemetery Haunted History Tour.

To check for availability on the Nundah Cemetery tour, click here.

Nundah Cemetery | 86 Hedley Av, Nundah QLD 4012, Australia

Darryl Brohman vs Paul Gallen on the Bowling Green

The Wonder from Down Nundah defeats the G-Train.

North’s Finest Darryl Brohman beats The G-Train Paul Gallen at a pre-NRL Grand Final shoot-out on Taren Point Bowls Club.

Gallen who recently took out 2 Qlders back to back in a State of Origin Boxing event, blamed bad preparation for his capitulation 10-6 to the Big Marn.

He cleaned up Justin Hodges and Ben Hannant 2 weeks ago at the Nissan Arena though Hodges is looking for a re-match over 6 rounds and Hannant took Gallen to 4 rounds, with the G-Train taking the win on points 40-36.

“The worst thing is Darryl will go on like a pork chop about this” lamented the G-Train.

“I haven’t asked for a rematch but if the supporters are prepared to come out I’ll come back for a rematch next year”, said Gallen.

“I thought Darryl’s bowls turned in more than mine” said Gallen.

The match formed part of the Continuous Call team’s 2GB and 4BC coverage of the NRL grand final.

The Big Marn of course is now well known as a male model for Lowes menswear.

His local footy career launched a huge professional career, in 1974 he made his A Grade debut whilst still in grade 12 at Wavell Heights High School for Norths Devils before playing 91 games for the Penrith Panthers and 23 for the Canterbury Bulldogs, his 2 Origin games including the infamous tackle by Les Boyd which broke Brohman’s jaw.

In 1976 he won the Rothman Medal whilst playing for Norths based out of Bishop Park in Nundah.

Darryl Brohman at Norths Devils Rugby Football Club — Source: Norths Devils Rugby Football Club

The Big Marn’s name continues in the local game with The Darryl Brohman Cup, an Under 10s annual footy tournament held at Norths Devils Rugby League Football Club.

A Starbucks Development Is Coming to Northgate

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

A Starbucks development is coming to Northgate. The approved development proposal will also include a service station and research tech offices to be built at the former site of the Northgate Foundry building on Toombul Road.

According to the Verve-designed plans, the development will include the establishment of a service station which plans were already approved back in 2020 and two new stand-alone buildings. The development will be integrated with the existing brick building situated on the southwest side of the 7,994sqm site at 185 Toombul Road in Northgate.

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

There will be a Starbucks outlet with a drive-through to be built on the corner of Toombul Road and Holland Street whilst next to it will be one of the research and technology industry buildings.

The approved application will also involve the reconfiguring of the lot into two subdivisions to separate the service station with its associated reciprocal easements. The four buildings will be situated on each of the corner sides of the site with driveways and an 86-car parking area provided at the centre of the development.

The old Northgate Foundry building which has been at the site since the 1950s has been demolished to facilitate the approved development. The project which will cover a total gross floor area of 1,533sqm will provide a new shared driveway to Holland Street and Toombul Road.

The upcoming development at a glance:

Service Station (Tenancy 1)= 193sqm GFA

Fuel canopy, 8 fuel pumps
Shared loading bay
12 car parking
Landscaping

Food and Drink (Tenancy 2-Starbucks) = 200sqm GFA

Single storey (5.5m max. height)
Alfresco area
Single lane drive through (up to 10 queuing cars)
Shared car parking
Shared loading bay
Landscaping

Research and Tech Building (Tenancy 3) = 600sqm GFA

Two storey
Courtyard
Shared loading bay
Landscaping

Research and Tech Building (Tenancy 4) = 540sqm GFA

Two storey
Ground floor awning
Shared car parking
Shared loading bay
Landscaping

185 Toombul Rd, Northgate QLD 4013, Australia

Discussions Ongoing Regarding Possible Toombul Shopping Centre Redevelopment

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Flood-damaged Toombul Shopping Centre in Nundah could soon be reborn, as discussions with Mirvac commence on plans to redevelop the site to make way for the return of retail offerings, with ample open space, and flood resilience measures also to be put in place.

Following the 2022 February flood that heavily damaged the centre, Mirvac announced that the complex was beyond repair. The leases of more than a hundred retailers were cancelled and Toombul Shopping Centre announced its closure in May.

The announcement of the permanent closure of the centre was received with shock and disappointment by locals and businessmen who have since called for the owner to reconsider their decision.

Since then, Mirvac executives have had several talks with Hon Anika Wells MP and Hon Leanne Linard MP who both expressed support for the return of retail offerings at the site. Previous talks with Cr Adam Allan and LNP Member for Clayfield Tim Nicholls were also made. Further discussions wwith stakeholders to discuss redevelopment plans for the site are expected.

Photo Credit: Toombul Shopping Centre / .toombul.com.au

Mr Nicholls would also like for the retail presence reinstated at the site to answer the shopping needs of the local community.

The absence of Toombul mall has left a big void to fill for nearby retail stores and shopping precincts which have since been experiencing nightmarish parking conditions, especially during busy periods.

The redevelopment plans, however, would need to factor in flood resilience measures considering the recent flood events as well as the 2011 and 2015 floods. These flood mitigation plans, according to Mr Nicholls, could also include returning a portion of the lower car park to Brisbane City Council to be used as parkland.

Mirvac acquired the flood-prone property in 2016 for $233 million and spent an additional $35 million for its upgrade. After the February 2022 flooding event, the company’s 2022 Annual Report revealed the $216-m “write-down” of the shopping centre retaiI asset.

Unfinished Pinkenba Quarantine Facility Proposed for Transformation as Housing for DV Victims

A proposal has been raised to transform the unfinished Pinkenba quarantine facility into a dedicated crisis housing complex for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

In July 2022, the Queensland government announced that the Pinkenba quarantine facility will no longer be required for COVID-19 amidst its delayed opening. The pandemic Wellcamp facility, which opened in February and housed over 700 individuals in the course of six months, has also been ordered closed as of 1 Aug 2022.

Given these changes, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said that there is now an “opportunity to step-up and ensure their Pinkenba quarantine facility becomes a valuable asset rather than a white elephant.”

The Federal Government owns the site, which was originally set to open in 2021 with an initial 500 beds and was also due for a handover to the State Government in March. Delays due to inclement weather pushed back its opening but the completion date of the facility has not yet been announced.

Mr Schrinner said that a number of organisations that have the expertise in crisis housing may run the site on behalf of the government. However, Micah Projects chief executive Karyn Walsh said that the Pinkenba quarantine facility won’t be a quick fix.

Pinkenba Quarantine Facility — Wellcamp Quarantine Facility
Photo Credit: QueenslandGovt

Whilst Ms Walsh backs the mayor’s idea, she said housing accommodation for domestic violence victims should be planned by the right people. She said DV victims will need to have the “security of housing” where the location is near support services as opposed to a quarantine facility in a well-known site.

The quarantine facility was also mainly built for infection control and prevention, supporting the health systems and humanitarian efforts of the government.

A spokesperson for the Federal Government’s Finance Minister and Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said that the $400 million site may instead have future uses for health and emergency situations or as a temporary crisis accommodation following a natural disaster and similar events.

Quarantine facilities in Victoria and Perth have had similar problems and are now vacant or have yet to open.

Mirvac Doubles Payment for Eligible Toombul Shopping Centre Retailers

Some of the embattled shop owners of the flood-ravaged Toombul Shopping Centre will receive a further cash boost after Mirvac announced it will double their payments for eligible small businesses.

Mirvac chief executive Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz said that retailers with an annual turnover of less than $50 million a year will get another three months’ worth of rent payments on top of the three months’ rent payments already promised in June 2022.

Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz said that they have been meeting with these retailers, who communicated their challenging experiences after the February floods that shut down the Toombul Shopping Centre permanently. Mirvac’s decision to terminate the leases placed many of the retailers in debt.

The company determined that it was no longer practical to reinstate the site given its risks of immense flooding. Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz said that the flood caused significant damage to their electricity, electricity, fire and air-conditioning systems, lifts and escalators. Mould has also impacted the shopping centre, which was declared hazardous for people’s health.

Toombul tenants — Meeting with tenants and lawyer Brian Noble
Photo Credit: LeanneLinardMP/Facebook

In June, Cr Adam Allan said that a decision was reached to demolish the existing shopping centre and construct a new one.

“The site is zoned Major Centre zoning under the Brisbane City Plan 2014. This type of zoning provides for a wide range of uses including retail, commercial, residential, entertainment, government, residential care, retirement, and community uses to name some,” Cr Adam sad.

“While Mirvac are only in the early stages of their planning on the future of the site the uses above provide a high level guide of some potential uses.

“There will be some outcomes from the site that Brisbane City Council will be keen to see delivered or retained such as a bus interchange, public space, better connectivity, improved flood resilience, a better interface to Kedron Brook etc

“There will be many discussions between Council’s Development Services team and Mirvac over coming months as their plans for the site are formulated.”

Urban Utilities Unveils Cannery Creek Wetlands Concept Design

Photo Credit: Urban Utilities / Facebook

Urban Utilities has unveiled the Wetland Concept Design for the proposed Cannery Creek Sewer Upgrade project. The water distributor-retailer is eyeing a nature-based approach to address the impact of extreme weather on the wastewater network within the Northgate and Banyo catchment.

The proposed $65-million upgrade aims to better manage the local wastewater network that tends to overflow during intense rainfall events and impacts private properties in low-lying areas of Northgate and Banyo.

To address the issue, Urban Utilities considered two potential solutions:

A traditional ‘grey infrastructure’ which meant building larger, more expensive pipes
A nature-based solution in the form of constructed wetlands that would naturally treat the overflow water before entering the creek.

Of the two solutions, the planning committee opted for the nature-based concept approach as it would achieve “the same customer overflow, public health and environmental outcomes as the traditional solution” yet at a significantly lower project cost.

Cannery Creek Wetlands Concept Design; near Station Avenue — *Cannery Creek Wetlands Concept Design;* near Station Avenue | Photo Credit: Urban Utilities / urbanutilities.com.au

The project will include building an underground pump station to be located on the opposite side of the Cannery Creek at Frederick Street and a new two-kilometre underground pipe that will direct flows to a new wetland and bioretention basins that will then serve as natural filters.

Cannery Creek Wetlands Concept Design; near Progress Park | Photo Credit: Urban Utilities / urbanutilities.com.au

The project will also entail the rehabilitation of the creek with a series of sediment basins to be built between Earnshaw and Nudgee roads along with the beautification of the creek banks and its surrounding area as well as providing the community with better access via new shared paths.

The Community Planning Team (CPT), which was formed in 2019 and included members of the community, collaborated with external subject matter experts, landscape architects and stormwater treatment specialists in determining the best option to put forward.

“Urban Utilities is proud to have worked alongside the local community in designing this project and we thank the community planning team members for their input. Thanks to this collaborative approach we’ll be able to make cannery creek and its surrounds more resilient to wet weather events to ensure the community can enjoy this beautiful area for years to come.” – Urban Utilities

Fulton Hogan, Urban Utilities’ delivery partner, has recommenced investigation works between Earnshaw Road and Southern Cross Way on Monday, 16 May 2022. These works will continue until the proposed site’s establishment and construction activities commence in mid-June 2022.

Prepare to be Blown Away! The World’s Greatest Freakshow Comes to Nundah

Get ready to be blown away and watch in awe as The World’s Greatest Freakshow mounts an immersive stage experience in Nundah.

Set for Friday, 23 Sept 2022, The World’s Greatest Freakshow will be staged at The Lounge at The Royal on Sandgate Road. Doors will open at 8:00 p.m.

The mesmerising production has been inspired by the Hollywood blockbuster, “The Greatest Showman,” starring Australia’s son, Hugh Jackman.

The stage presentation is made up of an all-Aussie production, performing stunts that defy the imagination. The show is headlined by glass-eating/body stapling certified freak, Aleksandra The Great; the stretchy and slimy, Samora the Squid; the Guinness World Records holder, The Great Gordo Gamsby; former ballerina now nails and glass dancer, Sian Brigid; and formidable satirist Miss Friby.

The World's Greatest Freakshow — Photo Credit: World’s Greatest Freakshow/Facebook

Artists’ Profiles for Nundah Show

ALEKSANDRA THE GREAT	Dubbed ‘gruesome yet oddly sexy’ by The Advertiser, Aleksandra the Great found their feet in the worlds of both Burlesque and Sideshow Circus and from there fashioned this amazing hybrid entertainer who is truly one of a kind. Electrifying audiences all over Australia, this Boss Babe is a Certified Freak and Weirdo for Hire, celebrated for their deadly talents and sensual, captivating striptease.
THE GREAT GORDO GAMSBY	From the big stage to the little sideshow tent Gordo has done it all. Performing on TV shows around the world and with 11 Guinness World Records under his belt he has left his mark on every audience that he has performed for.
SAMORA SQUID	This stretchy, slimy and strangely sexy sweet-heart of sideshow, has spent the last fifteen years touring the globe with their unique blend of contortion, sword-swallowing, live body piercing, characterisation, and music. Prepare to be dazzled with their dry wit, exceptional talents and mind-blowing stunts that will leave you questioning the bounds of human dexterity.
SIAN BRIGID	Trading her ballet slippers in for a bed of nails, Sian Brigid’s eloquent performance includes dancing on glass, laying on nails and inserting God knows what into God knows where. Travelling the country performing in a myriad of circus, sideshow, cabaret events, and festivals, Sian is also the title holder for Burlesque Muse Canberra and the Apprentease ACT, combining her refined technique with her reckless sensibilities.
MISS FRIBY	Melbourne’s wise-cracking, sequin-clad satirist has been described as a ‘twenty-first century Lucille Ball’ by the Adelaide Theatre Guide, with mile-high kicks and hilarious gags, Miss Friby’s acts and shows have been featured all over Australia. Green Room Award nominee, Fields Award Nominee, and Australia’s Got Talent 2013 Finalist, Miss Friby is sure to lead this evening in style.

The World’s Greatest Freakshow is from Play Nation Events and Big Deal Touring, and follows a sold-out series of shows in Melbourne and an ongoing Las Vegas run residency.

Powerful, enchanting and jaw-dropping, the Nundah show is part of the Queensland and New South Wales tour that started in late August 2022.

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