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Remembering the Paddington Tram Depot Fire

In 2018, Paddington commemorates the 56th anniversary of the Paddington Tram Depot fire, a crucial point in history that marked the beginning of the end for the Brisbane Tramway system.

The Paddington Tram Depot under construction

The Paddington Tram depot was built in 1915 servicing western suburbs and a total of 13 roads. The depot was constructed on the side of the hill on Latrobe Terrace in Paddington using timber and corrugated iron panels.

On 28 September 1962, the Paddington tram depot was engulfed by a terrible fire. It was to be one of the largest fires in Brisbane’s history. That fateful night, the destructive fire devoured sixty-five trams; that’s a fifth of the Brisbane Tramways Company’s tram fleet.

Fire aftermath

The fire was believed to have started in a storage area. About 30 firefighters attempted to control the fire but was hindered by low water pressure. Deposits of oil and grease from years of operation continued fueling the blaze that was visible from its nearby suburbs. Despite the firefighters’ heroic efforts, the depot was completely destroyed by the fire that lasted for almost a week.

Video credit: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services/YouTube

That fire did not only bring destruction but it also marked the beginning of the end for the tram system in Brisbane. Conspiracy theories about what really started the fire surfaced since it happened at a time when plans about replacing the trams and trolleybuses with diesel units were already brewing.

Despite a huge investigation, the cause of the fire was not determined. In December 1962, four tram routes were closed. Kalinga Toowong, Bulimba Ferry, and Rainworth were converted into bus operation routes. The City Council hired buses from the New South Wales government to mitigate the situation.

In June 1968, the Brisbane City Council made an announcement about the impending closure of the tramways. Ultimately, the tram system closed in April 1969 with the bus operations replacing all of the former tram routes.

Restored Tramcars

*Photo credit: Brisbane Tramway Museum/Facebook*

After a public consultation following the announcement of the closure of the tramways, the Brisbane Tramway Museum Society was created to preserve a representative number of the tramcars. In 1972, Ferny Grove became the official site of the Brisbane Tramway Museum which opened to the public in 1980.

The site where the depot once stood was sold by the City Council. Today, it is home to the Paddington Central Shopping Centre.

Gramps Cafe Amidst The Queenslanders In Red Hill

Matching the homes in the Red Hill area, the newly-opened Gramps Cafe is set in a Queenslander home on Windsor Road.

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Sun is shining and Gramps is looking oh so pretty. @broadsheet.brisbane @deanswindell 📷

A post shared by Gramps Cafe (@grampscafe) on Sep 4, 2018 at 3:46pm PDT

Owner Adam Murphy has a background in nutrition and took his expertise into hospitality. He worked at several cafes in Brisbane and in other areas abroad. After years of being exposed in the industry, Mr Murphy decided to open up his own cafe. His vision? Giving diners simple meals that they wouldn’t otherwise make from their homes.

Mr Murphy wanted to name the cafe as “Grandpa Sunshine” but decided on naming it “Gramps” instead, correctly assuming that people will find it more familiar, and also because the name brings the warmth and comfort of home to the cafe.

The cafe boasts of an industrial feel with its recliner chairs and reclaimed wood furniture. It also sets that cosy vibe that perfectly complements the comfort food that they serve.

They offer a range of food from omelette to pastries. Tasty healthy food options are in stock, like their homemade granola with coconut, buckwheat, and almond served with coconut yoghurt, spiced apple compote, and smashed avocado on toast.

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Ohhhhh, grampy eggs. 👀 👀 I see you there! Yeah nice. 📷 @_weekendedition #pumpkinspiceeverything

A post shared by Gramps Cafe (@grampscafe) on Sep 14, 2018 at 2:55pm PDT

Their coffee is sourced from Single O. They also offer a wide range of teas by The Steepery Tea Co., and Arakai Estate.

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☀ Muggy latte on a muggy day 🙂 ☀ #baristalife #barista #tulipart #brisbanecoffee

A post shared by Gramps Cafe (@grampscafe) on Feb 5, 2017 at 2:42am PST

Doggos and kids are welcome at the cafe. Mr Murphy is developing a more mature menu. They will also be holding the first Gramps Annual Pickle Swap by the end of this month.

Address: 110 Windsor Road, Brisbane, QLD

Discover the Rich History of The Barracks in Paddington

The Barracks in Paddington is important in the suburb as it serves as a landmark commercial precinct today. However, did you know the interesting history of the precinct?

From being amongst the earliest Brisbane gaol to becoming a popular underground night club in the 1990s, The Barracks certainly has quite a few stories to tell.

History

The Barracks was formerly known as the Petrie Terrace Police Depot. It is significant in the history of the suburb as it was occupied by the second purpose-built Brisbane Gaol from November 1860 until July 1883. The overcrowded Petrie Terrace Gaol was closed in 1883 upon the completion of a new gaol at Boggo Road, South Brisbane.

The Barracks in Paddington — Aerial view of Petrie Terrace Gaol, Brisbane, 1862. The gaol was erected in 1860 to the design of the colonial architect Charles Tiffin. It was converted into a police barracks in 1883. Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland/Wikimedia Commons

In 1885, the gaol reserve was divided between the newly established permanent Queensland Defence Force and the Queensland Police Force. The QDF occupied the 1864 military reserve and the northern end of the gaol reserve, the whole of which was renamed Victoria Barracks by mid-1885.

The Queensland Police Force occupied the remainder of the gaol reserve as a police depot and training centre. The police occupied the former gaol reserve for a century until the mid-1980s. However, the site was officially gazetted as a reserve for police purposes in 1901.

Petrie Terrace Police Depot

The former gaol was officially recognized as Petrie Terrace Police Depot from 1850-1960. Additions to the building included the construction of stables in 1912 and a police garage and workshop in 1936.

In 1938, work commenced on the construction of a new three-storeyed, brick and concrete police barracks at the Petrie Terrace Police Depot, on land formerly utilised as a parade and drill ground.

The new barracks, designed by Raymond Clare Nowland, was considered as one of the best investments that the Government had made at the time.

During WWII a brick building to house the Police Wireless Transmission Station VKR was erected in the southwest corner of the police reserve. Military police attached to the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, United States Army, United States Shore Patrol, and the Royal Navy utilised the police wireless transmission station at Petrie Terrace.

Change in Use of the Police Depot

Use of the Petrie Terrace Police Depot as a training facility ceased in 1973, but the Depot continued to serve other police purposes until the mid-1980s.

In 1987 the State Government sold the former police reserve and buildings to private enterprise.

The Former Police Stables functioned as a nightclub through the 1990s, while the Former Police Wireless Transmission Station was converted into a restaurant.

The former Petrie Terrace Police Depot was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 23 July 1999.

Former Petrie Terrace Police Depot Transformation

After suffering from high levels of vandalism, the former Police Depot was developed to what is now known as The Barracks in 2007.

The $120 million mixed-use development was completed in 2008 and is now a popular landmark retail and commercial precinct in Paddington.

The three heritage listed buildings from the Police era remaining on the site are the stables (1912), the three storey brick barracks (1939) and the radio communications centre (1941).

In 2009, The Barracks won two prestigious UDIA Awards for Urban Renewal and best large Retail/Commercial development.

Learn more about The Barracks in Paddington by visitng their official website.

Ben’s Burgers Arrives In Paddington

One of Brisbane’s best burgers has expanded its reach starting this August and a sensational, new burger player has finally landed on Caxton Street Strip in Paddington. Ben’s Burgers is now serving their delicious burgers at the Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall from Wednesdays to Sundays from 5:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Their first branch opened in Fortitude Valley and their second one was in West End. However, the owners, Ben and Nick Chiu, eventually decided to close the West End branch in a strategic decision that would allow them to focus on their upcoming projects.

Now, Paddington’s burger lovers will get a chance to try out their burgers – the Classic with beef, cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard, and mayo.

Or their Cheese beef with a special sauce.

Or for those who don’t want meat, there is always the Veg burger with mushroom, parmesan, pickles, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and aioli.

They also brought back their chicken sandwich, so don’t miss it!

Address: 15 Caxton St, Petrie Terrace QLD, 4000, Australia

Explore Organic Food Options at Paddington

Eating healthy can sometimes be tricky, especially when your local supermarket has limited stocks of organic products. Whether you are a vegan, vegetarian, or eating a gluten-free diet for health reasons, Paddington has a couple of options where you can buy certified organic food and produce.

It’s Mirchi Healthy Indian

Named after the spice “Mirchi” which means chilli, this specialty Indian restaurant in Paddington serves authentic Indian culinary delights. It’s Mirchi Healthy Indian is an organic restaurant that focuses on providing healthy Indian dishes which includes vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy free, nut free, and MSG-free meals.

It’s Mirchi Healthy Indian Entrees include Vegetable Samosas, Cauliflower Pakoda and Chicken

Their menu includes a variety of healthy organic food such as Free-range Chicken Tikka, Organic Lamb Saagwala, Spinach and Broccoli Pakoda, and more.

It’s Mirchi Healthy Indian Entrees is located at 284 Given Terrace, Paddington. Visit their official page to learn more.

Fundies

Formerly known as Fundamental Food Stores, Fundies Wholefood Market is dedicated to providing natural and organic food. Fundies Paddington has been one of the most popular organic shopping centres in Brisbane.

Located at 219 Given Terrace Paddington, the store is committed to selling only certified organic products that are sourced as locally as possible. Fundies offers high-quality, least processed, and naturally preserved foods.

The store even offers qualified naturopath services on site to help answer any questions you may have for free.

Fundies Paddington is open from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays and from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit their official website.

Council Approves First Permanent Outdoor Cinema In Kelvin Grove

McCaskie Park will officially be the home of the newest permanent outdoor cinema in Brisbane.

Despite the era of online movie streaming, Brisbanites love for the outdoors remains strong. Being a part of the state’s “Sun Corridor” and its sub-tropical climate, going out to catch the latest flick at your local movie cinema is still a thing.

Talks about its development started going around early this year and now, the Brisbane City Council has finally given it the go-signal.

Read: A Permanent Outdoor Cinema Could Be Coming To Kelvin Grove

As part of the council’s initiative to get more people at the city’s public spaces, this new development will definitely see more people out, socialising, and enjoying the beautiful outdoors the city has to offer. The best part? It’s FREE and it’s a permanent thing!

The development proposal includes a 2.7 metre x 5.4. metre screen, a small stage area, and a speaker set up. The council plans to to make it operational on weekdays and weeknights. They will also allow the area to be used by organisations and individuals.

This proposal will also highlight the natural amenity and heritage values of the park, which is a local heritage place for recreational and sporting activities. The development will retain all mature fig trees on site, existing view-lines within the park, and the existing settings of the park.

Construction is expected to start this year.

Demand for Paddington Properties Increases with Surge of Overseas Buyers and Bargain Hunters

Demand for properties in Paddington is on the rise as overseas buyers and bargain hunters search the area for properties with the best rates.

Although many anticipate lower demands for Brisbane apartments due to issues with oversupply and talks about price falls, buyers seem to be more interested in searching for a bargain in the area. This, as demand increased to over 4.5% over the past 12 months.

Among the most active property seekers are offshore buyers who are driving the surge in demand for properties around Brisbane. According to realestate.com.au’s Australian Property Market report, Brisbane currently has the biggest increases in offshore buyers, far higher than those of other capital cities.

Photo credit: CC-BY/Brisbane City Council/Flickr

The report also shows that prices in Brisbane are up by 1% with houses seeing a slight increase while apartments seeing a decline. When it comes to the demand, the timing in the cycle for the city seems to be at odds with Melbourne and Sydney. This is not the first time that Paddington has seen an influx of buyers looking for better property deals.

Read: Brisbane’s Paddington Sees Influx of New Residents from Sydney

East Brisbane, Indooroopilly, and Paddington reportedly have the highest demand for houses respectively. Paddington currently has an average of 1,165 visits per listing per month over the last 12 months.

Prices for properties in Brisbane remain far more affordable and with strong spending on infrastructure, the city is now well prepared for population growth brought about by the continued improvement of jobs growth.

Top 10 most in demand suburbs in Brisbane

Houses

East Brisbane
Indooroopilly
Paddington
Holland Park
Wilston
Chandler
Windsor
Coorparoo
Newmarket
Toowong

Apartments

Graceville
Mansfield
Tarragindi
Camp Hill
Red Hill
Ashgrove
Holland Park
Tingalpa
New Farm
Paddington

Yavanna Turns Comfort Food into Vegan Delights at Newly Opened Plant-Based Eatery and Bar in Paddington

Aptly named after J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional character, a goddess who is a giver of fruit and queen of the earth, Yavanna is magically turning your beloved comfort food into vegan delights in Paddington.

Yavanna is the newest plant-based bar and eatery in the suburb, an outcome of a collaboration among people with a passion for all things plant-based. With a mission to change the world one bite at a time, the restaurant and bar offers decadent and inclusive food and drinks for everyone who steps in their door.

Yavanna’s timely addition to Brisbane’s food scene is consistent with the growing demand for vegan cuisine across Australia. The country happens to have the third-fastest growing vegan population worldwide.

Their menu includes a vast selection of unconventional vegan food such as chargrilled steak, flame-grilled chicken, buffalo wings, and more. Take note that the mention of animal products is referencing a high-quality plant-based alternative so no animals were harmed in making them.

Yavanna’s bar menu features their spicy margarita spin called The Eye of Sauron plus natural wines as well as beers and ciders from local breweries such as Green Beacon, Newstead Brewing, and Balter.

A post shared by Yavanna (@yavannaeat) on Jun 28, 2018 at 7:10pm PDT

Hours of operation:

Wednesday to Friday, 11:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. and 6:00 .p.m–9:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., 11:30–3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.

For more information, you may visit their official website.

Excess Baggage: Paddington Secondhand Market returns to The BrisWest Centre

Paddington’s Secondhand Market is back at The BrisWest Centre on Saturday, 21 July 2018. From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the centre will be filled with great deals on designer clothes, homewares, books, and music.

Delicious food from the BrisWest Cafe, homemade Spring Rolls, and Sausage Sizzle, plus a raffle await shoppers in the event. Entry to the event is free for shoppers.

Photo credit: Facebook/The BrisWest Centre

If you are thinking of decluttering your home or clearing up more space in your closet, Excess Baggage: Paddington Secondhand Market is the perfect place for you to recycle your things and make some money. Simply book a ticket online to get a table where you can sell your stuff.

Take note that table numbers are limited to ensure that there is a maximum space for everyone’s comfort inside the hall. At the time of writing, indoor spaces were already sold out but there are still remaining spaces for selling outdoors. Click here to grab a space.

Friendly Reminders for Sellers

Sellers will be provided with a table, chair and space for a BYO rack.
You can bring one rack per paid ticket.
For those who have booked a table outside, you can provide your own gazebo as you wish.
The BrisWest Centre will be available for set-up from 7:00 a.m. on the morning of the market.
Packing up should be done on the specified closing time of 3:00 p.m. since doing it earlier will send a message to shoppers that the event is closing.
Parking area in the front of the centre can be used to unload stock until 8:30 a.m. on the morning of the market.
If you are parking longer than two hours, you may park your car along the side streets of Latrobe Terrace.
Do not forget to clean up your space after closing.
If you have booked a table but can’t make it to the day, you may get a refund by simply notifying the organizer within 24 hours of the market.

For more information and updates on the event, visit The BrisWest Centre’s Facebook page.