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Brisbane Broncos Submits New Logo Design for Major Rebrand

The Brisbane Broncos have taken the first major step in a bold rebrand by submitting a fresh new logo design, the Red Hill club’s first in 25 years. The new look, still under review by IP Australia, marks a big shift for one of Queensland’s most recognisable sporting clubs.

A Modern Image From A Traditional Home

The Broncos’ Red Hill base remains central to the club’s identity as it moves to modernise its image. A new logo, submitted in black and white for trademark approval, shows a simplified horse head within a shield.

Photo Credit: Fox League/Facebook

While colour isn’t confirmed, it’s expected to feature the traditional maroon, gold and white. The club hasn’t said if it will appear on next season’s jerseys, with the trademark still under review. The shift reflects a wider trend in sport toward clean, modern visuals that appeal to younger fans.

Inspired By Local Identity

A stripe through the horse’s head has caught fans’ attention, with some saying it mirrors the shape of the Brisbane River. The club hasn’t confirmed it, but the idea suggests a strong local link in the design. As a team founded in 1988, the Broncos have room to refresh their image without clashing with deep-rooted tradition.

Photo Credit: BroncosHQ/Facebook

Their Red Hill home, the Clive Berghofer Centre, is where day-to-day operations and community work are run. Any branding shift is likely to grow from this base, keeping the club’s identity tied to its Brisbane roots.

Recent Moves Show Broader Refresh

Earlier this season, the Broncos released a black jersey for the NRL’s Mental Health Round. Created in partnership with the Black Dog Institute, the jersey gained strong support from fans. It marked a creative and social step forward for the club and may have paved the way for this broader rebrand.

Photo Credit: rebel sport/Facebook

While that jersey was temporary, the new logo, once approved, could stay with the club for decades. Together, these updates suggest the Broncos are serious about presenting a fresh face to both local fans and a wider audience.

Debate Over Live Mascot Continues

The rebrand has sparked fresh calls to retire the Broncos’ live horse mascot, Buck. Animal group PETA urged the club to stop using the horse and proposed renaming the team the Brisbane Boomerangs to honour Indigenous culture.

The Broncos have rejected the idea, saying Buck is well cared for and still loved by fans. There are no plans to remove the mascot or change the club’s name. For now, attention remains on the new logo and how it will shape the club’s next chapter.

Published 13-June-2025

Paddington Residents Drive New Neighbourhood Watch for Safer Streets

Photo Credit: Queensland Police News

Paddington’s proactive community has successfully formed a new Neighbourhood Watch group, bolstering local efforts to enhance safety and prevent crime in the suburb.

The official launch of the Paddington Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) group took place on Sunday, 9 June, at Lang Park PCYC.

This significant event brought together local residents, District Crime Prevention Coordinators, and officers from the North Brisbane District, marking a clear step towards strengthening community ties and promoting active collaboration between police and the public.

A Community-Led Initiative

Neighbourhood Watch Paddington — *Photo Credit:* *Queensland Police News*

The establishment of the Paddington Neighbourhood Watch group was a direct result of strong community interest and dedicated volunteer support from local residents.

Their collective commitment culminated in the formation of this new local chapter. At the launch, residents expressed enthusiastic support for Ginnese Johnston, who was elected as the group’s new coordinator.

Neighbourhood Watch Queensland, a community-based crime prevention program, operates with the proud support of the Queensland Police Service. The initiative’s core purpose is to reduce crime and increase feelings of safety and security through active community engagement, sharing of information, and mutual support between police and the public.

Strong Police Partnership

Local police have affirmed their eagerness to work closely with the volunteers and the newly elected coordinator to improve overall community safety in Paddington.

The Queensland Police Service looks forward to continuing its robust partnership with the Paddington community, aiming to build a safer and more connected neighbourhood, one watchful street at a time.

For those interested in learning more about this community-driven initiative or wishing to get involved, further information can be found by visiting Neighbourhood Watch Paddington.

Published Date 13-Jun-2025

Empire Revival’s Big 40: The Paddington Store with a Ghostly Past

Photo Credit: Paddington Then and Now/Facebook

Empire Revival, a thriving antiques and vintage marketplace in Brisbane’s Paddington, has just celebrated 40 years in business, inside a 96-year-old former theatre where whispers of history still linger.

From Cinema to Community Favourite

Empire Revival marked 40 years in business at the end of May, with locals and longtime stallholders dressing up in vintage outfits to celebrate. The store has operated inside the historic Plaza Theatre in Paddington, a 1929-built atmospheric cinema, since the mid-1980s.

*Photo Credit: Paddington Then and Now/Facebook*

Once known for its starry ceilings and moving clouds, the theatre stopped showing films in 1968 and was later used as a basketball court and office space.

It became the Paddington Antique Centre in 1985 before current owner Suzy Baines took over and renamed it Empire Revival in 2018. Baines now runs the store with her daughter Olivia, offering antiques, retro fashion, homewares and art.

A Marketplace with Character

Empire Revival has grown into a local institution, now housing more than 50 stallholders under one roof. The 1000-square-metre venue offers everything from jewellery and vintage clothing to retro furniture and rare collectibles. Each stall is independently curated, while central sales and staffing are handled by the main business team.

The shop’s format allows vendors to concentrate on sourcing and styling their goods, making it easier for creative small business owners to flourish. The long-standing model has proven adaptable over the years, especially during economic downturns when shoppers often turn to second-hand goods for value.

History That Still Lingers

The spirit of the old cinema is more than just architectural. Staff and visitors have reported unusual experiences inside the building, including stories about a mysterious woman known as “Netty” who’s said to appear in a sequinned gown. Some claim to have seen her, while others have described a strange but not unpleasant energy in certain parts of the store.

In another nod to its past, a plaque bearing the Plaza Theatre’s name still remains in the foyer floor. Shoppers today walk among vintage treasures while surrounded by features from the theatre’s original design, including ornamental balconies and a proscenium arch.

Looking Ahead with Local Support

To celebrate its 40th year, Empire Revival held an exhibition of vintage cinema gear from a local collector, highlighting the building’s cultural past. The store has added features like a second-hand book room beneath the stage and an upstairs gallery for artists.

Owner Suzy Baines has also grown the business regionally, with a location in Kalbar and plans for Murwillumbah’s 1947 Regent Theatre. Despite the expansion, the Paddington site remains the centre of its community. Locals and visitors continue to be drawn to its blend of heritage atmosphere and vintage retail.

Published 12-June-2025

Paddington Theatre Couple Belinda and Michael Lewis Reunite Onstage in Powerful New Musical

Paddington’s beloved musical theatre couple Belinda and Michael Lewis are stepping back into the limelight together, and in the most powerful way imaginable.

Read: Stage Career of Sarah Bakker Traces Back to Kelvin Grove

The husband-and-wife duo are leading the Queensland premiere season of Parade, the acclaimed musical by Jason Robert Brown and Alfred Uhry, opening 19 July at Brisbane’s Ron Hurley Theatre.

Belinda Lewis and Michael Lewis (Photo credit: Justin Marriner)

It’s the first Brisbane staging of the show in 20 years, and the debut production from Bump In Productions, the company they co-founded to bring neglected Broadway and West End gems to Australian audiences.

The husband-and-wife duo first met in the original Australian production of Urinetown – The Musical, where their on-stage chemistry soon became a real-life romance. They married not long after, and while both remained active in the theatre world – including co-founding Bump In Productions – it wasn’t until nearly 20 years later that they shared the stage again, this time as the Beast and Belle in QMT’s Beauty and the Beast in 2021.

Belinda and Michael Lewis — Photo credit: Justin Marriner

Belinda, originally from Sydney, holds a Bachelor of Creative Arts in Theatre Performance from the University of Wollongong and a Certificate V in Dance from Brent Street Studios. Her impressive list of credits includes Kate Murphy in the original Australian production of Titanic – The Musical (Theatre Royal, Sydney), Mae Coleman in Reefer Madness (Squabbalogic), Rebecca in Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens (Seymour Centre), Eve in Children of Eden (MTOL), and Kim in Bye Bye Birdie (MMS).

Michael, a long-time performer in musical theatre, has played many of his dream roles, including John Wilkes Booth in Assassins, Carl Magnus in A Little Night Music, Bobby Strong in Urinetown, Lieutenant Cioffi in Curtains, Elliot Garfield in The Goodbye Girl, Lancelot in Camelot, Tony in West Side Story, and Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

A Landmark Revival of a Groundbreaking Musical

Set in early 20th-century Georgia, Parade tells the harrowing true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager falsely accused of murdering a 13-year-old girl. The musical confronts themes of anti-Semitism, injustice, and mob mentality, while also highlighting the endurance of love and personal redemption in the face of unimaginable persecution.

Michael plays Leo, whose journey is less about proving innocence and more about the transformation of a man forced to grapple with hatred and his own shortcomings. Belinda portrays Lucille Frank, Leo’s steadfast wife, whose strength and loyalty become central to the story’s emotional core.

The production is directed by Johnny Peek (Rent, Sweeney Todd), with musical direction by Michael Keen and choreography by Maureen Bowra. The cast features seasoned professionals from across southeast Queensland, brought together to do justice to a musical celebrated for both its haunting beauty and historical weight.

First staged in 1998, Parade won Tony Awards for Best Score and Best Book, and its 2023 revival earned Best Revival of a Musical. Its soaring ballads and stirring anthems, coupled with a fearless exploration of difficult truths, have secured its place as one of the most significant works in modern musical theatre.

Read: From Final Bow to New Act: Brisbane Arts Theatre Says Goodbye to Their Historic Petrie Terrace Headquarters

Belinda views Parade as urgently relevant, especially in a time of rising prejudice, while Michael believes its impact lies in its ability to challenge audiences to confront the complexities of justice, hate, and love. For director Johnny Peek, the production is both inspiring and essential – a story that needs to be told.

Parade runs Thursdays to Sundays from 19 July to 3 August at the Ron Hurley Theatre, Seven Hills.
Tickets: www.trybooking.com/CZKWD
More info: www.bumpin.com.au

Published 9-June-2025

Stage Career of Sarah Bakker Traces Back to Kelvin Grove

Photo Credit: Sarah Bakker/Instagram

Kelvin Grove-trained performer Sarah Bakker has returned to Brisbane to appear in “Dusty The Musical – In Concert”, following a stage career across Australia, Broadway, and London’s West End.

Kelvin Grove Performer Returns to Brisbane Stage

Sarah Bakker, who began her performance training in Kelvin Grove, is back on the Brisbane stage from 5 to 8 June for “Dusty The Musical – In Concert” at QPAC’s Concert Hall. She joins a 17-member cast brought together by Prospero Arts, portraying Lynne from Dusty Springfield’s early vocal trio, the Lana Sisters.

International Career Built on Local Foundations

Ms Bakker studied at Queensland Dance School of Excellence and The Young Conservatorium, both based in Brisbane, with QDSE operating out of Kelvin Grove State College. These formative years provided a strong technical foundation in dance, vocal performance, and stage presence. She went on to build an extensive career in musical theatre, first appearing in Australian productions of “Mary Poppins”, “Chicago”, and “The Phantom of the Opera”.

She was 23 when she secured her first role on Broadway, joining “Mary Poppins” at the New Amsterdam Theatre, where she performed as understudy after playing the role more than 130 times in Australia. Later, she returned to Broadway to again understudy Christine in “The Phantom of the Opera” and took part in several UK productions, including “Follies in Concert” at the Royal Albert Hall and West End shows like “An American in Paris”, “Chess”, and “Mrs Henderson Presents”. Ms Bakker also performed in “Evita” during a European tour, gaining valuable international touring experience.

Kelvin Grove performer — *Photo Credit: Sarah Bakker/Instagram*

Adapting Theatre for Working Parents

Now based in Sydney with her two children, Ms Bakker said short-run, semi-staged shows like “Dusty” provide rare flexibility for performers with families. With a condensed rehearsal period and limited performance schedule, these formats enable experienced artists to contribute without long touring commitments.

She is also part of an online community of over 650 mothers in the performing arts industry, advocating for greater inclusion and job-sharing models. Her latest appearance at QPAC brings her career full circle, returning to the venue where she once played Little Cosette in “Les Misérables” as a child.

Published 7-June-2025

Red Hill Wellness Centre Pioneers Thermal Therapy for Community Health

Photo Credit: Vikasati/ Facebook

Red Hill residents and those across Brisbane are experiencing a significant shift in their well-being thanks to a unique wellness facility where cold plunges and magnesium pools are helping individuals boost their physical and mental health.

The centre, Vikasati, located in both Brisbane and Southport, was founded eight years ago by fitness veterans Ben Murphy and Will Stodulka. Their journey into holistic wellness began modestly with improvised ice baths in a basement car park, stemming from over two decades of combined experience in fitness and performance coaching.

They realised that recovery was a crucial component of enhancing client performance, leading them to explore physiology, breathwork, and thermal contrast therapy in depth.

The Science Behind Thermal Therapy

Thermal therapy is a scientifically supported method that exposes the body to controlled periods of hot and cold temperatures. This process triggers several physiological benefits, including reduced inflammation, quicker muscle recovery, improved circulation, a boosted metabolism, better sleep quality, enhanced mental clarity, and even relief from menopause symptoms.

Co-founder Ben Murphy explained that the approach is about using short, manageable stressors to build physical, mental, and emotional strength. Research from experts such as Stanford neuroscientist Andrew Huberman and “Thermalist” Susanna Søberg supports these findings, positioning Vikasati at the forefront of Australia’s thermal wellness movement long before the therapies gained widespread popularity.

A Focus on Community Well-being

Beyond its state-of-the-art facilities, Vikasati places a strong emphasis on community. Co-founder Will Stodulka stated that while facilities are important, it is the community that truly transforms people. The centre cultivates an environment where members, from first-timers to elite athletes, are encouraged and guided on their wellness journeys.

This holistic approach integrates movement, restoration, and relationship building, creating a space that fosters genuine connections and shared experiences. Laughter and friendships often develop during post-sauna chats, and the challenge of ice plunging becomes a shared accomplishment.

Mainstream Appeal and Accessibility

Once primarily a practice for elite athletes and biohackers, ice baths and thermal therapies have gained global attention, with celebrities and sports personalities like LeBron James, Lady Gaga, and The Matildas embracing their benefits.

Vikasati, however, aims to make these tools accessible to everyone, providing a practical framework for incorporating them into daily life. The team invites those who might be sceptical of social media trends to experience the scientific benefits directly. Ben Murphy noted that their purpose is not to simply sell wellness, but to help people genuinely experience it.

Broader Impact on Life

The founders describe their mission as “human optimisation,” though their aim is more fundamentally about restoring vitality for the positive impact it has on families, relationships, and the wider community. Will Stodulka believes that when individuals feel better, they perform better in all aspects of their lives, influencing how they parent, lead, and live.

A 90-minute session at Vikasati, available for $46 at their Brisbane and Gold Coast locations, offers Finnish Sauna, Ice Baths at 5°C, and Magnesium Pools, designed to help individuals reconnect with their body, breath, and purpose.

Published Date 28-May-2025

Pizza Champion from Paddington Earns Top World Rankings in Italy

Photo Credit: Elementi/Instagram

A chef from Paddington has been named Australia’s best pizza chef and ranked in the top tier across multiple categories at the 2025 World Pizza Championships in Italy.

Paddington pizza chef — *Photo Credit: Elementi/Instagram*

Global Recognition for Paddington Chef

Stefano Spataro, chef at Elementi in Paddington, has received major recognition at the 2025 World Pizza Championships held in Parma, Italy. The competition took place from 8 to 10 April 2025, attracting more than 770 participants from over 50 countries. Mr Spataro competed in three categories: classic, gluten-free, and Neapolitan-style pizza.

Elementi Paddington — *Photo Credit: Elementi/Instagram*

Previous Achievements Set the Stage

In 2023, Mr Spataro earned a place among the top 100 pizza chefs at the same global event. Competing for the first time that year, he finished in the top tier of the classic pizza division and placed within the top 40 for his gluten-free pizza, despite not offering that option on his restaurant’s menu at the time. His 2023 performance earned him national attention and experience on the international stage.

Paddington chef — *Photo Credit: Elementi/Instagram*

Top Rankings in 2025

At the 2025 competition, Mr Spataro improved further. His gluten-free pizza ranked equal 7th out of 79 competitors, and his entries also placed 51st out of 353 in the classic category and 40th out of 99 in the Neapolitan STG division.

The pizza he presented was inspired by Sicilian ingredients and culture. All components were sourced from his uncle’s farm, including ancient grains, homemade prosciutto, turnip stalks, and caramelised leeks. Mr Spataro explained that his focus remains on seasonal produce and balance in flavour.

Stefano Spataro — *Photo Credit: Elementi/Instagram*

Recognition at Home

Following his return, Mr Spataro was acknowledged on local media for being named Australia’s Best Pizza Chef. His win has brought national attention to Elementi, the Paddington venue he co-owns with business partners Mauricio Zarate Castillo and Pedro Hugo Lima Sanson.

Looking Ahead

Mr Spataro’s consistent performance over the years highlights a strong foundation for continued international success. Still, his Paddington kitchen remains the heart of his culinary approach.

Published 22-May-2025

How a Kelvin Grove Group Helps Newcomers Stitch Into Community Life

Photo Credit: Communify

A knitting group in Kelvin Grove has brought together women from 26 different countries, demonstrating how local volunteering can foster strong community bonds and support newcomers to Australia.

The “Knitting English” program began in 2010 and was recently recognised as a finalist for the Queensland Volunteering Impact Award at the Queensland Volunteering Awards.

The awards, now in their tenth year, celebrate the significant contributions of volunteers and organisations across Queensland. The 2025 ceremony, which took place on Friday, 16 May, at Brisbane City Hall, honoured individuals and organisations making a difference in their communities.

A Thread of Connection

Kelvin Grove — *Photo Credit:* *Communify*

The Knitting English group started with a simple act of kindness: knitting blankets for children affected by the Haiti earthquake. Over the past 15 years, it has grown into a vibrant initiative that creates blankets, toys, beanies, and teddies for children impacted by natural disasters, poverty, domestic violence, and displacement, including refugee families and First Nations communities. Beyond local efforts, their creations have even reached baby penguins affected by oil spills.

At its core, the program combines English conversation practice with knitting. This approach creates a welcoming space where women from diverse backgrounds can improve their language skills, build friendships, and offer support to one another.

Organisers say it helps promote cultural exchange, reduce social isolation, and provide a strong sense of belonging for women whose first language is not English. Every item made by the group is seen as more than just a handmade gift; it represents a connection, a conversation, and an act of care shared across different communities.

Celebrating Volunteer Contributions

The Queensland Volunteering Awards acknowledge the tireless work of volunteers from all walks of life. A new category, the Queensland New Volunteer Award, was introduced this year to recognise adult volunteers new to Australia and have been volunteering for less than two years, highlighting how fresh perspectives and enthusiasm from newcomers enrich Queensland communities.

Other award categories include the Queensland Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award, Queensland Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, Queensland Excellence in Volunteer Management Award, and Queensland Volunteer of the Year Award. These categories aim to ensure that volunteers from all sectors and backgrounds receive recognition for their efforts.

The Queensland Volunteering Impact Award

The Queensland Volunteering Impact Award specifically recognises volunteering programs or activities that have made a positive, measurable, and lasting social and/or economic impact on the Queensland community.

This award is divided into three sub-categories: Community, Government, and Corporate. The Kelvin Grove Knitting English group was a finalist in the Community category. This award celebrates volunteer initiatives’ broad and positive effects on people’s lives and the wider community.

The Power of Connecting Communities

Volunteering is also celebrated during National Volunteer Week, which runs from 19 to 25 May. This year’s theme, “Connecting Communities,” highlights how volunteering brings people together, builds social cohesion, and strengthens communities nationwide.

Volunteering Australia’s CEO, Mark Pearce, stated that volunteers are essential for inclusive communities, especially during difficult times like natural disasters and rising living costs. He explained that volunteers offer crucial support during emergencies, help people access vital services, strengthen community connections, and support local events.

Mr Pearce added that volunteering benefits others and deeply impacts the volunteers themselves, fostering lasting relationships, community engagement, and a feeling of belonging. He also noted that volunteering is about building connections, sharing knowledge, and creating spaces where people feel they belong.

Published Date 21-May-2025

Street Spotlight: Blamey Street, Kelvin Grove

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Blamey Street in Kelvin Grove stands as a vibrant testament to modern urban development while carrying the distinguished name of one of Australia’s most celebrated military leaders. This contemporary street, dominated by modern apartment complexes and units, represents the evolving face of inner Brisbane living with its high-density residential character.

The street demonstrates a unique ownership pattern with an impressive 85% of properties being owner-occupied, suggesting strong investment confidence despite the relatively shorter average residency of 7 years and 7 months. With 787 total properties including just 12 houses among 775 units and apartments, Blamey Street reflects Brisbane’s modern urban densification trends. The fact that 38% of residents have lived here for more than a decade indicates a growing sense of community stability in this high-rise environment.

Remembrance: Honouring Field Marshall Sir Thomas Albert Blamey

Blamey Street pays tribute to Field Marshall Sir Thomas Albert Blamey (1884-1951), one of Australia’s most distinguished military commanders and the only Australian to achieve the rank of Field Marshall. While best known as Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Military Forces during World War Two, Blamey’s military career began much earlier.

When World War One was declared in 1914, Captain Blamey was already serving in the Australian Military Forces. He became part of the ANZAC legend when he landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, courageously leading a patrol behind enemy lines to locate Turkish gun positions. His exceptional leadership saw him promoted to temporary lieutenant-colonel before returning to Egypt to help establish the 2nd Australian Division in 1915.

Blamey’s strategic brilliance shone on the Western Front, where he was promoted to Chief of Staff on the Somme in 1916. Further promotion to temporary brigadier and Chief of Staff of the Australian Corps followed, and he played a crucial role alongside Lieutenant General Sir John Monash in planning the pivotal Battle of Hamel in 1918, which helped break the formidable Hindenburg Line.

This street’s name ensures that the courage, leadership, and strategic mind of Field Marshall Blamey continues to be remembered by the residents and visitors of Kelvin Grove, connecting them to the ANZAC spirit and Australia’s proud military heritage.

Blamey St, Kelvin Grove Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 787 (12 houses, 775 units)
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 7 years, 7 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 38%

Blamey St, Kelvin Grove – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON BLAMEY ST, KELVIN GROVE

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
30904/63 Blamey Street, Kelvin Grove	$620,000	May 2025
20604/63 Blamey Street, Kelvin Grove	$546,000	Apr 2025
2702/59 Blamey Street, Kelvin Grove	$545,000	Mar 2025
20506/63 Blamey Street, Kelvin Grove	$750,000	Mar 2025
30911/67 Blamey Street, Kelvin Grove	$581,100	Feb 2025
30213/67 Blamey Street, Kelvin Grove	$580,000	Feb 2025

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON BLAMEY ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
12 Blamey Street, Kelvin Grove	$17,000	Jul 1979
2/26 Blamey Street, Kelvin Grove	$62,500	Apr 1988
10/16 Blamey Street, Kelvin Grove	$65,000	Oct 1988

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Kelvin Grove in 2025 was $1,337,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Kelvin Grove in 2021 was $837,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3-BEDROOM HOUSE IN KELVIN GROVE SINCE 2021: $500,000

The median price of a 1 Bedroom Unit in Kelvin Grove in 2025 was $490,000
The median price of a 1 Bedroom Unit in Kelvin Grove in 2021 was $330,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 1 BEDROOM UNIT IN KELVIN GROVE SINCE 2021: $160,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Kelvin Grove in 2025 was $697,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Kelvin Grove in 2021 was $403,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM UNIT IN KELVIN GROVE SINCE 2021: $294,000

If you know Blamey St, Kelvin Grove well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Interest Builds Around The Barracks As Historic Precinct Hits the Market

The Barracks, one of Brisbane’s most prominent mixed-use precincts, is now on the market, offering a rare opportunity to secure a premium asset positioned to benefit from the city’s rapid transformation and infrastructure-driven growth.

Read: Discover the Rich History of The Barracks in Paddington

Situated at 61 Petrie Terrace on the fringe of the CBD, The Barracks spans 19,432 square metres and features a dynamic blend of retail, office, and entertainment spaces. The precinct is anchored by a Coles supermarket and Palace Cinemas, supported by 23 food and retail tenancies, and boasts more than 10,000 sqm of A-Grade office space, fully leased to major corporate tenants.

In 2022, Growthpoint Properties Australia acquired Fortius Funds Management and with it, The Barracks—marking a significant addition to its national portfolio of commercial property assets.

Beyond its commercial appeal, The Barracks site has an interesting and rich history. It retains three heritage-listed buildings from its time as a police facility: the original stables built in 1912, a three-storey brick barracks from 1939, and the radio communications centre, constructed in 1941. These historical features add cultural significance and architectural character to the modern precinct.

The sale comes at a time when Brisbane’s inner-west is undergoing significant change, driven by major infrastructure projects such as the Cross River Rail and the upcoming Victoria Park stadium, both part of the city’s preparations for the 2032 Olympic Games. These developments are expected to boost connectivity and foot traffic, enhancing The Barracks’ long-term value.

The precinct is set within a catchment forecast to experience steady population growth, reaching around 269,000 by 2046. Retail spending in the main trade area is also projected to climb to $9.9 billion, underlining the area’s rising commercial appeal.

Read: Paddington Gaol Turned Lifestyle Barracks Still a Landmark

As one of just three comparable assets in Brisbane’s CBD fringe, The Barracks stands out in a market marked by limited supply and growing demand for high-quality mixed-use investments. With strong existing occupancy, heritage charm, and future upside from surrounding residential development, the property is expected to attract strong national and international interest when the international expressions of interest campaign launches in mid-May 2025.

Published 21-May-2025