paddington Archives - Paddington Today

It’s Not You, It’s the Car Park: Why Parking in Paddington and Red Hill Is a Nightmare

Anyone who has held their breath while navigating Red Hill’s steep pharmacy car park or squeezing into a tiny spot at Paddington Woolworths can finally feel validated, as the real culprits behind the chaos are shown to be restrictive regulations and challenging terrain.

Community Frustration Proven Right

A long-simmering debate among Brisbane residents about the city’s worst car parks has finally found solid ground. While drivers have pointed fingers at numerous locations for years, data shows the issue in suburbs like Paddington and Red Hill isn’t driver error.

In the 2023-24 financial year, neither suburb ranked among the city’s top ten for parking fines. This fact validates the community’s belief that the problem is a genuine, verifiable scarcity of parking, not a culture of breaking rules. The frustration felt by countless motorists is, it turns out, a planned outcome of geography and regulation.

This official data gives weight to a wave of recent online discussions where residents shared their daily parking struggles. The conversation named dozens of difficult spots across the city, from the “deadly” Officeworks at Woolloongabba to the perpetually congested Market Square in Sunnybank. However, the complaints consistently returned to two inner-city suburbs known for their unique challenges.

Inside the Problem Zones

The experiences of local drivers paint a vivid picture of the daily struggle. Shoppers frequently describe the Woolworths in Paddington as having awkwardly tight spaces that make parking a challenge for even the most confident driver. For many, a simple trip for groceries becomes a test of patience and precision.

Nearby in Red Hill, the Day & Night Pharmacy car park has earned a reputation for being daunting and is known by the nickname “Red Hill Rollercoaster.” Residents describe navigating its “terrifying” steep angles as a nerve-wracking experience, with some admitting the steep slope gives them nightmares, particularly for those driving a manual car. These specific examples have become symbols of a much larger issue felt across the community.

How Policy Shapes the Problem

The reasons behind these parking black spots go beyond just poor layout. Official council policy plays a major role. Paddington, for instance, is part of the Lang Park Traffic Area. On days when Suncorp Stadium hosts an event, on-street parking for visitors is restricted to just 15 minutes, effectively choking off supply and pushing cars into already stressed local car parks.

In Red Hill, the difficulty of creating parking is so well-understood that the Brisbane City Council made a significant policy change in early 2024. The council removed the requirement for new apartment buildings in the area to provide a minimum number of car spaces. This move, aimed at making it easier to build new housing, serves as a direct acknowledgement from officials that providing adequate parking in the hilly suburb is exceptionally difficult and expensive. Together, these factors confirm that the parking headaches in Paddington and Red Hill are built into the very fabric of the suburbs.

Published Date 31-August-2025

Brisbane City Sounds Chorus Hosts Open Night in Paddington

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Sounds

Brisbane City Sounds Chorus will host an open night in Paddington, inviting singers from across Brisbane to experience its four-part a cappella harmony.

Open Night Details

Brisbane City Sounds Chorus will hold an open night on Wednesday, 11 September, at the Lavalla Centre, 58 Fernberg Road, Paddington. Sign-on will begin at 6.30 p.m., with rehearsals running from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by a supper. Visitors are encouraged to register online and bring a bottle of water and a pencil. There is no cost to attend the event.

About the Chorus

Founded in 2002, Brisbane City Sounds Chorus is a women’s ensemble specialising in four-part unaccompanied harmony. The group currently has 23 members who rehearse weekly at the Lavalla Centre and travel from suburbs including Redcliffe, MacDowall, and Camp Hill. Under the direction of Glen Windle, rehearsals include vocal exercises and singing challenges to develop vocal quality.

Repertoire and Performances

The chorus performs a range of contemporary pop, musical theatre pieces, Australian classics, and traditional and modern Christmas songs. Performances take place throughout the year at community festivals, concerts, citizenship ceremonies, Christmas events, and private functions. Past appearances include Brisbane City Hall charity events, a Mother’s Day High Tea, and visits to respite centres and Memory Lane Cafes.

a cappella singing — *Photo Credit: TryBooking*

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Membership and Opportunities

Membership is open to anyone who identifies as a woman and requires a successful audition and monthly membership fee. The group is currently seeking singers for melody lines and lower vocal ranges, though all voice types are welcome. As a member of Sweet Adelines International, the chorus provides access to resources, coaching, and networking with choruses across Australia and overseas.

Contact Information

For enquiries, interested participants can contact Helen on 0418 155 110 or Kim on 0433 152 247, or visit www.brisbanecitysounds.com.au.

Published 15-Aug-2025

Century-Old Paddington Home Emerges From Decades Of Abandonment

A remarkable home of the past in Paddington has changed hands, with a local family securing a historic property that had sat untouched for three decades.

The two-bedroom home at 31 Perrott Street attracted significant attention when it went to auction last Monday, drawing a crowd of 150 onlookers eager to witness the sale of what many considered a neighbourhood curiosity.

The property, which occupies a prominent 473-square-metre corner block with elevated views, had remained within the same family for over 100 years before going under the hammer. However, it had been vacant since the 1990s, creating an air of mystery that captured local imagination.

Stories circulated among residents about the abrupt departure of the home’s last occupants, with some claiming the dining table remained set as if the family had simply stepped out one day and never returned.

Ray White Paddington’s Max Hadgelias, who co-handled the sale, described the auction turnout as one of their largest on record. The bidding opened dramatically at $2.75 million, immediately reducing the field of 15 registered bidders to just four serious contenders.

Within minutes of being declared on the market at $2.95 million, the property sold for $3.1 million to purchasers who plan extensive renovations.

According to Hadgelias, the successful buyers were drawn to both the location and the sweeping views the elevated position provides. The local family outbid interest from Brisbane, interstate, and international buyers who had inspected the unique property.

The extended vacancy followed the death of a family member in the 1990s, after which the property remained empty whilst the family deliberated over its future. Hadgelias noted that the home represented such a treasured family asset that the decision to sell took considerable time.

Preparing the long-abandoned house for public inspection proved no small task, requiring a two-person crew working for two weeks to make it suitable for viewing. The interior revealed decades of accumulated belongings, with items dating back to the 1960s, 70s, and 80s creating an almost museum-like atmosphere.

Despite its lengthy vacancy, the property’s interior paintwork had weathered surprisingly well, though the exterior showed clear signs of neglect from Brisbane’s harsh weather conditions.

The abundance of period furniture and household items attracted considerable interest from antique enthusiasts, though these contents were not included in the sale. The vendors retain ownership of these items and will decide which pieces to keep before potentially selling the remainder.

The sale formed part of a busy week for Brisbane auctions, with 177 properties scheduled across the city. Preliminary results showed a clearance rate of 56 per cent from 107 reported outcomes, with 11 auctions withdrawn from the programme.

For Paddington residents, the sale marks the end of an era for a property that had become part of local folklore, whilst simultaneously representing the beginning of a new chapter as the historic home prepares for restoration and renewed occupancy.

The successful transaction demonstrates the continued appeal of Paddington’s character homes, even those requiring significant investment to restore them to liveable condition.

Published 28-July-2025

Street Spotlight: Croydon Rd, Paddington

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

Croydon Road in Paddington represents a charming pocket of inner-city Brisbane living, where heritage meets modern residential development. Historical records from 1936 show the street already established in its early form, though significantly fewer properties dotted the thoroughfare compared to today’s diverse mix of homes.

With 75% of properties being owner-occupied and residents staying an average of 10 years and 10 months, the street shows solid commitment to the area, though with more turnover than some of Brisbane’s longer-established residential streets. Interestingly, 30% of residents have called Croydon Road home for more than a decade, reflecting the area’s appeal to both established families and newcomers to Paddington’s vibrant community. The street’s property evolution tells a compelling story of Brisbane’s inner-city transformation, with 6 Croydon Road selling for $220,000 in July 1997 – a stark contrast to today’s Paddington property values that highlight the remarkable appreciation in this sought-after suburb. Below, an aerial image from 1936 captures this historic street in its earlier incarnation, showcasing Paddington’s suburban heritage.

Croydon Rd, Paddington Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 13 (2 townhouses, 9 houses, 2 others)
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 75%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 10 years, 10 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 30%

Croydon Rd, Paddington – As It Looked in 1936

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON CROYDON RD FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
1/6 Croydon Road, Paddington	$440,000	Nov 2008
2/6 Croydon Road, Paddington	$362,500	Jan 2005
6 Croydon Road, Paddington	$220,000	Jul 1997

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Paddington in 2025 was $1,710,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Paddington in 2021 was $1,000,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3-BEDROOM HOUSE IN PADDINGTON SINCE 2021: $710,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Paddington in 2025 was $2,210,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Paddington in 2021 was $1,534,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4-BEDROOM HOUSE IN PADDINGTON SINCE 2021: $676,000

The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Paddington in 2025 was $3,079,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Paddington in 2021 was $2,263,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5-BEDROOM HOUSE IN PADDINGTON SINCE 2021: $816,000

The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Paddington in 2025 was $810,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Paddington in 2021 was $475,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2-BEDROOM UNIT IN PADDINGTON SINCE 2021: $335,000

If you know Croydon Rd, Paddington well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

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

Historic Paddington Cottage Gains New Life After Renovation

Photo Credit: SPACE Property

A pre-1900s Paddington cottage has been transformed through careful renovation rather than expansion, proving the enduring value of preserving heritage homes.

Partners Elizabeth Hall and Ruairi Roberts, co-directors of Hall + Roberts Studio, approached their own home renovation with both professional expertise and personal passion. Their goal extended beyond improving their living space—they wanted to demonstrate how smaller, older homes can be revitalised without sacrificing character or comfort.

“We hope to prove through this project that small and rundown housing stock isn’t a wasted investment,” Roberts explained in the original reporting. “These houses often get overlooked, knocked down and replaced with oversized echo chambers to the detriment of our neighbourhood’s character.”

The couple made strategic changes to maximise space without extending the home’s footprint. They removed the rear deck and low tin roof, replacing them with a large sliding door and Juliette balcony that dramatically increased natural light throughout the home.

“The natural light this immediately introduced was critical to the success of the new layout,” Hall noted.

In a thoughtful reconfiguration, they swapped the positions of the living area and kitchen, enabling better connection between the kitchen and outdoor spaces while enhancing privacy. Rather than dedicating space to a formal dining area, they installed an oversized concrete island bench that serves dual purposes as both dining table and work surface.

The renovation also included a colour refresh, replacing what was described as a “’90s palette” of pale purple, burgundy, and light blue with a more cohesive scheme featuring Dulux Whisper White, Mildura, and Black accents.

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Outside, the removal of the rear deck revealed enough space for a sunken courtyard, which the couple transformed into a subtropical garden sanctuary. The front yard was also redesigned with a more open boundary to enhance connection with neighbours.

Published 8-April-2025

Major Paddington Redevelopment Moves Forward After Public Notice

Photo Credit: DA A006642907

The proposed redevelopment of the iconic Paddo Tavern in Paddington has passed the public notification stage, marking a significant step forward in the plan to modernise the historic venue ahead of Brisbane’s 2032 Olympics.

A Landmark Transformation for Brisbane

The Paddo Tavern in Paddington, a historic Brisbane landmark, is set to undergo a substantial redevelopment (DA A006642907) after successfully passing the public notification period. This milestone marks a major advancement in the plan to transform the tavern into a modern, multi-functional venue in time for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The public notification period commenced on 12 February 2025 and concluded on 6 March 2025. The compliance was confirmed on 7 March 2025. With this phase completed, the project is closer to realisation.

Revamping the Paddo Tavern: What’s in Store

Brisbane-based Craig W. Chandler Architects designed the project to revitalise the Paddington icon, adding a fourth storey to the tavern, new function facilities, and an upper-level bar/lounge. The redevelopment aims to elevate the Paddo Tavern’s status as a prime destination for locals and visitors, especially during major events like the 2027 Rugby World Cup and the 2032 Olympics.

The renovation will increase the venue’s floor area by nearly 50 per cent to 5,112 square metres. Plans involve three function rooms, a large bar/lounge and a 480-square-metre breakout area. Improved accessibility through a new lift and escalators is also included. A subtropical green wall will enhance the tavern’s facade, adding aesthetic and environmental appeal.

2032 Olympics — *Photo Credit: DA A006642907*

Sustainability and Heritage Preservation

Built in the 1980s, the current structure will be partially reused, reducing environmental impact and preserving the tavern’s iconic elements. The well-known Sit Down Comedy Club, integral to the tavern’s identity, will be retained despite minor changes to the lower level.

Across the road, a separate development at 208-220 Given Terrace will feature luxury apartments, short-stay accommodation, and a new laneway named Hanlon Lane, which will pay homage to Queensland’s historic figures.

A Community Hub Ready for the Future

The Paddo Tavern redevelopment aligns with broader efforts to revitalise Paddington’s high street, making it more vibrant and community-focused. The project will accommodate larger events. It will also cater to the needs of locals with modern facilities and improved public access.

Next Steps and Community Involvement

With the public notification stage complete, the next step is to obtain final planning approvals before construction can commence. Community feedback remains important as Paddington locals continue to follow developments closely.

The Paddo Tavern project aims to balance progress with preservation. The project ensures the site remains a cornerstone of Paddington’s social life for years.

Published 3-Apr-2025

Pre-War Paddington Home Sets $12M Suburb Record After Major Renovation

Photo Credit: Pixabay

A pre-war Paddington home has sold for approximately $12 million, setting a new suburb record after an extensive renovation transformed the once-deteriorating property. The sale price is five times what the property last sold for in 2019.

Photo Credit: Instagram / @liztilleyproperty

‘Mascotte’, located at 45 Garfield Drive, was purchased by a local Paddington family, though the exact sale price remains confidential. Ray White Paddington agent Max Hadgelias, who negotiated the sale, declined to comment on specific details of the buyer or final price due to a confidentiality agreement.

The property’s renovation, completed within the past 12 months, converted what was previously a structurally compromised home into a five-storey residence. The new design features black timber and concrete construction, multiple entertaining terraces, and a floating lap pool with water feature, all positioned to capitalise on the property’s city views.

The sale surpasses Paddington’s previous residential record of $10.35 million, set by 34 Howard Street in 2009. Recent notable sales in the suburb include former NRL player Darren Lockyer’s Agars Street property, which sold for $6.4 million to a local buyer.

According to PropTrack data, Paddington has now reached a median house price of $2 million. REA Group economist Angus Moore notes Brisbane property prices have increased by nearly 80 percent since March 2020.

Jamie Charman of Charman Property Co. is reported to have introduced the buyer to the property.

The original 1920s home, which required extensive restoration when last sold in 2019, was marketed at that time with a warning that it was “not for the faint-hearted” due to major structural issues.

Published 24-February-2025

Teen Crime Spree Hits Inner-West Brisbane, Ends in Underground Arrest

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

A series of brazen break-ins across Brisbane’s inner-west suburbs has culminated in a dramatic underground sewer arrest, with three teenagers now facing multiple charges.

Police allege the group targeted homes in Red Hill and Auchenflower before moving to Paddington, where two vehicles — a Lexus and Land Rover — were stolen from an Annie Street residence around 1:30am Monday morning.

Police tracked the stolen vehicles to Herston, where they deployed tire deflation devices. Though the suspects abandoned the vehicles on Northey Street in Wilston, the pursuit continued on foot, leading to an unusual chase through the local drainage system.

Three teenagers were ultimately apprehended: a 16-year-old from Alexandra Hills and two others from Stafford, aged 16 and 17. One suspect received a dog bite during the arrest in an underground drainage system on Newmarket Road and remains under police guard in hospital. A fourth suspect remains at large.

The Alexandra Hills teenager faces 11 charges, while the 17-year-old Stafford boy has been charged with eight offences. Both charges include multiple counts of unlawful use of motor vehicles and entering dwellings.

Police are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with information about the break-ins in Red Hill, Auchenflower, or surrounding areas to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie commended the officers involved, particularly noting the contribution of the police dog squad in apprehending the suspects.

Published 18-February-2025

Michael Maguire Influence Key to Cory Paix Resurgence

In a testament to persistence and determination, Brisbane Broncos’ forgotten man Cory Paix stands on the verge of a remarkable NRL return after being sidelined from the game for 526 days. The hooker, previously told he could leave the club under former coach Kevin Walters, has impressed new mentor Michael Maguire with his work ethic and resilience during pre-season training.

Read: Red Hill Awaits as Kotoni Staggs Nears Broncos Contract Extension

The Rise from the Outer

Despite a minor lower leg niggle keeping him from the trial against the Titans, Paix remains firmly in contention for the season opener against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium on 6 March. For the Toowoomba product, the opportunity to potentially play in front of his home crowd in the upcoming pre-season clash holds special significance.

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Rather than accepting offers from two interested Sydney clubs, Paix chose the harder path. “The easy option would have been for me to leave, but being stubborn, I’ve dug my heels in and given it a red-hot crack,” Paix revealed. “It’s easy for people to whinge and kick stones, but it’s not in my nature to do that.”

New Coach, New Opportunities for Cory Paix

Maguire’s arrival has breathed fresh life into Paix’s career. The new coach’s emphasis on work ethic and leadership qualities aligns perfectly with Paix’s approach to the game. “It’s a clean start for everyone. Madge is demanding hard work and that suits my style,” Paix explained.

Drawing from his successful tenure at South Sydney, where he managed a talented hooking rotation including Issac Luke and Api Koroisau, Maguire sees value in maintaining strong competition for the number nine jersey. “If you have a quality group of hookers, it really helps your team,” Maguire stated.

Competition Intensifies

The battle for the dummy-half role has become increasingly intriguing with young gun Blake Mozer’s recent shoulder injury ruling him out of round one. While Billy Walters finished 2024 as the first-choice hooker, the arrival of marquee signing Ben Hunt adds another dimension to the selection puzzle.

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Read: Rachel Burke’s Journey of Healing Through Art in Red Hill

As the 2025 season approaches, Paix’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes the greatest victories come not from taking the easy path, but from staying the course through adversity. “No-one is guaranteed a spot here,” Paix acknowledged. “I will keep chipping away.”

Published 14-February-2025