paddington Archives - Page 9 of 14

The Old Substation in Paddington to Get Funding for Repairs

The heritage-listed Old Substation in Paddington will receive $1.5 million from the Federal Government for maintenance, repairs and refurbishment, as part of the $40.7-million funding for various infrastructure projects around Brisbane.

The Old Substation is one of 41 other sites that will be refurbished in the coming months. The projects will also cover parkland developments, community centre upgrades, roadwork projects and accessibility improvements.

Council has yet to determine when the repair work will start.

Built as an electrical substation in the 1930s, Paddington’s Old Substation was operational for more than 30 years. By the 1980s, it became the home of Hands On Art, an initiative that offers art programs and classes, exhibits and performances, markets and other events to support the suburb’s thriving creative community.

The art hub is still open even today and continues to deliver services to the community. However, as the building has aged, safety issues have become a primary concern for the locals that frequent the Old Substation.

“Grants like this provide a much-needed economic boost to our city, which is so important as we band together to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said. “These local projects put money into the pockets of local suppliers and residents, with the projects to support an additional 320 jobs throughout 2021.”

The Old Substation was entered into the Queensland Heritage Listing in 1993 as a significant, historical site that contributed to the progress and development of Brisbane and the inner west. Constructed of bricks and steel, the substation was the seventh in the network of tramways in Brisbane and was designed to assist the Petrie Terrace substation.

Your Feedback Needed for More Improvements at Paddington Terraces

More improvements for the Paddington Terraces Village Precinct Project (Paddington Terraces VPP) are in the works after an additional $250,000 commitment from the Council. In line with this project to create a more liveable neighbourhood, residents are encouraged to share their feedback on this public space through an online survey prepared by the Brisbane City Council.

The survey, which takes just five minutes to answer, will remain open online until Friday, 9 April 2021. Locals may also give their inputs on how to make the new village precinct distinct, inviting and useful for all the residents and visitors by phoning Council at 07 3403 8888 or emailing the project team at VPP@brisbane.qld.gov.au for comments and suggestions.

The Paddington Terraces VPP is a collaboration involving the Council, the local Paddington 4064 business group and the Federal Government.

In 2020, the revitalisation paved the way for the opening of The Terraces Night Markets at Given and Latrobe Terraces from Castlemaine Street to Collingwood Street. This initiative delivered the following key features:

warm-white energy-efficient LED bud lighting to street trees along Given and Latrobe terraces
creative murals to three building facades celebrating the centre’s history and character
gobo artwork projections by local gallery artists onto the landmark heritage Paddington Antique Centre and Paddington Substation building facades
illuminated ‘Welcome to the Terraces’ character signage with heritage trail map providing a warm gateway into the neighbourhood centre

After this latest community engagement, Council will study the feedback and deliver the opportunities proposal in the form of posters around Paddington Terraces. Ideas for improvements usually centre on the Paddington’s character, heritage, artisan and boutique stores and local village community vibe.

Council will also prepare for the installation and construction of the next phase of improvements, which is scheduled to begin in late 2021.

If the project goes without any hitches, Paddington Terraces VPP will be ready for the locals to enjoy by the end of 2021.

New Paddington Restaurant Elementi First to Offer ‘Baciata’ Pizza Sandwiches

The new Italian restaurant Elementi, which has now opened its doors for dine-in customers, is the first restaurant in Paddington to offer the baciata — a curious yet delectable sandwich-like dish that’s not quite a pizza and not quite a calzone.

Though the restaurant was open solely for takeout earlier in February 2021, Elementi now offers the community an authentic Italian dine-in experience, and it intends to differentiate itself from the other Italian restaurants in the area by offering a unique dish unheard of in Brisbane.

Elementi’s baciata is a meal that consists of crispy flat focaccia filled with buffalo mozzarella cheese, mortadella, pistachio, and lemon juice. The sandwich special is so large that Elementi recommends a single order should be split between two people, pricing the meal at $40.

Similar to baciata, Elementi also serves panotto caprese: a large pizza panini filled with diced tomatoes, truffle stracciatella cheese, and fresh basil. The meal is priced at $23, and is good enough for one person.

Elementi’s panotto caprese
Photo credit: Instagram/elementi.restaurant

Baciata and panotto aren’t the only things on the menu, however. Elementi also takes pride in their pasta dishes such as their linguine pasta with tiger prawns, garlic, chili, tomato sugo, and grated fish roe for $26. The restaurant also offers a nice pizza stracciata, which incorporates tomato, stracciatella, prosciutto, and arugula for $24.

Elementi’s Pizza Stracciata
Photo credit: Instagram/elementi.restaurant

Elementi’s dine-in services and bar opened on the 15th of March 2021. The restaurant offers their full menu with a curated selection of Italian wine, as well as local craft beer.

A small sample of Elementi’s wine selection.
Photo credit: Instagram/elementi.restaurant

Elementi is located at 257 Given Terrace, Brisbane, open every day of the week with the exception of Tuesday. For more information, visit their website. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on meals, deals, dates, and other important announcements.

Paddington, Brisbane CBD Rental Vacancies Rate Robust Despite the Pandemic

Rental vacancies in Brisbane CBD and the middle ring suburbs, such as Paddington, remain tight and robust after an escalation in mid-2020, prompting the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) to say that it has “the only healthy rental market(s) in Queensland.”

Brisbane CBD’s rental vacancies dropped to a quarterly rate of 3.3 percent from 5 percent in June last year, whilst Paddington’s rental vacancies rate was at 2.1 percent by December 2020.

Also showing signs of improvement among the middle ring areas include New Farm (1.9 percent), Saint Lucia (1.7 percent), Hawthorne (1.4 percent), whilst outer ring suburbs like Hamilton, Ashgrove, Cannon Hill, Camp Hill, Moorooka and Holland Park recorded less than 2 percent availability.

“In the last six months we’ve witnessed some record lows across capital city suburbs; figures we’ve certainly not seen for well over a decade,” Antonia Mercorella, CEO of the REIQ, said.

Ms Mercorella, however, said that the “market has yet to fully rebound” even with the improving vacancy levels.

The REIQ CEO credits the State Government for its COVID-19 measures, which have kept tenancies intact. Interstate migration and Aussies returning from overseas were also seen as big factors.

But some renters, who have put in countless applications and gone to many rental inspections, noticed that there are more than 30 to 40 applicants for a single home in these hotspots. Industry insiders agree that home inspections have risen to an unprecedented level with long lines outside the door of a newly-listed property, per a Domain report.

One real estate agent compared Brisbane’s housing market to rolls of toilet paper at a supermarket shelf, where everyone wants it but there isn’t enough in the inventory.

Paddington agent Judi O’Dea said that some investors, especially those coming home from overseas, are snapping up homes despite no inspections. Pre-pandemic, Paddington realtors wait an average of 70 days before reaching an agreement with the parties involved in the rent or sale of a property.

Ngon in Paddington Launches Given Kitchen & Bar

Despite a rollercoaster ride in 2020, Ngon, the popular Vietnamese restaurant located at the heart of Paddington, is opening a new venture just a short walk away. Given Kitchen & Bar is ready to satisfy your cravings for heaps of Asian food cooked in the traditional way.

Do you love grilling over charcoal than gas? Given Kitchen & Bar , a few doors down Ngon in Given Terrace, specialises in chargrilled dishes that lock in the smoky, delicious flavour. The new inception focuses on fresh, scrumptious seafood meals cooked over charcoal for lunch or dinner.

Breakfast selections at the new restaurant feature Asian-inspired meals best paired with a cup of coffee from The Black Lab Coffee Co.

“Everything on the menu is designed to be shared and every dish is perfectly balanced to complement each other,” the owners shared. “Our food is designed and cooked in-house, making it fresh on a daily basis. Whilst our menu is predominantly Vietnamese inspired, we take influence from all cuisines across the continent of Asia.”

At night, this eatery will host DJ performances creating an easy-going vibe — the perfect setting for unwinding after a long day.

Given Kitchen & Bar is a few minutes walk from Ngon and is set to open in late January 2021. It comes nearly 20 months after the Ngon first welcomed its regular guests in Paddington.

“When covid hit our lives were turned upside down, limited financial help and sales down by 90% we were left with 2 options. Close shop and throw in the towel or come together as a family and face the epidemic together with our sleeves rolled up,” Chef Tuan said in a post on Instagram in June.

But the chef pressed on and conceptualize this new shop, along with revitalizing his original restaurant and putting Ngon on the map as one of the best Vietnamese eateries in Brisbane. The next goal is to repeat Ngon’s success, amidst a challenging period, with Given Kitchen & Bar.

Council approves ban on LED billboards in Paddington

Paddington residents campaigning against the erection of massive LED billboards at character precincts, such as Given Terrace and Latrobe Terrace, have achieved a win after the Council voted a ban on these electronic signs.

Councillor Jonathan Sri confirmed that Brisbane City Council will make “some minor interim amendments” to the Advertisements Local Law. The new stipulations will it harder for advertisers to secure approval for LED billboard ads in heritage properties and commercial character sites or pre-1911 buildings.

The changes will also make the local law retrospective.

Photo Credit: Jonathan Sri, Councillor for The Gabba/Facebook

The Council has not approved any electronic billboard application since the residents’ protests early this year. In September, an applicant withdrew plans to set up a LED billboard at 284 Given Terrace.

However, the campaign is not yet done as another advertiser managed to erect a billboard on Latrobe Terrace, whilst the deliberation was ongoing.

“Council has now admitted that community consultation was lacking and distinctive character precincts should not have LED Billboards approved. By that logic, the Latrobe Terrace Billboard must be revoked and removed,” Katinka Winston-Allom of the Greens (Cooper) said.

According to reports, a senior official informed Council to approve the sign but public access to the Right To Information documents detailing the approval process has been revoked. The said billboard is currently under Council review.

“The current process is not good enough,” Councillor Peter Matic said in June, following the Latrobe Terrace billboard fiasco. “It’s time for an overhaul and make them subject to more stringent assessment and a full consultation processes. These billboards are out of character; I wasn’t meaningfully consulted, the community wasn’t consulted and there needs to be checks and balances.”

Lick! Ice Cream: EKKA Fave Opens 3rd Shop in Paddington

Having the blues amidst the bad news you read online? Then swing by Paddington Central for some much-needed comfort food! The third Lick! Ice Cream store has opened this September and it could not come at a better time.

Though smaller than its Graceville and Morningside outlets, Lick! at Paddington Central will offer more ice cream flavours.

Customers may pick from 32 different kinds — that’s eight more than the other stores! — including vegan and gluten-free varieties, alongside classic popular choices like Chock chip cookies and cream, Macadamia praline, condensed milk and the OMG Strawberry.

Batches of Lick! Ice Cream are handcrafted and prepared with fresh, non-artificial ingredients at their Cooper Plains kitchen. However, they’ll soon be moving to a bigger headquarters at Seventeen Mile Rocks.

Co-owner Kim Douglas said that the kitchen expansion is a necessary step as they plan to open more stores in Brisbane and grow the brand. They are also open to supplying retailers and restaurants.

“We have over 900 flavours of ice cream, sorbet and gelato on our database and are adding new ones each week. We currently stock Lick at a number of Independent Supermarkets, delicatessens and fruit and vegetable shops throughout South East Queensland.”

EKKA regulars are familiar with Lick! and its sought-after strawberry sundae. In August, the ice cream shop opened pop-up stores across Brisbane to raise funds for The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation. Lick! sold over 90,000 strawberry sundaes for this initiative.

To know more about is flavours and store hours, follow the shop’s Facebook page.

Given Terrace Estate in Paddington is 100 Years Old!

Did you know that it’s been 100 years since the first lots in the Given Terrace Estate in Paddington were auctioned off to the public?

Cameron Bros. Auctioneers handled the auction of 42 residential sites from Given Terrace, Central Avenue, Ewart Street, and Alma Street. The event took place on the afternoon of 21 Aug 1920.

“This charming estate offers a special opportunity to anyone requiring a residence close to the penny section and within easy walking distance of Roma Street. With glorious views, easy access, and perfect drainage,” the auction advertisement read in a local newspaper.

Given Terrace Estates, today, covers the following streets below. Given Terrace itself remains the busiest main activity centre in Paddington, alongside Latrobe Terrace.

Alma Street
Annie Street
Beck Street (map shows as Mary Street)
Central Avenue
Club Street
Ewart Street
Fernberg Road
Given Terrace
Gladstone Street
Herbert Street
Latrobe Terrace
Macartney Street (map shows as Alice Street)
Mort Street (map shows as William Street)
Ross Street
Royal Street

Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

Notable Sites in the Given Terrace Estate

Among the features highlighted in the estate included convenience, good drainage and healthy locality. The neighbourhood was also close to the Paddington Tram Line, which was built in 1898 and ushered a residential boom in the suburb.

The tram’s depot was erected in 1915 but a massive fire in 1962 destroyed the building, including 65 of the city’s trams. Conspiracy theories sparked over the real cause of the fire since the exact details were not revealed to the public.

Today, it’s where the shopping centre, Paddington Central, stands.

Given Terrace Estate also has the Paddington Post Office (opened in 1895), the Ithaca Fire Station (opened in 1919), the Sacred Heart Church (opened in 1918), and the heritage-listed site Forester’s Hall.

The hall, built in 1888, was often used by the Ancient Order of Foresters’ Friendly Society, United Brisbane District and the Trustees of Court Foresters’ Hope. It was the site where communities came together to discuss and develop ways to help each other as the society of Queensland grew. According to historians, this showed how Australians adapted the philosophy of mutual aid.

Forester’s Hall also became a landmark that transformed the estate into a commuter hub from a semi-rural community. Today, it’s privately owned by the Order of St Vincent de Paul but its preservation is protected by the Queensland government.

If you’ve lived in Paddington, especially in the Given Terrace Estate, you can view your old neighbourhood via this online explorer. The photos are from the 1960s to the 1970s.

Paddington Properties Projected for High Price Growth in 20 Years

Market indicators reveal a surge in property prices in Paddington and three other Western suburbs, driven by high demand from investors. In particular, Paddington is enjoying a high perception of liveability from the growing millennial market, who ranked it 10 out 10, a development that’s likely to fuel sales for years to come.

Paddington property searches are apparently the sixth most popular on Realestate.com.au for the state of Queensland. Nerida Conisbee, the site’s chief economist, said that this is usually a good indicator of future price growths.

The suburb also had double-digit home price growth for up to 16 percent a year in recent times.

Amidst this pandemic, cashed-up foreign property buyers are reportedly keen on investing in a house in Paddington because of its good lifestyle and how Brisbane, in general, has handled the COVID-19 crisis.

Other Queensland suburbs showing increased search activities include inner-city’s Teneriffe (7th), and the western areas of Indooroopilly (10th), Ashgrove (11th) and Red Hill (18th).

Apart from buyer demand, young families moving into suburbs could also influence long-term price growth. Ashgrove and Indooroopilly apparently show this trend. Schools in these areas are attractive to families with kids because of their commendable NAPLAN results in recent years.

Inner-city houses, even in the worst streets of the CBD, also command a higher price and can be a good long-term investment.

Ms Conisbee, however, said that COVID-19 may impact this projection. Ultimately, there could be house buyers who will prefer to live in regional sites, instead of the suburbs, as a result of the virus threat.

Paddington Attracting Cashed-Up Foreign Property Buyers Post-COVID

Several industries might be grappling with the impact of the coronavirus lockdown but the property market in Brisbane, particularly in Paddington, is attracting significant interest from cashed-up international and interstate buyers, who are looking to live in a community that could better handle the pandemic.

Alex Jordan of McGrath Paddington noticed the increasing numbers of expats interested in buying in Brisbane, considered an economic safe haven “because of the way we handled COVID.”

Aside from this, Mr Jordan said that what’s luring buyers from abroad or other regions are Paddington’s good lifestyle and affordability compared to other regions. What’s more interesting is that these property buyers from abroad are not actually able to see the site physically. The transactions and communications are mostly done on Facetime or Zoom.

“The ones that I’m exposed to and talking with are looking at properties above $1.5 million and they are looking for something modern or brand new and in a good location – typically in the more affluent pockets such as the inner west that’s close to quality schooling,” Mr Jordan said.

Place Brisbane CEO Damien Hackett also said that whilst there’s a rise in foreign buyers, Brisbane’s property industry, in general, is carrying forward amid the pandemic. REIQ’s last quarterly report revealed a stable market and minimal changes in house prices given the circumstance.

Investors are apparently confident in Brisbane’s housing market, which has prevailed amid the unpredictably. There’s also an increasing number of listings of properties for occupancy or ownership.

Mr Jordan, however, said that demand is greater than the supply in Paddington by at least 30 percent year on year.