red hill Archives - Paddington Today

Red Hill Renovation Wins Australian House of the Year

A Red Hill couple’s decade-long renovation project has been crowned Australian House of the Year at the 2024 Houses Awards.

Zuzana Kovar and Nicholas Skepper transformed a 113-year-old worker’s cottage into a modern, multi-functional home that impressed judges with its innovative use of space and environmental considerations.

The couple purchased the two-storey property on a corner block in 2011, attracted by its potential for both living and working spaces. “We always imagined that’d be a great spot for an architecture studio,” Skepper said, referring to the revealed understorey on the side street.

Working within a compact 200 square metres, Kovar and Skepper made clever design choices to maximise the home’s functionality. They swapped living and bedroom areas to optimise natural light and ventilation, a simple yet effective change that significantly improved the home’s livability.

The renovation focused on flexible spaces, with the largest room serving as both an office and additional living area. “Our studio table doubles as a dining table for a large group,” Skepper explained, highlighting the home’s adaptability for various occasions.

Houses Awards head juror Alexa Kempton praised the design for its efficient use of space and its response to the evolving nature of work. The home successfully integrates professional and personal life while maintaining appropriate separation between spaces.

Contrary to the trend of maximising built area, the Red Hill renovation preserved the backyard, offering a valuable outdoor space for the couple’s young children. Large sliding glass doors create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection without sacrificing garden area.

The project also emphasised sustainable practices, retaining original materials and recycling items where possible. This approach, combined with the preservation of green space, addresses growing concerns about urban density and environmental impact in Brisbane’s inner suburbs.

Published 2-August-2024

Red Hill Sensation Thomas Neill Eyes Paris Glory With the Dolphins

Red Hill swimming sensation Thomas Neill is poised to make his mark at the Paris Olympics, securing his spot in both the 200m freestyle and 200m individual medley events. At just 22 years old, Neill is preparing for his second Olympic appearance, building on a career that has shown promise since his junior days.

Read: Paddington Jewellery Icon to Sell After Two Decades

From Rugby to Swimming

Rugby had been his obsession since childhood, consuming his thoughts and adorning his bedroom walls. Posters of his idols – Quade Cooper, Will Genia, and the entire 2011 Reds squad – served as daily inspiration. On the other hand, swimming was a chore he endured with gritted teeth, Neill admitted.

Fate had different plans for the young athlete, steering him away from the rugby field. At 14, Neill shattered both his leg and his aspirations during an intense match. The sickening crack of bone echoed his vanishing dreams of rugby stardom.

Ironically, it was the very sport he did not love (at first) that offered salvation after his injury. The doctor’s prescription for swimming for rehabilitation was met with initial skepticism. Deep down, he had always sensed his true potential lay in the pool, not on the pitch and this became the catalyst for embracing a new passion, as the competitive spirit of swimming began to ignite a fire within him.

Early success and rapid rise

Neill first caught attention in 2019 at the Australian age titles, claiming gold in multiple events including the 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle, as well as the 200m individual medley. This impressive performance earned him a place on the Australian Team for the junior world titles in Budapest, where he continued to excel, securing two silvers and two bronzes.

Transitioning to senior competition, Neill quickly proved his mettle. At the 2021 Australian championships, he claimed gold in the 800m freestyle and silver in the 400m freestyle, narrowly missing a medal in the 200m freestyle.

Thomas Neill debuts at the Tokyo Olympics

Neill’s Olympic journey began at the 2021 trials in Adelaide, where he secured a spot on the 4x200m freestyle relay team for Tokyo. In his Olympic debut, Neill narrowly missed the 200m freestyle final but played a crucial role in the relay event. Assigned the anchor leg, he delivered the fastest split among his Australian teammates, helping secure a bronze medal for the team.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tommy Neill (@tommy.neill)

Following a period focused on his Advanced Business (Honours) degree at the University of Queensland, Neill returned to full-time training in 2023. He contributed to Australia’s bronze in the 4x200m freestyle relay at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, and showed improvement in individual medley events.

Neill’s recent performances have solidified his position as a dual-event Olympian for Paris. At the Australian Olympic trials held in the Brisbane Aquatic Centre, he claimed second place in the 200m freestyle with a time of 1:46.02, securing his individual spot. Additionally, Neill will compete in the 200m individual medley in Paris.

Read: King’s Birthday Honours Recognise AMA Queensland Doctors

Known for his friendly personality, Neill has gained attention for his post-race quips. After winning bronze in Tokyo, he told TV cameras, “A bronze medal at the Olympics, as Matty Johns said in 1997, it’s better than Lego.” With one Games under his belt and another yet to come, Thomas Neill offers an intriguing preview of Australia’s swimming future.

Published 08-July-2024

Upgrade Set to Tackle Congestion in Red Hill

A significant upgrade is underway at the intersection of Kelvin Grove Road and Lower Clifton Terrace in Red Hill to enhance traffic flow and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

This project, part of the Roads to Recovery program, aims to make the area more efficient for motorists and safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The key modifications include adjusting the traffic signal phasing and altering access points to streamline vehicle movements, particularly during peak times.

Key Changes and Benefits

The project is set to deliver several benefits:

Reduction in travel time by extending the green light duration for Kelvin Grove Road traffic.
Enhanced operational efficiency of the intersection by removing the signalised left turn from Lower Clifton Terrace onto Kelvin Grove Road.
Improved safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists through upgraded footpaths and kerb ramps.

Red Hill Intersection Upgrade — *Photo Credit: BrisbaneCityCouncil*

Project Details

The detailed plans for the intersection include:

Removal of the signalised left turn from Lower Clifton Terrace, transitioning to a right turn only, allowing more green time for Kelvin Grove Road.
Modification of the unsignalised access point at Lower Clifton Terrace to left exit only.
Comprehensive upgrades to footpaths, kerb ramps, road pavement, line marking, and landscaping.

Timing and Further Information

The Brisbane City Council, in collaboration with the Australian Government, is initiating improvements at this congested intersection in Red Hill. The start of construction is pending final land dedication arrangements.

Detailed information about the construction schedule will be available closer to the commencement of works. Residents and commuters can register online to receive timely updates about the project.

Permanent Access Changes Post-Construction

Post-upgrade, there will be permanent changes to traffic routes:

Access to Kelvin Grove Road from Lower Clifton Terrace will be via a right turn into the lower section of Lower Clifton Terrace, followed by a left turn at the unsignalised access point.
A detour map for vehicles using the Hale Street off-ramps has been prepared, illustrating alternative routes to Lower Clifton Terrace via Victoria Street, Scott Street, and Musgrave Road.

This project represents a strategic step by local and federal authorities to address traffic and safety issues in the Red Hill area, promising a smoother and safer commute for all road users.

Published 3-June-2024

Keeping the ANZAC Memory Alive in Red Hill: Brisbane Church’s Stained Glass Masterpiece

Inside St Barnabas’ Anglican Church in Red Hill, a stunning stained glass window stands as a poignant tribute to those who served in the Gallipoli campaign during World War I, capturing the powerful imagery that defined the first ANZAC Day memorial service held in the city in 1916.

Read: Ithaca War Memorial in Paddington Marks 100 Years Old

The window’s design is based on the artwork that graced the front cover of the program for that inaugural ANZAC Day service over a century ago.

Photo credit: St Barnabas Anglican Church Red Hill Brisbane Australia/Facebook

It depicts a solemn procession of soldiers and sailors from the various Allied forces that fought together at Gallipoli – an Australian infantryman, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Navy sailors, a New Zealand Maori soldier, an Indian soldier, and a French soldier.

During the first ANZAC Day march in Brisbane on 25 April 1916, a large crowd lined the streets and filled the balconies of surrounding buildings to watch a parade of soldiers on horseback, with the buildings decorated in flags, pennants, and a banner that read ‘Enlist Now.’

The first Anzac day parade in Brisbane, outside Brisbane’s General Post Office in Queen Street, 1916 (Photo credit: National Archives of Australia)

Their faces are etched with the stoicism and determination that defined the ANZACs, their uniforms and equipment meticulously rendered in vibrant shades of colour that breathe life into the scene.

Dedicated in December 2018 by the Most Reverend Dr Phillip Aspinall, the Archbishop of Brisbane at the time, in the presence of then Governor of Queensland, Paul de Jersey AC, the window’s installation was proudly supported by the Queensland Government. It now stands as one of the many war memorials throughout Brisbane that bear witness to the great losses of the war.

Former governor Paul de Jersey with St Barnabas Anglican Church priest, Rev Bill Colbrahams at the Heroes of Anzac window (Photo credit: St Barnabas Anglican Church Red Hill Brisbane Australia/Facebook)

Read: Baby Charlotte: A Mango-Sized Miracle from Red Hill

For the parishioners of St Barnabas’ and visitors to the church’s Anzac Chapel, the stained glass window offers a moment of quiet reflection and reverence. It is a tangible connection to the history that unfolded a century ago, preserving the iconic imagery of that first ANZAC Day for generations to come.

Published 10-April-2024

Appeals Court Rules in Favour of Removing Behemoth Billboard in Red Hill

Brisbane lawyer Richard Leahy has emerged victorious in a 3-year legal battle that had reached the Supreme Court over the construction of an imposing 11-metre-high billboard right outside his residence on Musgrave Rd in Red Hill.

In mid-20202, Mr Leahy, an experienced litigation solicitor, objected when a colossal digital billboard was built on Musgrave Road, obstructing the picturesque city views from his property.

Standing at an imposing 5.3 meters wide and 11.3 meters high, the billboard instantly became an unwelcome addition to the neighbourhood skyline.

Upon contesting the construction, Mr Leahy discovered that Brisbane City Council had not taken into account mandatory considerations, including the impact on views from neighbouring properties.

Mr Leahy took the matter to court and in 2022, the Brisbane Supreme Court ruled in his favour, ordering Council to revoke its approval of the billboard’s construction and revisit the matter while considering all relevant factors.

However, Council decided to take the matter up with the Court of Appeals. The appeal has now been dismissed by the Court, and the Supreme Court’s judgment reaffirmed, with further instructions for Council to cover Mr Leahy’s legal costs.

In their denial of the appeal, the appeal judges highlighted that Council had access to an expert report that explicitly identified Mr Leahy’s property as one directly affected by the proposed billboard, emphasising that advertisements should not obstruct or dominate the views of neighbouring properties or compromise their overall amenity.

Council’s approval of the massive billboard, without providing any prior warning or opportunity for objection, has now been deemed a violation of procedural fairness by the Supreme Court.

Despite the court’s ruling, the enormous electronic billboard continues to loom over Musgrave Road, advertising various companies such as Qantas, Royal Caribbean, and Great Northern beer on its expansive 42-square-meter screen.

In light of the court decisions, a Council spokesperson said it will still review the decision delivered on 20 June 2023.

Published 29-June-2023

Red Hill Resident Wins Case Against Billboard Installation Next to His House

Red Hill resident Richard Leahy has won his dispute with Brisbane City after he sued over a towering billboard installation next to his house along Musgrave Road.

In 2018, Council approved the billboard installation spanning 11.3-metre high and 5.3-metre wide. The size of the installation essentially blocked Mr Leahy’s view of the skyline from his cottage home and, as a resident, he was not notified of this approval.

By 2020, a billboard was indeed erected on the site thus Mr Leahy, who is a litigation lawyer, took the matter to court.

Council, however, argued that Mr Leahy took time to object to the billboard installation when he sued the city in November 2021. However, the lawyer said he did ask for information on why this installation was approved but Council had no response. Apparently, the person responsible for the approval has since left the council job thus a statement could not be presented.

Red hill billboard Musgrave Road — Photo Credit: Google Maps

Supreme Court Justice Peter Davis sided with Mr Leahy and said that the billboard’s installation, which also encroached on a portion of the lawyer’s property, was illegal and had to be removed.

“Mr Leahy made attempts to ascertain the reasons for the decision. He is prejudiced by the decision. A huge, imposing sign sits next to one of the boundaries of his land. For reasons I later explain, Mr Leahy’s application for review has good merits,” Justice Davis said in the decision.

“The Council was obliged to afford Mr Leahy an opportunity to make submissions before granting the approval for the sign.

“The delegate failed to take into account the mandatory consideration as to the interruption of views from 51 Musgrave Road.”

“It is ordered that: The decision of the Council made on 18 December 2018 approving the construction of an electronic advertising billboard on 43 Musgrave Road, Red Hill be set aside.”

Mr Leahy’s court expenses will also be shouldered by Council. Reports stated that Council will appeal the decision. No further comments were given.

Popular Red Hill Wine Cellar Clovely Estate Closes After 13 Years

After 13 years of operation in Red Hill, beloved wine cellar Clovely Estate has closed due to a dispute with their landlord. Brett Heading and Susan Mercer will be reopening at a new venue in Goomeri, South Burnett.

Though Red Hill will have to say goodbye to one of its viticultural landmarks, Mr Heading remarked that this was a new opportunity for the business. Tourism has been booming in South Burnett as of late. The fact that the cellar receives its award-winning wine from around that region as well means that it will be easier for them to centralise their business.

Plans have been drafted by the duo to transform their new venue, a 110-year-old building in Moore St, Goomeri, into a hotspot that contains a restaurant, a cafe, a cellar door, and possibly even a gin distillery. This time around, Clovely Estate intends to focus on providing food and hospitality to accompany the wine that they serve.

The building will be redesigned and renovated by the acclaimed Conrad Gargett architect David Gole, whose new design will focus on creating an atmosphere and aesthetic that will cater to and hook locals, tourists, and those interested in hosting events.

Heading and Mercer have expressed their hopes that the new Clovely Estate in South Burnett will be open to the public by October 2021.

Le Coin Brings Local French Bistro Vibe to Red Hill

Everyone loves to share a simple, good-hearted and good-natured meal with good company and this sense of bonhomie is what you’ll get at Le Coin, the newly-opened French bistro at the corner of Enoggera Terrace and Waterworks Road in Red Hill.

Le Coin, the French word for “the corner,” is the ultimate family dining place built for comfort, satisfaction and relaxation. From the same group that owns Haig Rd Bistro in Auchenflower, this restaurant has an easygoing ambience that makes French food so accessible.

The ground floor area is alfresco, with weathered seats or a cushioned sofa set filled with heaps of colourful pillows. It has the vibe of the French Riviera. The second floor, on the other hand, is the formal dining section with sophisticated table settings. If you haven’t been to Haig Rd Bistro, the top floor of Le Coin is pretty much similar to its sister site.

Much like its sister site, Le Coin also carries a similar lunch or dinner menu with three to four courses. The Red Hill restaurant, however, offers breakfast and opens seven days a week.

The choices include an elaborately prepared plate of omelette with brioche French toast for breakfast or escargot, barramundi meunière, gnocchi with mushroom and tarte flambe for lunch or dinner.

Dessert options are plenty as well — crepes, parfait or creme brulee are the instant mood boosters to perfectly end a satisfying meal.

Of course, a good-natured French meal isn’t complete without the wine and Le Coin has a comprehensive drink list that also includes gin and tonic and house cocktails. BYO is welcome on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Le Coin is the ideal place to drop by for coffee or a snack or for big meals and wine before or after you watch a movie from the cinema across the street. Follow their Facebook page for updates and the opening hours.

“It’s been wonderful to have such an excellent bistro as our neighbours in Red Hill! Best Croque Monsieur ever and I thought that was great until I had the eye fillet last night – Magnifique! Not to mention the gin cocktails that are so special! Not surprised it’s been a winner – keep it up Marcus and your lovely staff”
Sue Westall, Google Reviews

“Although international travel seems like a far off dream, Le Coin provides a European oasis. Enjoyed a decadent afternoon sipping champagne and scoffing oysters to the soft background of the piano accordion. High dining at a reasonable price with attentive, friendly, down to earth staff. A hidden gem in Paddington.”
Pip Weiland, Google Reviews

Haig Rd Bistro in Auchenflower to Open Sister Site La Coin in Red Hill

Neo-French restaurant Haig Rd Bistro in Auchenflower is opening a sister site just two kilometres away in Red Hill. La Coin is still in its final stages of sprucing up before it’s set to welcome diners by the end of October 2020.

Arvid Noack invested in taking over the two-storey site once occupied by Plum Tucker on Enoggera Terrace with his new La Coin (“La Kwan”) co-owner Marcus Kerschbaumer.

The pair is also bringing Haig Rd Bistro chef Jean Yann Bouton on board, who will create a two or three-course menu for dinner with a carefully curated range of entrees, mains and desserts. Diners will have the pleasure of constructing their own dinner.

La Coin will offer nearly similar a la carte lunch dishes as Haig Rd Bistro whilst a special day for BYO will be launched when the restaurant settles after the opening day.

Morning fares at the bistro will include Viennese-inspired coffee choices paired with French pastries and cheese-filled sandwiches.

Mr Noack and Mr Kerschbaumer won’t deviate much from the interior look of La Coin as its sister site. However, the top floor will be reserved to private functions whilst the downstairs section will have a spacious outdoor seating area for a more relaxed dining experience.

La Coin doesn’t have a social media presence yet but you follow Haig Rd Bistro’s Facebook page for the updates.

Red Hill Cinemas: Latest Movies to See at this Premium Theatre

Have you experienced watching a movie at the recently-opened Red Hill Cinemas in Enogerra Terrace? The old skating rink, which was abandoned for 17 years, is now a five-screen boutique theatre that delivers a special kind of movie experience.

The Sourris family, who have operated cinemas around Queensland for generations, acquired the cinema’s site for redevelopment in 2017. Their idea was to turn this property into a premier theatre with a small but intimate setting, comfortable reclining seats, and full food and drink service.

Amidst the growing number of streaming services or megaplexes featured with IMAX, Red Hill Cinemas aims to bring the classic cinema experience, where people actually go out of their way to get together and watch a film on the big screen. Boasting of five screening rooms, four of the cinemas have 70 seats with reclining chairs whilst one is a 160-seater with spacious legroom.

This is a fully-licensed theatre, where moviegoers may drink a glass of alcohol or two as they relax and enjoy the film.

This February, Red Hill Cinemas will screen the following new releases:

Midway

Starring Ed Skrein, Luke Evans, Tadanobu Asano, Nick Jonas, Aaron Eckhart, Dennis Quaid, Mandy Moore, Woody Harrelson, Patrick Wilson

Directed by Roland Emmerich

The story of the Battle of Midway, told by the leaders and the sailors who fought it.

Seberg

Starring Jack O’Connell, Kristen Stewart, Anthony Mackie, Zazie Beetz, Colm Meaney, Margaret Qualley, Vince Vaughn

Directed by Benedict Andrews

Inspired by real events in the life of French New Wave icon Jean Seberg. In the late 1960s, Hoover’s FBI targeted her because of her political and romantic involvement with civil rights activist Hakim Jamal.

The Peanut Butter Falcon

Starring Jon Bernthal, Dakota Johnson, John Hawkes, Jake Roberts, Zack Gottsagen, Mick Foley, Bruce Dern, Thomas Haden Church, Shia LaBeouf

Directed by Tyler Nilson, Mike Schwartz

Zak runs away from his care home to make his dream of becoming a wrestler come true.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Starring Matthew Rhys, Tammy Blanchard, Wendy Makkena, Enrico Colantoni, Tom Hanks, Chris Cooper

Directed by Marielle Heller

Based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod.

Bombshell

Starring Connie Britton, Allison Janney, John Lithgow, Margot Robbie, Mark Duplass, Rob Delaney, Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, Malcolm McDowell

Directed by Jay Roach

A group of women take on Fox News head Roger Ailes and the toxic atmosphere he presided over at the network.

Beyond the cinemas’ features, there’s still much to be said about the rich history surrounding Red Hill Cinemas, which officially re-opened its doors for Brisbane cinephiles in November 2019. Its original skate floor was retained during the refurbishment, along with the graffiti in and out of the building.

*Photo Credit: Red Hill Cinemas/Facebook*

This site was originally the Pop’s Picture Theatre, an open-air cinema from the 1920s to the 1960s. Forty years onwards, the venue became a popular teen hangout as the Skate Arena, until it was gutted by a fire and abandoned in 2002.

For enquiries, including cinema hire and group bookings, phone 3707 5444 or email redhill@fivestarcinemas.com.au.