Clonlara, a one-hundred-year-old landmark home in East Clayfield, sold for the first time in sixty years for a suburb record $7 million.
The property at 150 Adelaide St East, Clayfield was bought by the late Sir Edward and Lady Dorothy Williams in the late 1950s and was their home until Sir Edward’s passing in 1999.
Sir Edward Williams was a former judge of the Supreme Court as well as former Queenslander of the Year, Australian of the Year, Chairman of the Commonwealth Games in 1982, and Commissioner General of Expo 88.
Clonlara is a six-bedroom home with three bathrooms and two garage spaces. It was constructed in 1916 and got its name after an Irish village in County Clare. This Queenslander sits on 3,3315 sqm land and features two championship sized tennis courts. These tennis courts became the perfect meeting place for neighbourhood kids and tennis parties were frequently held.
A little house, which still stands to this day, was built next to the tennis courts as a Christmas present for Sir Edward Williams’ daughters. There is also a traditional sunroom, family room, and a large kitchen and bathroom.
Photo credit: REA Group Ltd/realestate.com.au
Much of the home’s original period details has been preserved in this home, including the grand entry foyer to formal dining and lounge rooms. The home also boasts of ornate plaster and pressed metal ceilings, solid timber walls and leadlight windows.
Photo credit: REA Group Ltd/realestate.com.au
The grounds are impressive and reflect a stately, Old World feel of manicured, established gardens with the two hallmarks of Queensland living, a tennis court (in this case, two and both championship size) and a pool, albeit currently decommissioned.
The former suburb record belonged to a property 108 Oriel Road, Clayfield that was sold off market in 2017 at $6.75 million.
The REIQ recently reported the latest housing market statistics which showed Clayfield median house price for the year at $1,110,000. The value is a slight decrease of -0.10% from the last 12 months, but it was an impressive increase of 38.2% over the last 5 years. In the 2nd quarter of 2018, there were 18 homes sold in the Clayfield.
Neighbouring suburb Hendra also posted strong figures, with annual median sale hitting $1.1 million, a 12.7% increase from the previous year and a huge 53.6% surge over 5 years. There were 17 houses sold in the 2nd quarter of 2018 in Hendra.
The Albion “death lane” claimed another life, spurring renewed calls from cycling advocacy groups for road laws and infrastructure policy reforms.
A 37-year-old cyclist was hit by a northbound semi-trailer on Hudson Road near the Albion Overpass in August. The driver was said to have been initially unaware that he had struck the cyclist. The cyclist was dragged several metres upon getting hit and died at the scene.
Anne Savage, Chief Executive Officer of Bicycle Queensland, said she had written to the State Government asking for the creation of a road safety and travel commission as well as an increase in funding. Ms Savage is calling for a compliance audit of the state cycling infrastructure policy. She also sees a need to reform the heavy vehicles laws.
The area of the recent road accident is widely considered by cyclists to be a “black spot” because of its narrow roads which heavy vehicles need to negotiate via a difficult 90-degree turn. Stage 1 of the North Brisbane Bikeway was finished in 2016, stopping just 500 metres from the area of the accident. The project’s route is under the Albion Overpass. Construction of stages 2 and 3 are scheduled to begin 2019.
Photo credit: Google Maps/google.com/maps
Move Safe Brisbane
The Brisbane City Council conducted the Move Safe Brisbane consultation last August in their effort to improve safety for those walking and cycling in Brisbane. The initiative was the initial step in gathering feedback from pedestrians and cyclists as part of the Council’s Pedestrian Safety Review.
Feedback Map
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/yoursay.brisbane.qld.gov.au
The consultation involved feedback maps on which road users identify locations in Brisbane which they think could be improved for pedestrian and cyclist safety. The survey closed last 28 August and is now being reviewed and evaluated by the Council.
“Information from people’s personal experiences on our roads, both as pedestrians and as other road users, will pinpoint the locations where pedestrian safety is being compromised due to either behaviour or design,” Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said.
“Community-led information will provide valuable insight for Council that will help assess what measures are required to improve public safety and will be used in addition to Queensland Police Service crash data, the Brisbane Metropolitan Traffic Management Centre information and Council’s Transport for Brisbane bus incident data,” Cr Quirk said.
The feedback gathered from the survey will be used to identify and prioritise safety and bikeway projects across Brisbane. The Council is expected to report the key outcomes by late 2018
Don’t miss out on the third Albion Antique and Collectables Fairhappening at the Aviation High School in Clayfield on 29-30 September 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Expect a bigger and better fair than last year with a wider mix of antique local dealers and some from Interstate. Quality antiques and collectables are in store for you.
From a wide range of antique furniture to modern contemporary ones to rare collectables, you can definitely find something here that can add value and style to any property.
Aside from shopping, you can also learn a lot from the information sessions that will happen during this three-day antique extravaganza:
Brenton Kinnears – a reputable furniture restorer who will teach practical demonstrations
Rob Neilsen – from Roundabout Antiques, he will talk about Moorcroft and the collection of fine porcelain.
Albion Antiques – they will talk about the importance of doing a property catalogue for your collection
Albion Antique Auction Centre – they will talk about how to properly dispose items through auction
This year’s fair will also see the World’s First Showing of the newly-released Australian Design Moorcroft Pottery.
Light refreshments will be available at the event.
Tickets are priced at $10 per person and $18 per family. Get them here.
A public consultation on the Albion Train Station Precinct Redevelopment will be held this 15 September at the Windsor Bowls Club and locals are encouraged to have their say.
Brisbane property developers Geon Property has already lodged a development application for Stage One of the Albion Train Station Precinct Redevelopment. The property developers named the $750-million project, Albion Exchange.
The fifteen-year project will redevelop the state-owned 4 hectare property, bordered by Mawarra St, and Albion and Hudson Roads, in ten stages. Geon Property’s Albion Train Station Precinct Redevelopment will include an upgrade to transport facilities and access to the Albion train station.
Artist impression of the proposed ALBION TRAIN STATION PRECINCT REDEVELOPMENT
Photo credit: Geon Property/geonproperty.com.au
“Albion Exchange is set to become Brisbane’s latest mixed-use project and will create a vibrant community heart for the inner-northern suburbs,” Geon Property senior development manager Tim Rossberg said.
Stage One of Albion Exchange, designed by Hames Sharley, will feature two new multi-level residential buildings. There will also be a new food and beverage, health and wellbeing, retail and commercial precinct.
Along with a $28.7 million upgrade to transport facilities and access to the Albion Train Station, the proposal includes 4,900 sqm of new green open space and a public plaza connecting the east and west of Albion Road.
Stage One is the largest stage of the project and will include:
new ticket and office facilities and amenities
new lift and stair access to station platforms
replacement of part of the existing park’n’ride car parking with new consolidated undercover facilities
integration of development with the future North Brisbane Bikeway
plaza access across the rail corridor connecting Albion east and west
The design of the master plan is still evolving. Subject to the approval of the development application, construction is scheduled to commence in early 2020.
Artist impression of the proposed ALBION TRAIN STATION PRECINCT REDEVELOPMENT
Photo credit: Geon Property/geonproperty.com.au
Public Consultations
Geon Property has been visiting locals and community groups to hold discussions about the project. They recently held consultations at Brothers Rugby Club and Windsor Park. The public engagement gives local residents and community groups a chance to ask questions, provide their feedback, and voice their concerns.
Mr Rossberg said that the feedback sessions on Stage One of the project were well attended. He said that the community showed a “high level of interest in the level of amenity and public space offered by Albion Exchange.”
As the public consultation continues, locals can still give their feedback and ideas around potential new uses for the precinct.
Some considerations Geon Property is looking into include:
Provision of healthcare
Provision of education services
Sports and recreation facilities
Greater connection to active transport networks
Accessibility within the precinct
Implementation of sub-tropical streetscapes
The Masterplan:
10 stages delivered over 15 years
Encompassing approx. 4 hectares of land
Integration with the future North Brisbane Bikeway
Provision of social infrastructure
Facilities that support transport and employment nodes
Recreational activities that complement the transport-oriented setting
Use of transitional heights to protect residential neighbourhood
Get active and do a fun run at the Kalinga Dash Fun Run on 12 August in Clayfield. This is an inclusive community event that brings people together in a healthy environment.
The schedule of the runs are as follows:
7.5km Long Course (Runners only) – 8:00am
4.2km Short Course (Runners only) – 8:05am
7.5km and 4.2km WALKERS – 8:10am
2.0km Run – timed – 10:00am
2.0km Kids Dash – 10:30am
This event is welcome to people of all abilities. There will be food available at the event such as burgers, nuggets, drinks, coffee, and many more.
Market Organics has been a huge hit in Rocklea and Ipswich. Their branch in Clayfield is the store’s third. Just like in their other two shops, the Clayfield store offers a wide range of fresh organic fruit and vegetables.
Photo credit: Market Organics / Facebook
There will also be a wide selection of organic grocery goods such as kosher, nut-free, dairy-free vegan, and gluten-free products.
Evolve has offerings of wholesome and plant-based food that are delicious. Currently, Evolve has three locations: two in Brisbane, and one in Ipswich. Their very first branch is located in Teneriffe.
Running out of gift ideas? Visit Buy Design at Clayfield and get inspiration from their collections of quirky and quality homewares and gift items.
Photo credit: Facebook/Buy Design at Clayfield
Buy Design at Clayfield houses more than 40 brands of uniquely designed homewares and assorted items such as jewellery, bags, scarves, dolls, toys, books, and so much more. Whether you’re looking for a gift for your little one, a family, or even a furry friend, there is certainly something for everyone in the store.
The store offers different products sourced from around Australia and overseas. They also stock works by local artists.
Photo credit: Facebook/Buy Design at Clayfield
You can also enjoy a sip of coffee from Abrisca Coffee Roasters whist wandering around the store or while waiting for your purchases to be gift wrapped.
Buy Design at Clayfield is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. For more information, visit the store’s website.
For more than six decades, the Ohio Cafe had stood on Sandgate Road in Clayfield, making it one of the first burger places in the city. The cafe is known to have been opened in 1945 but it wasn’t until 1958 when it was registered as a business. This year, the cafe has finally closed its doors for good.
Vrishali and Yogesh Koshe took ownership of Ohio cafe in 2008, with high hopes for a bright future. However, their enthusiasm and the response of the customers have somewhat blinded them from some of the harsh realities of the business.
Upon ownership, Mr Koshe admitted that they never envisaged the extent competition along with the rising costs that came with their new venture.
They expanded the cafe turning it into a restaurant but they never increased their prices. The Ohio burger, one of their bestsellers, has remained the same price since 2011. They did not change their prices because customers don’t like them.
As the years went by, the upkeep of the restaurant grew, making it hard for the couple to continue. This becomes a problem that slowly gnawed at their resources, making closure inevitable.
Today, as they close their doors with a heavy heart, the couple still has a glimmer of hope for the future. In fact, they are hoping that someone buys the cafe to keep it going. On the other hand, should they be unsuccessful in finding a buyer, Ms Koshe hopes they can retain the name of the cafe with the intention of reviving it in the future.
Some of their most loyal customers shared expressed their sadness on the cafe’s Facebook page following their post regarding their closure.
A 1930s home in Clayfield has recently gone into auction. Popularly known as the White Gables on Craven Street, the home was originally built as a father’s present for his daughter. The most recent owner, Kate Naughton, purchased the home in 2002, making her the third owner of the home.
Once the home was under their possession, the two-bedroom house underwent an extensive renovation split into four stages.
Ms Naughton turned the home into a six-bedroom house They also extended the carport to accommodate six cars that also doubles as a function space for any type of gatherings. The kitchen also went through an upgrade. New facilities were also built such as a spa area and a tennis court.
In the previous month, the home was the most viewed property on realestate.com.au. On auction day, the tennis court was packed with 150 attendees and had three bidders fight for the property. After a tense period, the home was sold for $4 million earlier this month to local medical professionals.
Another historic property in the north was sold for $3,360,000. The colonial home in New Farm also brought on a tense bidding that went on for half an hour.
Several historic homes in the city have gone under the hammer. Last year, another one of the oldest homes in the city, Bowen Hills’ Cintra House built in 1863 hit the market.
