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Brisbane Investor Readily Pays Nearly $9M for Bardon Central

The sale of Bardon Central has just been settled, for $8.85 million, and ownership is now in the hands of a private investor.

An Expressions of Interest campaign was run by Jon Tyson and Michael Harcourt of Savills which generated more than 130 enquiries and fielded multiple offers from both local and interstate buyers.

The deal to acquire the retail and commercial complex along MacGregor Tce was actually struck in March, with pricing that reflected pre-coronavirus levels. The listing specifies the net income of Bardon Central to be at $616,290 per annum.

Photo Credit: Savills Brisbane

As an established, modern convenience retail and professional centre, Bardon Central is known locally for its mix of tenants that residents of the affluent suburb find convenient and accessible. The centre is situated on a 2,208-sqm lot, with a basement parking facility that can accommodate up to 56 cars.

Anchored by a Friendly Grocer Convenience Supermarket, the centre also has multiple retail tenancies and professional tenants such as a bakery, a hairdresser, pizza takeaway shop, a day spa, Lutece Bistro & Wine Bar, a financial planner and a physiotherapist.

Read: Busy Bardon Road to Get Better

Photo Credit: Google Maps

“MacGregor Tce is also a very busy road … a lot of people use that road and so the property is exposed to a high level of passing traffic and potential trade,” Mr Tyson said.

About Bardon

Bardon is an affluent, well-established, and tightly held suburb in Brisbae’s inner West. It is located within 4 kilometres of Brisbane’s CBD. The median income in Bardon is 80% higher than the Queensland average.

The suburb is situated in a highly desirable area of inner-western Brisbane. Much of Bardon is accessible to MacGregor Terrace, where Bardon Central is located. MacGregor Tce is the main road which links Bardon to its adjacent suburbs like Toowong, Auchenflower, Paddington, Ashgrove and The Gap.

Busy Bardon Road to Get Better

Commuters traveling on one of Bardon’s busy roads will soon notice that their trips have taken a turn for the better.

Local state MP Michael Berkman (Greens) is pushing for the improvement of several dangerous sections of MetRoad 5 and the roundabout at the Rainworth, Boundary, and Rouen Roads intersection.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads, under Minister Mark Bailey, and Mr Berkman have been working together to identify and address safety hotspots.

Signages and Handrails

The Bardon roundabout is a notoriously dangerous spot for pedestrians. It is a hub for community traffic from the nearby Bardon shed, a childcare centre, shopping strip, Rainworth State School, and Norman Buchan Park.

Photo Credit: Google Maps

“I have recently secured some simple safety improvements at the roundabout including high-vis signage and handrails, much better warning signs for motorists and some vegetation trimming to improve visibility,’’ Mr Berkman said in a statement for the press.

Meanwhile, portions of MetRoad 5 running through Bardon are included in the safety campaign, from Kedron to Toowong, including MacGregor Tce, Boundary Rd, Rouen Rd, and Frederick Street.

Speed Limit Downgrade & Traffic Light Upgrades

MetRoad 5 (Photo Credit: Google Maps)

The major changes being recommended along MetRoad 5 include a reduction of the speed limit along the stretch between the MacGregor Tce shops and the roundabout on Rouen Rd and an upgrade of the visibility of traffic lights at the MacGregor Tce and Simpsons Rd intersection.

Residents have long complained about speeding drivers disregarding traffic lights at the intersection around that shopping strip.

It is unlikely, however, that any speed limit change could materialise soon. Such changes need to have the support and participation of stakeholders from the QLD Police Service and BCC, along with a plethora of technical research and recommendations from traffic engineers and inspectors.

Barrier-Protected Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians will also have a barrier-protected refuge to make crossing the area of MacGregor Tce located south of the roundabout at Latrobe Tce, safer and easier. This would be particularly helpful for people pushing prams, older people and those with limited mobility, and those in wheelchairs.

Bardon Residents Rank Among Brisbane’s Heaviest Drinkers

Did you know that Bardon ranks among Brisbane’s heaviest drinkers? The latest data reveal that 21.9 percent of Bardon residents consume more than 14 standard drinks per week, which is above the suggested threshold according to the proposed new Alcohol Guidelines.

The latest national Social Health Atlas data shows that 21.9 percent of Bardon residents  consume more than two standard drinks per day or an equivalent of 14 standard drinks per week. On top of the list are Brisbane Port – Lytton and Wynnum with 23 percent each.

According to the Australian Department of Health, excessive alcohol drinking could put one at risk of illnesses including heart disease, liver disease, cancer, diabetes and damage to the brain.

The National Health and Medical Research Council is currently in the process of revising its Alcohol Guidelines to reduce the risk of alcohol-related disease, injury and other harms to health, as well as reduce the risk of harm to a pregnant woman’s unborn child. 

Read: State Government Installs Solar Panels at Bardon State School, More Qld Schools on the Way

The proposed guidelines include suggested drinking of no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day, which according to evidence and mathematical modelling keeps the lifetime risk of dying from alcohol-related disease or injury remains below a level of 1 in 100.

The top Brisbane suburbs where residents drink more than two standard drinks per day include Brisbane Port – Lytton/ Wynnum ( 23%), Victoria Point (22.6%), New Farm (22.3%), Wellington Point (22.2%), Ashgrove/ Bardon (21.9%), Cleveland/ Ormiston ( 21.8%), Paddington – Milton/ Red Hill (Qld) (21.6%), Albany Creek/ Eatons Hill (20.9%), Belmont – Gumdale/ Birkdale/ Thorneside (20.9%), Redland Islands (20.3%).

“We’re not telling Australians how much to drink. We’re providing advice about the health risks from drinking alcohol so that we can all make informed decisions in our daily lives. This advice has been developed over the past three years using the best health evidence available,” Professor Anne Kelso, CEO of the National Health and Medical Research Council said.

Public consultation on the draft guidelines concluded last February 2020 and will undergo expert review before it is finalised by the third quarter of 2020.

Read: Two Bardon Women Are 2020 Order of Australia Honourees

5 Beautiful Parks In Bardon To Enjoy Social Distancing

Big, wide-open spaces like public parks are great for social distancing. In these trying times, when public health is a critical global issue, experts said that it’s better to be outdoors, in Bardon parks, than indoors only if you’re planning to enjoy some time for recreation.

Bardon is fortunate to have heaps of public parks where you can relax, embrace the scenery in peace and lower your stress levels. Here are five beautiful parks in this suburb to visit and enjoy some social distancing.

1. Norman Buchan Park

Location: 53 Rainworth Road 

This is a dog-friendly park with plenty of shade trees, a large grassy area and a cemented path for disability access. There is a set of play equipment for children (be sure to sanitise with alcohol!) and ample amenities like clean toilets, undercover seating, water stations and parking. 

Photo Credit: Google Maps

2. Rainworth Park

Location: 67 Main Ave

This is a smaller park with an abundance of shaded areas. It’s perhaps the best place to do your daily exercises or read a book in a cool setting, while social distancing, as this park isn’t designed for big get-togethers. There is, however, a small jungle gym for kids. 

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Read: Swimply, Airbnb of Pools, Now in Australia

3. Colorado Avenue Park

Location: 81 Fifth Avenue

This is another tiny park with a single walking track next to a creek. If you’d like to enjoy a morning walk or a late afternoon romp without fear of getting lost in the bushland, check this site out. There are no other facilities in this park.

Photo Credit: Google Maps

4. Sunset Park

Location: 105 Barnett Road

An off-leash dog area (for small dogs only), this park also has a BMX facility for teens and kids. It’s close to Bardon Esplanade Park by the road reserve, where there are plenty of trees but no facilities. Thus, you can walk and exercise to your heart’s delight around these sites.

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Read: Two Bardon Women Are 2020 Order of Australia Honourees

5. Purtell Park

57 Carwoola Street

Sports activities dominate this park but it’s big and spacious so you can enjoy the scenery in peace, especially during the early evenings. Occasionally, you may spot some kookaburras here. Dogs are welcome, too. 

Meanwhile, for information on COVID-19 Health Alerts, visit Queensland Health’s official site and Brisbane City Council’s Coronavirus: Council Updates and Impacts page. 

Begonias-A-Plenty 2020 Brings the Largest Unique Showcase In Queensland

The largest begonia display in Queensland is back for another year at the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. Begonias-A-Plenty 2020 is a great opportunity for gardeners, horticulturists and green fingers to find a wide variety of begonias, including new hybrids, rare and endangered species.

Hosted by the Queensland Begonia Society, Begonias-A-Plenty will be underway on Saturday, the 29th of February 2020 at the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens Auditorium. The plant showcase will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

This will be the best time to buy begonia varieties that are not available at most nurseries.  Did you know that begonias do not grow naturally in Australia? Well, on display at this event are hundreds of begonia varieties created by Queensland and Australian growers. 

Photo Credit: Queensland Begonia Society

Read: Goodfolk Cafe Takes Over Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters Site in Bardon, Serving Same Roasted Coffee

Aside from admiring the quality and variety of the begonias on display, guests may meet and talk to members of the Queensland Begonia Society for tips and advice on caring and growing begonias. 

By 10:00 a.m., a full-hour plant workshop will be underway, which will be followed by a “Name This Begonia” competition and a raffle draw. Guests may also peruse books for sale, as authored by local begonia experts. 

Begonias-A-Plenty is guaranteed to be an enjoyable and enriching full day for plant lovers. 

For further details about this event, phone (07) 5502 2579 or email shevi71b@gmail.com (Shevanti Seneviratne).   

Read: Ongoing Outdoor Cinema in the Suburbs Happening at Jubilee Park

Two Bardon Women Are 2020 Order of Australia Honourees

At the recently held 2020 Australia Day Awards, almost half, the highest percentage so far, of the recipients were women, including two distinguished women from Bardon.

A total of 1,099 awards were announced on 26 January 2020 by the Governor-General and Chancellor of the Order of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd). 

There were 837 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia, 26 recipients in the Military Division of the Order of Australia, and 236 recipients of meritorious awards. 

Almost 45 percent or 375 were awarded for outstanding service or achievement in the community. The oldest recipient is 97 years old whilst the youngest is 19.

Read: State Government Installs Solar Panels at Bardon State School, More Qld Schools on the Way

A record 41.6 percent of the award recipients in the General Division of the Order of Australia were women — the highest ever. Included were Bardon’s very own Ms Sarah Bradley – for distinguished service to the law, and to the judiciary, to women in the legal profession, and to the community; and Ms Marita Louise Cowie – for significant service to community health in rural and remote areas. 

Judge Sarah Bradley was honoured Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia. She has served as a judge of the District Court of Queensland (Cairns, 1999-2009, Ipswich 2010-2016). She was also a Member (2000-2009) then Chair (2009-2012) of the District Court Judges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee.

Her awards and recognition include Woman in Excellence Award, Women Lawyers Association of Queensland, 2016; and Honorary Life Member, Queensland Law Society

Ms Marita Louise Cowie was appointed Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia. She served at the Asthma Foundation of Queensland as Director (2013-2015) and Chairman (2014-2015).

She has been the Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, since 1998; Director and Deputy Chair of Asthma Foundation Queensland and New South Wales, since 2015; and Director and Deputy Chairman of Asthma Australia since 2014. 

Her awards and recognition include Honorary Doctor of Medicine, James Cook University, 2018; Honorary Member, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, 2009; Distinguished Service Medal, Rural Doctors Association of Australia, 2007; and  Honorary Member, Rural Doctors Association Queensland.

See for the full list of Australia Day 2020 Honours List.

Read: Rainworth State School Now on the Queensland Heritage List

State Government Installs Solar Panels at Bardon State School, More Qld Schools on the Way

The State Government ends 2019 with Advancing Clean Energy Schools (ACES) program reaching another milestone as Bardon State School and several other Qld schools saw solar panels installed over their rooftops.

State schools are one of the State Government’s largest energy consumers, spending more than $71 million each year. Advancing Clean Energy Schools (ACES) Program is the State Government’s initiative aimed at reducing energy consumption at 1,241 state schools through a $97-million investment in solar panels and energy efficiency measures, which may include LED lighting, timers on hot water systems, and additional solar systems.

Ten thousand new solar panels have already been installed on 76 state school buildings and classrooms, Education Minister Grace Grace announced last 17 December 2019. As installation work ramped up over the Christmas holiday period, additional 2,000 panels would have already been installed in 14 Qld state schools entering the year 2020.

“We’re making great progress in making our state schools more energy efficient,” she said, adding that the ACES program is expected to support 320 jobs and 58,000 hours of apprentice work.

“Not only are we going to save millions of dollars, we’re also helping reduce our impact on the environment and support local jobs in the process,” she said.

The ACES Program is expected to help the state achieve its 50 percent renewable energy target by 2030, with approximately $10 million savings realised per year. 

Almost 3,000 kW of solar power is being generated, so far, from the installed panels across the state and almost 34,000 solar panels would have been installed by the end of June 2020.

Of the 1,241 state schools, more than 800 across the Department of Education’s 7 regions are being assessed for possible inclusion in program which will be based on the potential for a return on investment, current levels of energy use, student numbers and site conditions.

The Department of Education has identified the first 210 schools (30 from each region) to have solar panels installed by the end of the financial  year. Phase 2 of the program will be implemented during 2020-21 followed by Phase 3 during 2021-22.

The first 30 schools in Metropolitan region to benefit from the ACES program include:

  1. Acacia Ridge State School
  2. Ascot State School
  3. Ashgrove State School
  4. Aviation High
  5. Balmoral State High School
  6. Bardon State School
  7. Camp Hill State Infants and Primary School
  8. Cannon Hill State School
  9. Coorparoo Secondary College
  10. Coorparoo State School
  11. Eagle Junction State School
  12. Graceville State School
  13. Ithaca Creek State School
  14. Kedron State School
  15. Marshall Road State School
  16. Milton State School
  17. Moorooka State School
  18. Morningside State School
  19. New Farm State School
  20. Norman Park State School
  21. Petrie Terrace State School
  22. Rainworth State School
  23. Toowong State School
  24. Wellers Hill State School
  25. West End State School
  26. Whites Hill State College
  27. Wilston State School
  28. Windsor State School
  29. Wooloowin State School
  30. Yeronga State High School

Read: Swimply, Airbnb of Pools, Now in Australia

Ongoing Outdoor Cinema in the Suburbs Happening at Jubilee Park

Brisbane City Council’s Outdoor Cinema in the Suburbs is on a roll again! Movie buffs looking for a change in scenery can look forward to a series of family movies to be screened for FREE in Jubilee Park. 

For 2020, the family event will kick off on Saturday, the 18th of January, in Bardon. Succeeding screenings are also scheduled on the 15th of February and the 4th of April.

Outdoor Cinema in the Suburbs opens at 4:00 p.m. with some pre-movie activities since there’s still a bit of daylight at this hour. The screening will officially start at 6:30 p.m. when the sky is darker. 

Read: Burger Urge Brings Sustainable Dining to Kelvin Grove

Previous outdoor cinema events presented family-friendly films like “Peter Rabbit,” “Incredibles 2,” “Hotel Transylvania 3” and “Goosebumps.” The Council has yet to confirm what Bardon locals will get to see. To get the updates, follow the Council’s Facebook event page.

Photo Credit: David McLean/Google Maps

There’s more to enjoy at this event as you’re already there in Jubilee Park. The children can have fun at the playground whilst the older kids could play frisbee, board games and cards by their picnic spot.

Needless to say, movie night in the park is easily the most inexpensive enjoyment you can have in the company of the people you love!

Here’s where the rest of the free Outdoor Cinema in the Suburbs screenings will be taking place around Brisbane: 

DATEPLACE
Sat 18 Jan
Fri 14 Feb 		Decker Park, 18 Twenty-Fifth Avenue, Brighton
Sat 25 Jan
Sat 15 Feb 		Whites Hill Reserve, 205 Jones Road, Camp Hill
Sat 1 Feb
Sat 2 May		Lanham Park, 75 Sellheim Street, Grange
Fri 14 FebHeathwood Park, 140 Parkwood Drive, Heathwood
Sat 15 Feb
Sat 16 May		George Clayton Park, 298 The Esplanade, Manly
Sat 22 Feb
Sat 4 April		Williams Park, 79 Ervatamia Street, Runcorn
Sat 22 Feb7th Brigade Park, 21 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside
Sat 29 Feb Murarrie Recreation Ground, 1238 Wynnum Rd, Murarrie
Sat 7 MarHuxtable Park, Chermside West
Sat 21 MarKianawah Park, Tingalpa

Registrations are not needed at this event. Just bring your whole family or group at Jubilee Park and set your picnic blankets or cushions. Share your food or buy from the food stall and then enjoy the film!

Read: Goodfolk Cafe Takes Over Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters Site in Bardon, Serving Same Roasted Coffee

Swimply, Airbnb of Pools, Now in Australia

The difficulty of finding a private place to cool off for Bardon residents and visitors is now a thing of the past, as the world’s first online marketplace for pool sharing has finally splashed its way to Australia.

Touted as the “Airbnb for pools,” Swimply is an online platform for pool sharing, providing a convenient way for private pool owners wanting to earn extra cash and people looking for an affordable pool to hire, to connect. 

Swimply app was launched in the U.S. back in 2017. Owner Bunim Laskin came up with the idea at the height of summer in 2016 when they asked their next-door neighbour to let him and his siblings use the under utilised pool at certain days; in return, they will pay for a portion of the pool costs. The idea spawned this “Airbnb for pools” concept.

Swimply app works by providing a way for user to rent pools by the hour; rates range from $20 to $50 an hour. Through the app, users can check the pool’s description, amenities, host rules, and the number of guests it can accommodate. Prior to listing, pools are vetted to ensure that they meet health and safety standards

Airbnb of Pools Is Now in Australia
Photo credit: Swimply / swimply.com

Swimply operates in the United States and Canada and has now expanded to Australia — NSW, Queensland, and Victoria — just in time for summer. Mr Laskin said Australian’s enjoy long summers and that Swimply’s entry will help democratise the pool experience and make access to pools more affordable.

Australia will be Swimply’s first international expansion and for all the right reasons. Roy Morgan’s latest research shows that almost 2.7 million Australians live in a house with a swimming pool as of September 2018. Swimming pool owners make up 13 percent of the country’s population, with 18 percent of Brisbane residents owning a pool, Perth 19 percent, and Sydney 15 percent.

The platform, no doubt is a success in the U.S. with some pool owners earning by the thousands every month. Considering Swimply’s fast rise to success and Australia’s love of the outdoors, it may not be long before this pool-sharing concept catches on.

Read: Goodfolk Cafe Takes Over Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters Site in Bardon, Serving Same Roasted Coffee

Goodfolk Cafe Takes Over Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters Site in Bardon, Serving Same Roasted Coffee

Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters may have left this historic general store space on Rainworth Road in Bardon but their delicious, locally roasted coffee is still available on site, at Goodfolk Cafe, where the good folks in the neighbourhood can still get their favourite brew along with some new brunch options.

Goodfolk Cafe is owned by Adam Murphy and Nick Turner, who also run the Gramps Cafe in Red Hill. The partners grabbed the rare chance to acquire this charming Bardon space to open a dining establishment that has an inviting community feel.

Read: Peach Cafe in Auchenflower Opens at Former Flower Shop’s Site

Adam and Nick repainted the walls and added a few share tables, including a large 16-seater, for communal dining. Now, over 100 patrons can be accommodated for breakfast or brunch and the children may also play at the spacious garden in the backyard. 

Photo Credit: Goodfolk Cafe/Facebook

The restaurant’s menu is still changing and growing as Goodfolk Cafe gets into the swing of things. For now, customers may enjoy the classics like toasts, poached eggs, a bowl of seasonal fruits and vegan specialties, which are prepared with ingredients coming from the on-site garden. 

Photo Credit: Goodfolk Cafe/Facebook
Photo Credit: Goodfolk Cafe/Facebook

Aside from growing most of its ingredients and making its own hot chocolate, chai syrup and almond milk, this place is a sustainable establishment. Its owners have adapted an efficient waste-management system that makes use of its kitchen wastes as compost for the garden. Goodfolk Cafe also makes us of biodegradable straws and takeaway cups are recyclable.

Goodfolk Cafe is open from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily. By mid-2020, the restaurant could obtain its liquor licence. 

Read: Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters Ceases Brewing in Bardon

“Gorgeous coffee and chai. They make their own almond milk and it’s divine. The place has an overall nice feel to it. We started with breakfast (amazing avo on toast) and ordered a chai because we didn’t want to leave! Staff super friendly. My favourite spot in Brisbane!”

~ Mini Lolo, Google Review

“On the way to the Bardon Shed, I drove past this cafe. Remember I had an impressive brekkie here last time so parked my car and checked it out. When I approached the cafe, I then realized that it has changed the name as the Goodfolk Cafe. Walked in and the first thing attracted my gaze was the plain croissants sitting on top of the counter. They looked great and tempted me to give it a go. Took a seat at the corner and I could not wait to see how my visual appraisal was. When the passionate barista brought me the croissant, the episode that I had my best croissant a few weeks ago in Pairs appeared in my mind. The first cut by the knife reflected the flaky and layered texture of this croissant. Ha! I found another place who serves real croissant in Brisbane! Not only that, the coffee of Neighbourhood brew was perfectly matched my palate. Tell you a secret tip of its croissant, they get as frozen produce from France and baked them in house. No wonder it is so good.” 

~ Ronnielui2003, Zomato

Published 9 December 2019