Lutwyche Archives - Kedron Today

Internal Modifications Proposed for Lutwyche Shopping Centre

A proposal has been lodged to modify and expand internal retail space at Lutwyche Shopping Centre, aiming to improve layout functionality and tenant offerings.

Proposal Seeks New Retail Layout in Lutwyche

A development application (DA/A006715772) has been submitted to BCC for internal modifications at Lutwyche Shopping Centre, located at 501 Lutwyche Road. The changes are designed to enhance the shopping experience through a revised internal layout and the creation of a larger retail tenancy.

Brisbane development application — *Photo Credit: DA/A006715772*

Background and Site Information

The proposed changes are situated within the existing Lutwyche Shopping Centre precinct. Previous approvals have allowed for retail development at this location, with the current application aiming to optimise space usage and improve customer flow through reconfiguration.

The shopping centre has been a key retail hub for the surrounding community, with ongoing updates reflecting changes in consumer demand and tenancy requirements. This latest application continues that trend of incremental improvement.

Internal Modifications Proposed — *Photo Credit: DA/A006715772*

Details of the Proposed Changes

According to planning documents designed by Verve, the works will include the reconfiguration of food court tenancies and the removal and relocation of various internal spaces. The primary objective is to establish a larger single retail tenancy.

Additional modifications will include façade improvements along Chalk Street and revised site plans and elevations. The proposal outlines an increase in the total gross floor area (GFA) to 635 square metres, reflecting a net gain of approximately 83 square metres.

There will be no changes to current car parking provisions, and both pedestrian and vehicle access will remain unchanged.

The tenancy layout is designed to provide expanded retail space without disrupting existing traffic patterns or external access points.

Lutwyche Shopping Centre — *Photo Credit: DA/A006715772*

Architectural and Planning Considerations

The planners from Urbis stated that the design introduces variation through form, external detailing, and materials. The modifications are described as consistent with existing approvals and local planning controls.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The application is currently under assessment. The proponents have requested BCC approval to proceed with the proposed modifications, with no alterations to broader site access or parking arrangements anticipated.

Published 10-Apr-2025

Woman’s Death on Kedron Brook Bikeway Likely Accidental, Police Report

Photo Credit: GoFundMe

A woman’s death on the popular Kedron Brook Bikeway in Lutwyche last week may have resulted from an accidental fall while retrieving a dropped water bottle, according to Queensland Police.

The body of the woman, identified only as being in her 50s and referred to in memorial tributes as “Kerri,” was discovered by a passerby at approximately 5:40 a.m. on Monday, March 24. Emergency services were called to the scene, but the woman was declared dead upon their arrival.

“Initial investigations suggest that the woman may have been attempting to retrieve a dropped water bottle when she fell and sustained a fatal injury,” a Queensland Police Service spokeswoman confirmed on Tuesday. The exact circumstances of the fall, including the height and specific injuries sustained, have not been disclosed.

A makeshift memorial has appeared at the site, with red and orange flowers lining the barrier alongside coloured balloons bearing messages including “love you Nan Kerri,” “love you,” and “fly high momma K” written directly on the railing.

Following the discovery, temporary orange fencing was installed on both sides of the bikeway, which was closed while police conducted their investigation. By Tuesday night, the temporary fencing had been removed, with permanent railings now blocking direct access to the brook.

The Brisbane City Council has declined to comment on questions regarding the condition of the barriers before the incident, citing the ongoing police investigation. Police have stated they will prepare a report for the coroner, and the death is being treated as non-suspicious.

The Kedron Brook Bikeway, which connects several northern Brisbane suburbs, is a popular route for cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians in the area.

Published 25-March-2025

Incident on Perry Street Leaves Cyclist In Critical Condition

Photo Credit: bertknot

On February 28, 2025, a serious incident occurred on Perry Street in Lutwyche, leaving a cyclist in his 50s in critical condition.

Incident Location

The accident took place on Perry Street in Lutwyche, with emergency services responding to the scene just before 11:00 AM. The precise location highlights a potential safety concern for local cyclists in this suburban area.

Medical Emergency

Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) reported that the cyclist suffered a significant head injury after coming off his bike and striking a light pole. The cyclist was immediately transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a life-threatening condition.

Published 28-February-2025

Michel’s Patisserie to Close All Stores, Including Lutwyche Location

One of Australia’s well-known bakery chains, Michel’s Patisserie, is set to close all its remaining stores, including its store inside shopping centre HomeCo Lutwyche.

Read: Healthy Eatery Marketcart Shuts Doors in Kedron Amid Economic Pressures

The decision was announced by Retail Food Group (RFG), the company behind the brand, which attributed the closures to various challenges preventing future growth.

According to an RFG spokesperson, despite Michel’s Patisserie’s long-standing presence in Australia’s retail food sector, an internal review revealed several obstacles to sustaining the brand’s expansion.

As a result, franchise owners are being encouraged to transition their businesses to either the Gloria Jean’s brand or Donut King, two other RFG-owned chains.

The spokesperson also mentioned that both Gloria Jean’s and Donut King present promising opportunities for Michel’s Patisserie franchisees who are considering their business prospects in the short or long term.

A Legacy of Baked Goods and Coffee

Like other stores under the brand, the Lutwyche location was best known for its exclusive coffee blends and baked goods, ranging from cakes to quiches. Michel’s Patisserie was a popular destination for customers seeking high-quality pastries, birthday cakes, and savoury treats, making its closure a significant shift in the Australian café and bakery scene.

The news has left many long-time patrons disappointed, as the brand had established itself as a go-to for affordable and delicious treats. With the upcoming closures, customers will have to look elsewhere for their favourite Michel’s Patisserie offerings.

Read: La Familia Coffee: Building Community in Stafford One Cup at a Time

About Michel’s Patisserie

Michel’s Patisserie was founded in Sydney in 1980 by French chef Michel Cattoen and his wife Elisabeth. Initially a small operation, it rapidly grew in popularity before being sold in 1988 to Noel Carroll and Noel Roberts. Under new ownership, the brand expanded across Australia, gaining a reputation for its European-inspired baked goods and coffee.

Retail Food Group acquired Michel’s Patisserie in 2007, overseeing the chain during its peak when it had over 300 locations nationwide. However, by 2025, only 19 stores remained, all of which are now set to be either closed or converted into other RFG brands.

The closure marks the end of an era for the brand that once dominated the Australian bakery landscape. For loyal customers, the transition away from Michel’s Patisserie signals a significant change in the country’s café and bakery offerings.

Published 14-February-2025

Contro Wellness: Lutwyche Residents Embrace New Private Wellness Experience

Photo Credit: Contro Wellness

Lutwyche locals now have access to a unique wellness experience with the opening of Contro Wellness, a bathhouse offering private treatment rooms.

Located at 488 Lutwyche Road, Contro Wellness provides services designed to help people relax and rejuvenate in their own space. This Mediterranean-inspired facility is just 13 minutes north of Brisbane’s city centre, making it a convenient option for those seeking a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

A Variety of Therapies

It offers a wide range of treatments to suit individual needs. The bathhouse has traditional and infrared saunas for those seeking traditional heat therapy. Infrared saunas use light to heat the body directly, which some believe promotes deeper relaxation and improved circulation.

The facility also offers contrast therapy, in which clients alternate between a sauna’s heat and an ice bath’s cold. This practice is said to stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation.

Beyond Saunas

Contro Wellness also provides float therapy in open tanks and pods if you want something different. Float therapy involves floating weightlessly in a sensory deprivation environment, which can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

Other services include mineral soaks, steam rooms, red light, and massage therapy. Mineral soaks are designed to detoxify the body and improve skin health, while red light therapy is believed to enhance healing and stimulate regeneration.

Affordable Wellness

It aims to make wellness accessible to everyone, with sessions starting at just $45. The bathhouse also offers discounts for those who bring a friend or purchase a multi-pack of sessions. All necessary amenities, such as towels, robes, and slippers, are provided. Clients are encouraged to bring comfortable clothing after their session; swimwear is optional for float therapy.

Booking and Payment

Bookings can be made online through the Contro Wellness website or by calling 0423 257 517.

Published Date 22-Jan-2025

Lutwyche Development Sparks Debate

Photo Credit: DA A006589144

A proposal for a nine-storey residential building in Lutwyche has ignited debate among residents and urban planners.

Lutwyche debate — *Photo Credit:* *DA A006589144*

The development, designed by HAL Architects, would demolish two pre-1947 houses on Norman Avenue to make way for a 55-unit complex. The building would include two- and three-bedroom apartments, communal space, and two levels of underground parking.

While the project aims to address Brisbane’s growing demand for housing, some residents have raised concerns about the building’s height and its potential impact on the neighbourhood’s character.

HAL Architects argue that the building’s design has been carefully considered to minimise its impact on the surrounding area.

The firm states that various design techniques have reduced the building’s height and scale and that using varied materials will help articulate the building’s form and create a human scale.

Brisbane City Council is currently assessing the development application. A decision on the proposal is expected in the coming months.

Published Date 01-December-2024

Lutwyche Development Scales Up to Match Housing Push in Brisbane

Photo Credit: DA A006589144

A proposed apartment tower in Lutwyche is set to significantly increase in size, responding directly to new incentives to boost housing supply across the city.

Brisbane-based developer Jadecorp has submitted revised plans for a nine-storey, 55-apartment building at 21-23 Norman Avenue, Lutwyche. This represents a substantial increase from their previously approved six-storey, 38-unit project.

The move comes after Brisbane City Council introduced a Housing Supply Action Plan last October to tackle housing shortages in critical areas. Jadecorp’s site, located within a high-density residential zone, is considered a prime location for new housing due to its proximity to public transport and a major shopping centre.

Jadecorp is keen to take advantage of the incentives, which include reduced infrastructure charges, relaxed building height restrictions in certain areas, and potential reductions in required car parking spaces.

The revised plans, designed by Hayes Anderson Lynch Architects, feature a mix of two—and three-bedroom apartments and communal open space.

While the proposal exceeds height limits and falls short on car parking spaces, the increased density is appropriate given the site’s zoning and access to amenities.

The developers are confident that the project aligns with the city’s housing goals, significantly improving the current site and contributing to the much-needed housing supply.

If approved, the development will replace two pre-1947 houses, marking an important transformation for the site.

Published Date 28-August-2024

Lutwyche Set for Residential Transformation with Proposed Six-Storey Development

Photo Credit: DA A006413833

A significant redevelopment is on the horizon for Lutwyche, as a development application has been submitted for a new six-storey residential building at 21A-25 Windsor Avenue.

Development on 21A-25 Windsor Avenue, Lutwyche — *Photo Credit: DA A006413833*

The proposal, designed by Architect Angelo Patrick, aims to introduce 16 new units to the area, replacing the existing single-storey dwellings on the 2,918-square-metre site.

The project envisions a modern structure with a rooftop communal area for residents, offering views to the north. A commitment to green space is evident in the plans, with 15.8% of the site dedicated to deep planting. The development also addresses transportation needs, providing 34 car parking spaces and designated bicycle spaces.

Spanning a gross floor area of 21,567 sq m, the building is designed to occupy 65% of the site. Notably, the project aligns with the area’s High-Density residential zoning, which permits structures up to eight storeys. It also adheres to the guidelines of the Lutwyche Road Corridor Neighbourhood Plan.

Submitted on the 31st October 2024 the development application, referenced as A006413833, is now under review by the council. The proposal has been meticulously documented in reports from Tam Dang Planning, with design drawings by Architect Angelo Patrick and landscape drawings by AGLA. For a visual representation of the project’s potential impact, an interactive image combining Google Aerial and Streetview is available.

This development marks a notable shift in Lutwyche’s urban landscape, promising to increase residential density and introduce contemporary architectural elements to the neighbourhood. As the project progresses through the approval process, it will undoubtedly spark discussions about the future of housing and development in the area.

Published Date 14-May-2024

Feel Like a Pilot for a Day at Flight Simulator Queensland in Lutwyche

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly a commercial airplane or a fighter jet? At Flight Simulator Queensland in Lutwyche, you can step into a state-of-the-art flight simulator that places you right in the cockpit of a Boeing 737 or F/A-18 Super Hornet, in control under various flying conditions.

Read: Windsor Air Raid Shelter: A Remnant of WWII in Lutwyche

With high-tech flight simulators modelled after real-world aircraft, you can learn the basics of flight in a safe and realistic environment.

Whether you opt for the Boeing 737 or F/A-18 Super Hornet simulator, an experienced pilot will provide a pre-flight briefing to teach you about the instruments and controls, such as interpreting the instrument panel, communicating with air traffic control, and landing the simulated aircraft.

Once you are settled into the flight deck, you will be able to practise taking off, landing, and recovering from engine failure at one of over 24,000 airports worldwide. The state-of-the-art HD visuals and real-world flight procedures make it feel like you’re really soaring through the skies.

Flight Simulator Queensland — Photo credit: flightsimulatorqld.com.au

The simulators can replicate almost any weather condition imaginable, from sunny skies to thunderstorms and heavy snow. You can even bring up to three friends along to watch and take photos as you test your pilot skills. It’s an unforgettable and safe way to get a small taste of the thrill that comes from flying a plane!

Flight Simulator Queensland offers sessions on weekends (Friday to Sunday) by appointment. Whether you’re a budding pilot looking for some training or just a flying enthusiast, it’s an experience unlike any other. With an expert pilot guiding you every step of the way, you will gain invaluable insights into the world of aviation from the flight deck.

Read: From the Zone Bowling Alley to a New Medical Centre: Reimagining 278 Gympie Road

To book a session and feel what it’s like to take the controls, visit their website at flightsimulatorqld.com.au. The sky’s the limit!

Published 26-October-2023

Developer Submits Plans for 265-Unit Retirement Village in Lutwyche

Developers have submitted plans for a major retirement village development along Laura Street and Lowerson Street in Lutwyche.

Read: New Bridge From Leyton St to Wolverhampton St Takes Center Stage Over Kedron Brook in Stafford

Designed by Marchese Partners, the proposed village at 32, 33, 34-36, 35-37, 36A & 39 Laura Street and 39 Lowerson St, Lutwyche would consist of 265 high-density retirement living units across three 10-storey residential buildings.

The project aims to provide quality senior housing options to meet growing demand in the area. With Lutwyche’s ageing population, the developers believe the village addresses a need for more accessible and community-focused retirement facilities.

“The proposal delivering 265 retirement living dwellings will support the availability of additional housing options in response to community and economic need in the catchment as well as supporting Brisbane City Council’s target to increase the retirement and aged care housing options in Brisbane by 50 percent by 2027 under the Retirement and Aged Care Initiative,” planners stated.

“Even with the current proposal of 265 dwellings, there will be a shortfall of retirement living housing options in the catchment. Thus, demonstrating both a community and economic need for the proposed development.”

The residential towers would be separated by landscaped spaces, with private balconies and terraces for the individual units. Communal recreation areas, including a rooftop space, are also planned. The 28,240 sqm development would be constructed over three stages.

Marchese Partners’ design incorporates features to integrate the village into the surrounding neighbourhood. Around 17 percent of the site would be dedicated to deep planting and greenery. Vehicle access points and pedestrian pathways are designed to connect residents to nearby streets and footpaths.

“The proposal will deliver a high quality architectural design that incorporates the use of a range of innovative design techniques to reduce the appearance of bulk and scale and ensure a visually balanced facade,” the planning documents read.

Read: Proposal for New Multi-Dwelling Residential Development on Norman Avenue Lodged

To learn more about the plans, visit Brisbane City Council’s PD Online with the reference A006320813.

Published 7-September-2023