The Moreton Bay Regional Council approved the development of Lot 76 in November 2018. Aerial photography confirmed that the site on currently doesn’t have any buildings nor developments.
Under the proposed plan, the 4,000 square meters Lot 76 on Stapylton Street will be able to accommodate three tenancies showrooms with its own warehouse within a 1,733 square meter building. The commercial site will also provide 46 car parks for its visitors and guests.
Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council
The showrooms may comprise furniture, electrical goods, carpets, sporting goods, clothing, toys, and white goods like air conditioners, refrigerators, and stoves.
North Lakes continues to be a family-friendly suburb as revealed by recent data from CoreLogic via Your Investment Property shows that the suburb is among the most popular neighbourhoods among homebuyers looking in the outer Brisbane areas.
The attractiveness of living in the suburb is primarily due to the relatively low real estate prices. The median price of the houses is less than $500,000. As a result, the suburb has a recorded 436 houses sold in the past 12 months.
However, aside from the property price, homebuyers are lured in by the North Lakes lifestyle that is ideal for families with children.
Newly-developed homes around the North Lakes Golf Course form one of the most popular neighbourhoods in the suburb. Notable schools such as the North Lakes State College and The Lakes College as well as a good number of childcare and early learning centres are among the appealing factors for families.
The new development, Laguna North Lakes, is also a bright spot in the property scene in the suburb. The mixed-use development within the North Lakes town centre, includes a 138-room hotel, commercial office spaces, health and wellness facilities, aquatic centre, restaurant and bar, and a lagoon-style pool. It is being hailed as Brisbane’s new world-class mixed-use precinct.
Bounty Boulevard State School, the largest state primary school, has recently opened its much awaited multi-purpose hall.
After years of campaigning, with the help of a $5-million funding from the Queensland government, the school was finally able to build the multi-purpose hall that it badly needs.
Constructed between May and December 2017, the new facility was officially opened in 18 April 2018.
The new school hall is a state-of-the-art facility capable of hosting the school’s musical and sporting events. Not only that, the school community also benefits from the additional 46 parking spaces which have also been included in the project.
According to Education Minister Grace Grace, the government is pleased to deliver the project to support the school community for many years to come.
“I know this wonderful new hall has been a welcome addition for the school,” Ms Grace said.
“Bounty Boulevard State School has grown in step with the surrounding local community, opening with 130 students in 2009 and growing to an enrolment today of more than 1,400,” she added.
Education Minister Grace Grace and Member for Murrumba Chris Whiting at the Official Opening of the New Hall Photo credit: chriswhiting.com.au
Member for Murrumba Chris Whiting was the one who helped to secure the $5 million funding for the Bounty Boulevard State School.
Together with the school leadership, the P&C, and school community, their efforts in campaigning for the school hall were finally rewarded as the project successfully became a part of the Government’s $200 million Advancing Queensland Schools Fund.
“It has been a privilege to work with the Bounty Boulevard school community to secure this much-needed hall for them,” Mr Whiting said.
“It was clear that Queensland’s largest primary school needed a hall, and it is great the current Education Minister Grace Grace was able to open it,” he added.
Photo credit: chriswhiting.com.au
The new hall currently houses a multipurpose sports court, stage area, storage rooms, amenities, and change rooms. It also includes kitchen facilities, a multi-purpose area, and an outside school hours care office and activity area.
According to Bounty Boulevard State School principal Paul McSwiney, they have been using the hall since February 2018.
The facility is perfect for wet weather play and PE lessons. It also enhances music, drama, and sport in the school.
“This is a fabulous addition both for our school and for the local community,” Mr McSwiney said.
“Already the community is on board, with basketball being played here two nights a week and the hall acting as a venue for church services on Sundays,” he added.
The school is very excited as the latest addition to their facilities was officially opened. Certainly, the new school hall will be a great asset not only for the school but also for the local community for years to come.
In Round One of the Smart Cities and Suburbs Program, $450,000 has been granted by the Australian Government to North Lakes for its Smart Parking project.
Following Moreton Bay Regional Council‘s calls for tenders for the design, installation, and operation of the system, a total of three tenders were received by the Council for the project. The tender process closed on 12 December 2017.
The tender for the North Lakes Activity Centre Smart Car Parking Trial Design, Implement, and Operate project was discussed in a coordination committee meeting held on 27 February 2018.
In the report of the coordination committee meeting endorsed to the council, officers have recommended that the contract for the project be awarded to Telstra Pty Ltd for the sum of $479,865.80 (excluding GST).
Smart Parking Trial Area Photo credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council
Tender process
Amongst the three tenders submitted to the council, Telstra was the only one who submitted a comprehensive tender. Given their relevant experience in providing the technology needed for the smart parking project, it is no surprise that they were chosen to deliver the project.
Other companies who submitted a tender but were deemed non-conforming were Frogparking Pty Ltd who was deemed non-conforming due to incomplete submission and Smarter Technology Solutions Pty Ltd (STS) who were not invited to submit a full tender following the Expression of Interest process.
Two more aspects of this project will be delivered under separate contracts to ensure the accuracy of the technology. These are the CCTV of the smart car parking spots and the establishment of a Smart City data platform.
Photo credit: CCO Public Domain / chrisjmit / Pixabay
Project funding
The total value of the project as stated in the Smart Cities and Suburbs Program is $900,000 where $450,000 was granted by the Australian government and the remaining $450,000 will be co-contributed by the local government.
So far, the tender price for the project is $ 479,865.80 with contingency funds of five percent and a QLeave of $2,800.00. The total project cost is currently at $ 506,659.09. The remaining budget is set to be used for CCTV installation and the development of a Smart City Data Platform.
Benefits of the Project
Once completed, the project will improve traffic congestion associated with the introduction of pay parking at the North Lakes shopping centre. It will free up short-term parking spots, allowing residents easier access to parking for surrounding businesses. The proposed app and signage will also make it much simpler to navigate to a free parking spot.
A 2,000-square metre trampoline centre is being constructed in North Lakes. Called Revolution Sports Park, the place is expected to open its doors by mid-January 2018. By then, it will become a ground-breaking addition to the recreational scene in the suburb.
The trampoline park will have a main arena with 40 interconnected trampolines, two Olympic-style trampolines, and a 16-metre tumbling mat and airbag. The size of this area makes the park one of the largest trampoline places across Australia.
Credit: Revolution Sports Park Facebook
The Revolution Sports Park also has a performance arena that consists of six high performance Olympic-grade mats, two parkour running walls, and a huge airbag upon which to practice kinaesthetic activities.
Credit: Revolution Sports Park Facebook
If trampoline alone sounds not enough, there is a basketball arena consisting of three long trampoline mats underneath three basketball hoops at three varying heights. The tallest hoop is the regular 10-foot type used in regular basketball hoops.
The Revolution Sports Park may sound like an extreme-game destination with all the high jumpings involved, parents may rest assured that children are safe at the kiddies’ arena that is suited for kids under 120 centimetres. The area has 12 interconnected trampolines in an open format and huge kids playground with obstacles to climb, slides, and a ball pit.
Credit: Revolution Sports Park Facebook
More to come in mid-2018!
The Revolution Sports Park in North Lakes may just be opening its doors early in the year but management already has everything planned out. By mid-2018 it will be launching the rock climbing and high ropes arena.
“Learn to Fly” classes will also be held where North Lakes residents will be taught skills and tricks to use basic gymnastics to jump on trampoline, to tumble, and the most interesting of all, to do the parkour.
In February 2018, Revolution Sports Park will also introduce to North Lakes its event dubbed as “Under 18’s Dance Party”. It is a three-hour party intended for 13-17 years old where they can dance along with the music from live DJs but still keeping things appropriate for their age.
Revolution Sports Park Facebook
For more updates on Revolution Sports Park, click here.
Santa is staying in North Lakes from 12th of November until 24th of December and children can meet him at Westfield North Lakes. His visit comes just in time, after the state LNP and ALP announced projects aimed at increasing the police presence at Westfield North Lakes.
Safety at Westfield North Lakes
Early in November, LNP state candidate for Bancroft, Kara Thomas, and candidate for Murumba, Reg Gulley, announced that funding has been secured for a community project that involves designating a new police beat at Westfield North Lakes. The state LNP vouches for $300,000 in making the project a possibility.
LNP state candidate for Bancroft Kara Thomas Credit: LNP for Bancroft Facebook
The financial support parallels LNP’s bigger goal of promoting law and order across the state. In the announcement, Thomas has explained that while residents were primarily concern about the rising cost of living, crime is an equally important concern. She has shared that business owners, Westfield management, and the shoppers have positively welcomed the additional police beat.
Meanwhile, current Member for Murumba and ALP candidate for Bancroft, Chris Whiting, and ALP candidate for Murumba, Steven Miles, have further announced that the Palaszczuk Government will be designating 400 more police to the Mango Hill and North Lakes station.
Santa is Coming to Town
Santa arrives this Sunday Credit: Westfield North Lakes
On the 12th of November, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., children can catch their first glimpse of Santa during his Arrival Parade with Marshall & Chase from Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol. The parade starts from the Food Court. Waiting by the centre entry near City Beach, near Target, and near Coles is advised.
On the same day, Marshall & Chase from Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol will have a live stage show outside of the kids’ playground, near the Food Court. They will entertain fans from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. They will then be available for photo opp from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Marketplace, near Coles.
From 12th of November to 24th of December, families can have photos taken with Santa at Santa’s Chair, near the Food Court. The sessions require payment and different packages are available. Click here for the available options.
Santa Photography Credit: Westfield North Lakes
Children with special needs will also have an exclusive meet-and-greet and photo sessions with Santa on the 19th and 26th of November, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. The location remains unannounced as of press time, but the public is being assured that it will be a sensory-friendly environment. Slots are limited and bookings are required. Interested parties should call the Concierge Desk on 07 3882 9672.
Pets are also welcome to have photos with Santa from the 17th of November to 3rd of December. These sessions also require payments and prior bookings. For bookings, please click here. For the available package options, see here.
Patient pooches wait for their turn with Santa Credit: Westfield North Lakes
These are the available sessions:
Friday Sessions: 17th, 24th of Nov & 1st & 8th of Dec (7am to 8.30am)
Saturday Sessions: 18th, 25th of Nov & 2nd & 9th of Dec (7am to 8.30am)
Since becoming a suburb in 2006, North Lakes has continued to experience a flourishing commercial development and continued increase in population. The community has now become more diverse in culture and language. Both big and small businesses are being developed in the neighbourhood. It has also become an emerging lifestyle destination with different weekly events to enjoy.
North Lakes Credit: Stockland Residential Communities/YouTube
Big commercial developments are attracted to the region. The number of supermarket and grocery stores have reached 271. There are also 256 cafes and restaurants at present. The Westfield Shopping complex, which opened in 2003, has more than 4,900 car parks and 80 specialty shops. It is also the location of both the only Costco and the second IKEA flagship store in Queensland.
Credit: Westfield AU/YouTube
The firms behind Fortitude Valley’s James Street and Southport’s Brickwork developments are also working on the Laguna North Lakes just opposite the Westfield. It is slated to become the retail and entertainment destination in the suburb. It is designed with an outdoor shopping precinct, alfresco restaurants, office spaces that are for lease, a lagoon style pool, aquatic facilities, and a hotel with 140 rooms.
Laguna North Lakes Credit: Laguna North Lakes Facebook
Lifestyle destinations are booming in the suburb as well. The Fruit and Deli Co. will celebrate its second year at North Lakes Westfield in November.
The Fruit and Deli Co Credit: The Fruit and Deli Co Facebook
The SkinKandy, a safe piercing shop for the whole family, has just opened this week at Westfield.
SkinKandy Credit: SkinKandy North Lakes Facebook
The Hairhouse Warehouse, run by professionals in cutting, styling and caring for all types of hair, opens on 28 October.
There are currently 5,914 families in North Lakes, more than half of them with children. Family-friendly events are held regularly and enjoy a healthy attendance among the community.
Every first Thursday of the month, for instance, North Lakes Library welcomes kids, ages 9-12, to share and discuss books among themselves.
Families are welcome to attend a free CPR class every last Monday of every month.
Every Saturday in Caboolture Regional Art Gallery, children can learn traditional Chinese culture through workshops on lantern making, paper cutting, and Metaphysica collages.
Adult members of the families are treated to live music performances every Sunday afternoons at the North Lakes Resort and Golf Club.
On Monday and Friday mornings, with the exemption of public holidays, free specialist advice is given at Embrace Life’s Child Health Clinic.
Family Credit: CCO Public Domain / TheVirtualDenise/ Pixabay
All these are not surprising given the continued boom in the suburb. According to the recently released ABS Census, there are already 21,000 people in North Lakes at present. This is a 40 percent jump from the statistics back in 2011. The data also reflects a diverse background among North Lakes residents. The demographics indicate settlers from New Zealand, England, South Africa, India, and the Philippines. The most spoken language, aside from English, is Afrikaans, followed by Mandarin, Hindi, Spanish, and Tagalog.
North Lakes Credit: Northlakes.com.au Facebook
Among the northern suburbs of Brisbane, North Lakes seems truly one of the places to be.
Thanks to government allocation to build new schools in Queensland, the wish of parents to have a new school or campus in the North Lakes area could become a reality soon.
The state government is investing $200 million for the Advancing Queensland State Schools program, which is intended to fast-track state school infrastructure projects. The investment includes a $45-million fund to acquire new school sites in the state.
Chris Whiting, MP for Murrumba, is pushing to get funding for a new high school site in the North Lakes area. Whiting said that since he was elected, parents in the area have been urging him to push for a new local high school or campus. He believes that the Advancing Queensland Schools fund is an excellent opportunity for the booming region to finally get its wish.
Parents from North Lakes, Mango Hill and Griffin have been asking the Department of Education and Training to give locals another option for their kids.
The residents’ demand found support in an independent proposal by Building Queensland in December 2016 indicating a need for a secondary school in North Brisbane. The Building Queensland report states that the current schools in the North Lakes area may not be able to handle future enrolment demand.
The region has seen strong growth over the years and the population has grown significantly. Parents believe that the educational infrastructure needed to meet the region’s growth must be built the soonest time possible.
