Laneways give a much-needed lift to inner-Valley

NEWS

Bakery Lane, the latest project in a grand vision by Valley stalwarts Charlie and Arthur Apostolos to revive inner Fortitude Valley’s under-utilised laneways, is now open for business.

And to celebrate the project’s completion, providore markets offering artisans’ wares, baked goods and local produce will kick off on Saturday May 2. Winn Lane across Ann Street, the first laneway developed by the long-time Valley property owners, will co-host the markets from 11am to 1pm.

Charlie Apostolos said Bakery Lane was the biggest of three laneways to be developed. The next one on the go, California Lane that runs off McLachlan Street, will be their most emotional as their father’s famous cafe, the California, ran on the Carrol’s Corner on Brunswick Street from 1951 for more than five decades. When completed, patrons will be able to enter California Lane from McLauchlan Street, head west behind the buildings fronting Brunswick, walk down Lucky’s Lane (formerly Energex Lane) and exit on Ann Street close to the other two laneways. Charlie said work on that project was expected to start by the end of the year.

But it is the quick uptake of tenancies in Bakery Lane that has the Apostolos brothers confident the inner-Valley had a bright commercial future as well as being a burgeoning residential hotspot. “All our 10 incubator suites are now full with people from the creative industries who will have their offices there or live there,” Charlie, a former president of the Valley Chamber of Commerce said.

“On the laneway level, independent operators will run a mixture of retail, hospitality with food and drink bars.” Venues already open include Stock and Supply, The Tree House and I love Muffins. Coming in May are The Kiosk, The Botanist, Bow and Arrow and Skull It. A little later will come the Apo Bar which will breathe life into the historic Apothecaries Hall that flanks the opening to Bakery Lane along with the old Bragg’s bakery building.