Latest news with #VictoriaSquare
News.com.au
28-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Land release opens the doors to home ownership
The first sales have begun at a Noarlunga development which will deliver more than 626 new homes over the next few years. Prospective buyers have lodged their intention-to-purchase for the first 22 lots, with the first forms signed on June 21. Half of the first lots released by Renewal SA are home-and-land packages, and half are land-only, with a steady stream of upcoming releases to keep up with demand. 'We are now assessing those forms, giving priority to owner-occupiers ahead of investors,' Renewal SA executive director Skye Bayne says. 'We will then bring on the next stages as quickly as possible.' The land is in two sections, straddling the railway line and immediately south and southwest of the Noarlunga Centre which houses Colonnades and other shops, the South Adelaide Football Club, Cardijn College and the Noarlunga Hospital, TAFE and railway station. It is only 2km from the beach, 1km from the Onkaparinga River, 15km from McLaren Vale and just 30km from Victoria Square. More than 1800 people have registered interest. 'Of course, that includes neighbours and local community members,' Bayne says. 'But land in the south is highly sought after. Developable land is much more constrained than in the north. 'It's a beautiful area and it's not often you get to create a master planned community in amongst such good existing amenity. This was intended to roll out over the next seven years but in the current market it could be a lot sooner.' A $35 million contract for civil works is in progress. All standard utility services will be installed but reticulated gas is excluded for increased sustainability. At least 15 per cent of dwellings will be affordable housing, with 80 social housing homes, led by the SA Housing Trust. HomeSeeker SA markets affordable homes and has a maximum price point now at $232,650 for land only, $594,550 for a home-and-land package, and $675,000 for a package purchased with the shared equity scheme. Income limits apply, currently $115,000 for singles and $150,000 for couples. Conditions include a limit on assets and a minimum occupancy. HomeStart offers shared equity loans. The site previously had no public infrastructure and was little used by the community. At least 12.5 per cent of the area will be public open space and a 5-star Greenstar Community rating is targeted. 'There will now be curated open space for kids to play,' Bayne says. 'We're working with a landscape architect and there will be extensive planting of native vegetation.' Renewal SA is sensitive to Aboriginal heritage and has engaged with First Nations community in relation to cultural heritage and more broadly on the project. Most of the site is in the suburb of Port Noarlunga. A formal process will bring a segment that is in Noarlunga Downs into Port Noarlunga. The master plan allows for detached housing, townhouses and apartments of up to four storeys. There will be flexibility during the roll-out as Renewal SA responds to the market and consults Onkaparinga Council, SA Housing Trust and the community. Renewal SA has a panel of builders for home-and-land packages, while buyers of land-only can choose their builder and home design, in line with the Urban Design Guidelines. The project is among a raft of Renewal SA projects. To find out more visit and register your interest. In a separate project, privately owned company MAB will develop the nearby former Port Stanvac refinery site. Better balance a big schools boost Schools across South Australia must share the love when it comes to spending on infrastructure, the State Government has decided. To support the policy of 'Every School a Great School', funding will be directed toward creating a better balance across the entire school system. 'There will be significant changes from how we have made funding decisions in the past,' Department for Education deputy chief executive Ben Temperly says. 'There has been a history of investing in the most popular schools, which adds to the enrolment demand on those schools. Under the new plan we want to improve the quality of the learning environment across the system. 'So, we will minimise investing in new enrolment places where we have spare places at other schools nearby. 'We want to increase the attractiveness of schools that have spare capacity, so parents, students and the community see them as a good option.' Under the 20-year Infrastructure Plan for SA Public Education and Care strategy published late last year, schools are being assessed individually to raise the bar. That may be buildings and amenity, but extends to curriculum support, use of digital technology, or whatever is needed. SA's student numbers are increasing at more than 2 per cent a year, outpacing the overall population increase of just over 1 per cent. This reflects SA's strong economic growth encouraging more young families to stay or move here. Population growth is fastest in outer suburbs and is a key driver of infrastructure spending. That is why in the north a new $155 million secondary school will be open in 2028 in the suburb of Eyre, and a $70 million new primary and preschool will be built in the northern suburbs. Mt Barker will see a new $61 million primary and preschool in the south-east of the Hills town, while Mt Barker High School is receiving a $9 million upgrade. In a strategic investment exemplifying the change, a $15.9 million upgrade at Oakbank Area School includes facilities to teach cyber security. This will assist existing students and also attract new students, easing pressure on Mt Barker. Some schools need urgent attention to ageing assets. This financial year's budget provided $7.6 million to Bellevue Heights Primary and $16.5 million to Surrey Downs Primary. As part of the 2025-26 State Budget, $10 million each was allocated to Fairview Park and Fraser Park Primary to replace run-down buildings. Local communities are excited about the five new technical colleges – Findon, Tonsley, The Heights, Limestone Coast and Port Augusta – which will all be open by Term 1, 2026. Lifting standards across the board will deliver multiple benefits. 'When you visit different schools now, you see quite a contrast in the age and condition of the buildings,' Temperly says. 'Our investment decisions will make it a more level playing field.' Schools investment a class act The old is making way for the new at Bellevue Heights Primary School in a welcome redevelopment thanks to a $7.6 million investment by the South Australian Government. The community nestled around the school's 180 students is looking forward to bright, open spaces in new buildings. 'We've been in old, closed spaces for so long,' principal Margot Bradley says. 'The staff are looking forward to the openness and togetherness of the new spaces. They love the connectedness of the design enabling classes to work together.' After 50 or more years, the old building bears the weathering of generations and will be demolished. In its place, the new buildings will have integrated, flexible spaces and a melding of the outdoors and indoors. Bellevue Heights Primary already has highly regarded strengths in teaching, from award-winning courses in robotics and STEM through to a flourishing environmental awareness program. The school has its own garden with vegetables and chickens. Due to open in 2027, the new building will include a community and cultural centre which will be available for parents to use. Firms share in public spend The purchasing power of the South Australian Government is behind the successful growth of many local small and medium businesses. Government investments in infrastructure and services give businesses the opportunity to compete for work. On major projects, work packages are often split into smaller sub-contracts so local companies can have a fair go. One such winner is full-service cyber consultancy Hannan & Partners, which has leapt in three years from director Mat Hannan flying solo to an outfit of 25 people and revenue of up to $5 million a year. The company has assisted more than 25 SA government agencies with cyber security, ICT strategy, procurement and risk management. Government contracts, which account for more than half of the company's order book, underpinned the business being able to invest in recruiting and training its own staff because the work was consistent and reliable, Hannan says. It also helped the consultancy demonstrate its credibility, allowing the business to grow its private sector work. 'Our involvement in high-profile projects like the Covid response and deploying a world-class platform called Splunk in SA Health has contributed to our strong trajectory in both public and private sectors,' Hannan says. Splunk is a platform which analyses and monitors the vitality of the entire SA Health Digital Network to help keep it available and secure. The SA Health deployment won international awards for innovation. In the private sector, the company has many clients in defence, transport and education and it has won work in Tasmania, NSW, California and Ireland. Hannan is extremely positive about the future. 'South Australia is a place of connections. It is through our networks and willingness to 'get stuck in' that small businesses are able to provide world-class services to government and industry alike,' he says. 'Small and medium businesses will likely not find a more accessible state government to work with than what we have here in SA.' The cyber and ICT sector is one of the areas where South Australia's share of the national industry far exceeds the population share. There are more than 50 cyber security companies, a 40 per cent increase since the early 2020s.
Daily Record
27-06-2025
- Daily Record
The Scottish restaurant with rooms that was crowned 'Boutique Hotel of the Year'
Its restaurant serves up lunch, dinner, and even afternoon tea. All over Scotland, there are countless hotels to suit every style and budget. From high-end city options to peaceful rural retreats, you are never likely to be far from top-quality accommodation. One Scottish restaurant with rooms was recently named Boutique Hotel of the Year at the 2025 Scottish Hospitality Awards. The coveted title went to Victoria Square and The Orangery in Stirling. Situated in a peaceful area of the city a short distance from Stirling Castle, Victoria Square features 10 en-suite guest bedrooms. These range from single rooms to bigger options with wooden four-poster beds. The rooms at Victoria Square take inspiration from the Victorian era. They all include hardwood reproduction furniture, as well as modern comforts such as smart flatscreen televisions, Wi-Fi access, and underfloor heating in the bathrooms. Meanwhile, The Orangery restaurant offers fine-dining cuisine for both guests at the hotel and non-residents. It serves up lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea. Among the dishes listed on The Orangery's lunch menu are venison pie, rigatoni, and a variety of homemade tarts. Meanwhile, dinner options include Guinea fowl, lasagne, and fillet of sole. In terms of afternoon tea, guests can choose from a selection of sandwiches with fillings such as cucumber, Scottish smoked salmon, and Black Crowdie cheese. Also available are scones and a selection of handmade cakes. In addition to being named Boutique Hotel of the Year at the Scottish Hospitality Awards, Victoria Square and The Orangery have won a number of other awards. The top spot has been recognised by the Scottish Restaurant Awards, The Good Hotel Guide, and VisitScotland. The Daily Record also previously included The Orangery in our roundup of Scotland's top 50 restaurants in 2025. We praised the venue for its "innovative dishes". On Google, guests have mostly posted positive reviews of Victoria Square. It currently has an average score of 4.6 out of five based on 126 reviews. One guest shared: "We stayed here for a few nights as a base for exploring Stirling and the surrounding area. The room was amazing and the staff were so friendly and welcoming. Would definitely visit again!" A second posted: "Absolutely perfect to a T. The service is impeccable and everything I expected. "Rooms are quaint and breakfast room was just lovely. Be sure to book a reservation for dinner at The Orangery—it was exceptional." As reported by the Daily Record, other winners at the Scottish Hospitality Awards include Mamma Mia in Stirling and Linwater Caravan Park. The former was named Restaurant of the Year, while the latter took home the Best Caravan Park prize.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Special service today to mark Armed Forces Week
Commemoration events have been organised to celebrate Bolton - and the country's - heroes. Bolton Council has organised an array of services and events to commemorate Armed Forces Week, beginning today (Monday, June 23) where there will be a short service and the raising of the Armed Forces Day Flag at 10:50am on Victoria Square. The public are invited to attend and show their support of our armed forces, both past and present. The Mayor of Bolton will then host a free veterans' lunch in the town hall, where all veterans are invited. There will be live entertainment, which will lead into the forces-themed singalong and flag-waving. Carrs Pasties, Park Cakes Bolton and Bank Top Brewery have offered to serve food and beer free of charge in support for our veterans and serving members of the armed forces. On Saturday, June 28, the council will hold their annual Armed Forces Day event on Victoria Square (10:30am – 3:30pm) with a short service followed by a family-fun day with lots of stalls and free activities, such as paintballing. Bolton Cadets will also be on display, along with re-enactments, and there will be organisations like the Veteran's Army available to talk to, who offer support, training, and counselling for veterans. Fortitude Fitness will take part, offering a variety of machines for people to have a go on, alongside more free activities for all the family. There will be military vehicles and weapons on display, supported by our local 216 Bty Royal Artillery. Cllr Ryan Bamforth, Bolton Council's Armed Forces Champion, said: 'This is an important time to honour our military and show our support for the vital job they do. 'As a veteran myself, this means more now as I see the role and position in the armed forces world change to a thankful and supportive place. 'I am thankful for what the armed forces have awarded me in memories, friendships, and experiences, both good and bad. 'More importantly, I am thankful that we have brave servicemen and women who are still out there defending us. 'I welcome all Bolton's veterans to the luncheon at the town hall on Monday, where we will also be raising the Armed Forces Day Flag to coincide with events across the country. 'It will also be great to see service personnel, cadets, and veterans in Victoria Square with the people of Bolton enjoying the spectacle of Armed Forces Day. 'Bolton organises Armed Forces Week to show our support for our armed forces, past and present.'
Telegraph
21-05-2025
- Telegraph
The secret to a luxury hotel's success? Location, location, location
If you have the money and you want a really memorable experience then there has never been more choice when it comes to fabulous luxury hotels. So the question becomes: how can you tell them apart? After all, no matter how large your bank balance may be, no one wants to waste money – especially if you are investing in some of your precious days of annual holiday. The answer is that some hotels have a little extra that lifts them above the pack of 'ordinary' luxury hotels. They are different because they belong – because they can only exist in their particular city or location; you simply cannot replicate them elsewhere. As the chairman of The Goring hotel I am, of course, biased but I believe ours is one of these very special properties. The Goring was the last great hotel built in the Edwardian era, opening in March 1910, a couple of months before the death of Edward VII. It sits on land once occupied by some rundown cottages next to Victoria Square, where fine residences were built by Queen Victoria to house her ladies-in-waiting. In truth The Goring is so eccentrically English that it can only exist where it is in the centre of London. However, there are several other examples of hotels where the genius loci manifests itself in the bricks and mortar. Hong Kong's original room with a luxurious view There are, of course, several Peninsula hotels in the world. I have been lucky enough to visit those in Bangkok, London, Chicago, Beverly Hills and New York. They are all great international hotels delivering wonderful food, great service, amazing technology and excellent hospitality. However, The Peninsula Hong Kong is the Peninsula and it sits head and shoulders above all the rest. Why? Quite simply the Peninsula Hong Kong belongs completely to that island (which might sound strange as it's actually not on the island itself). It sits in Kowloon on the mainland looking back at the iconic view of Hong Kong. Over time new properties have been built in front of its once great vantage point but there are still many rooms with that famous harbour view in the Peninsula Tower (a later addition to the original low-rise building). In many ways Hong Kong is the story here: how it came to be British; how it rose to such dizzy heights as a trading and financial powerhouse over the centuries; how it was handed back to China and has changed in the years since. But throughout all of this, the Peninsula has remained proud and relevant. Gaddi's restaurant claims to have had the first chef's table in the world. Spring Moon is the most deliciously decadent Chinese restaurant in the city and Felix, on the top floor, has the best views. The double-height lobby is crowded all day long with movers and shakers; it bursts at the seams during afternoon tea. Outside, a fleet of 'Peninsula Green' Rolls Royces wait ready to whisk guests out and about as they shop, dine or do business deals. The bedrooms were refurbished about 10 years ago with calm pale shades, and hand-painted blossom branches on the walls. A delightful touch in the Tower harbour view rooms is a brass telescope that guests can use to look across to Hong Kong Island or down at the green and cream ferries criss-crossing the harbour all day long. A hotel woven into the story of London Claridge's iconic building has stood on the corner of Brook Street and Davies Street, right in the heart of Mayfair, since the late 19th century. Recently, the Emperor of Japan stayed here on his State Visit (he always does, as his father did before him) and naturally he slept in the royal suite, just at the top of the grand staircase, which sweeps up from the famous black and white marble-chequered lobby. The suite is ravishingly beautiful: a large entrance hall leads off to the grand drawing room to the right or to a long light-filled dining room straight ahead of you. The ceiling is spectacular and is embellished with gold leaf. A huge sparkling crystal chandelier, only slightly larger than the one in the bedroom, hangs down from the grand ceiling rose in the centre of the room. Recently there has been much investment ploughed into the hotel. Extra floors were swung into position on the top of the hotel and a number of new basements were painstakingly dug out beneath the eastern side to create a spa and swimming pool. Many of the bedrooms have been completely refurbished in a chic, expensive style. Personally I feel this has taken away the grand domestic style which added to the hotel's personality and history. So I prefer those rooms, like the royal suite, which nod to the original grandeur of the place. Nevertheless, this hotel has played its part in creating the history of our great capital – it has woven itself into the story of London. It belongs here and cannot be replicated anywhere else. Why Thailand is top for hospitality The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, was voted the top hotel in the world by The Telegraph last year. I am not surprised, although when you first enter the lobby you could be forgiven for wondering what all the fuss is about. The entrance is slightly dated, with a 1950s feel, its sofas and chairs filled with very smart locals and wide-eyed tourists enjoying the grandeur. Beyond the lobby, picture windows command views of the manicured lawn to the original wooden hotel with its colonial reception room and most of the Oriental's signature suites, which are decorated in such a way as to conjure up tales of the past. In the main tower, a much later edition, the rooms have a more modern feel but they all contain traditional Thai elements that celebrate the story of this place. There are 11 dining options – yes, 11! – including Le Normandie, a top-floor restaurant offering classic French cooking, to Lord Jim's, which delivers a more contemporary international buffet. There are also Thai, Japanese and Italian restaurants, as well as the Authors' Lounge, for traditional afternoon teas. However, it's the people who work in the Mandarin Oriental who really make this place exceptional. Firstly, there are a lot of them, all focused on making your stay perfect. But there is so much more to it than that. Thai hospitality is rightly recognised as among the very best in the world. Stay in this hotel and you will understand why this reputation is so deserved. Reminiscent of a set from an Orson Wells classic If you ask a group of top hoteliers which is their favourite hotel in the world, many will tell you it's the Hotel Bel-Air. There is something utterly magical about this place. Is it the best city hotel in the world? It may well be. This hotel could only exist hidden away in the garden oasis in the Bel Air Estate in Los Angeles. Somehow it has become a heavenly oasis, set apart from the hustle and bustle of this sprawling metropolis. Upon arrival, you walk across a wooden bridge that leads to reception. You immediately lose your worries and relax. Three majestic white swans float on their little pond below, surrounded by some of the hotel's duck family. It's a true fantasy, so Hollywood and yet so real. Nothing feels false or engineered. The hotel buildings themselves are all painted a soft pink. Unlike most city hotels this is not one large building. Instead it is a collection of low bungalows with a few larger blocks towards the rear of the property. It's reminiscent of a set from an Orson Wells classic. Part of the joy of this hotel are the gardens and the delicious little courtyards dotted throughout the grounds. Set along the stream that bubbles away at the front of the property are rustic wooden benches hidden among colourful camellia bushes. When it's time to drink or dine, guests head either to the very dark hotel bar or to the restaurant just next to it. The large outdoor terrace in front of the restaurant takes full advantage of the warm Californian climate. The best three tables, in semicircular open booths, seem to hang over the gardens set below. There are always famous actors and celebrities dining here; it's a place for those in the know, for those who have arrived, and those who have made it and no longer need to prove themselves any. Beautiful furnishings, pale colours, hand-painted wallpapers and a feeling of utter luxury are the hallmarks of the Bel-Air's bedrooms. Most have outdoor courtyards or balconies. This is a hotel that could only belong in Los Angeles, just up the road from Hollywood, the place where dreams are made.
The Herald Scotland
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Boutique hotel in historic Scottish location for sale
Drysdale and Company is handling the sale of Victoria Square, which includes The Orangery restaurant. The agent said: 'The current owners have run the business since 2013, opening initially as a seven letting room guest house before expanding to 10 rooms in 2016. 'A restaurant was added in 2019 and the business was rebranded as a restaurant with rooms in 2021, though accommodation remains the core of business. 'The business has significant potential for growth based on a very strong and still growing reputation.' The agent also said: 'Victoria Square offers the luxury and service of a boutique hotel, with the individual touches and warmth of welcome of your favourite home from home. This five-Star rated restaurant with rooms is located in the shadow of Stirling Castle and within the Georgian and Victorian grandeur of the Kings Park conservation area, the setting could not be better for experiencing the historic heart of Scotland. 'To the side of the original property is an impressive glazed conservatory which form a part of the Orangery Restaurant. 'The Orangery is developing a reputation as one of Stirling's finest restaurants and the place to go to celebrate special occasions. The restaurant caters for lunches, afternoon teas and a fine dining menu for both residents and non-residents. 'The current owners have enjoyed developing the business and are looking to sell in order to explore new ventures. They are keen to hand it over to new owners at a point whilst there is still significant growth potential.' The freehold asking price is £1.35 million. Lidl to invest £500m as it eyes new sites in Scotland Lidl GB has today announced plans to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion, as the discounter moves forward with plans to open more than 40 new stores across the country this financial year. As part of its continued mission to provide all communities across the country with access to affordable, high-quality food, Lidl has published its 2025 site requirements brochure, outlining potential locations across Scotland. The potential sites include: Banchory; Bearsden; Newton Mearns; Peebles; St Andrews and Stonehaven. Salmon sales reach £1.5 billion Salmon sales have reached £1.5 billion with strong demand for Scottish fish farmed across the west coast and the islands. Sales leapt by 5.5 per cent last year and account for nearly a third of all fish sales in the UK. More than 73,000 tonnes of salmon were sold from across the UK and puts the fish ahead of tuna and cod, which sit second and third in the table for popularity. Scottish salmon remains the UK's largest food export with Salmon Scotland saying the results reflect 'strong demand' and 'consumer confidence' in the fish.
