Christmas Trading Hours Hillsdon Road

A few updates on Christmas Trading Hours for businesses at Hillsdon Road Centre.

Abode Cafe will be closed from 22nd Dec till early January 2015.
Indooroopilly Laundromat will be open all throughout the Christmas - New Year holidays 6.30am till 9.00pm.
Pampered Pets will be closed from Christmas eve for 2 weeks.
Martin Randall Travel will be closed from Christmas eve till the New Year.
Mosaic Education - please contact Claire directly regarding appointments.
The Corner Store will be closed Christmas Day.

Hillsdon Road Facebook Page

Shop 3A/30 Hillsdon Road, Taringa

Now this is going to be a pretty little space.  Painting and reconfiguring of Shop 3A is well underway and already we are loving it!  

25 sqm 
Timber floors
Cross flow ventilation
Air-conditioning
Beautiful outlook
Toilet
Kitchenette
1 off street car space

And.....a wonderful bunch of neighbourings businesses in a lovely peaceful suburban setting.  Not that I am biased ;)

 

Child friendly, Pet friendly, just plain friendly

We are not quite in to summer yet and already we have felt the sting of the hot days and wild storms!  

Though it may be tempting to just go hide at Indooroopilly Shoppingtown, did you know that away from the crazy car parking, the crowds and the long walks is a little piece of quiet serenity?

Come on down and relax at Hillsdon Road Centre and enjoy the cool chill out spot behind the Corner Store, our lovely green courtyard gardens! With views to Mt Cooth-ha and easy parking.

 
Child friendly, pet friendly and just plain friendly.  Abode Cafe, Sth East Corner Store, Mosaic Education, Indooroopilly Laundromat, Sexton Appliances, Martin Randall Australasia and Pampered Pets all offer, personal friendly service, easy parking and access to that wonderful courtyard to enjoy while you wait.

Stop and relax, grab a coffee and a bite to eat - all made on site at Abode Cafe.  Or just grab a Snow Flow, an ice cream or a cold drink from the Corner Store...no stress over parking, no walking miles....no traffic lights...just a quiet little spot around the corner from your place.  

When you just have to get away from the Christmas crowds pop on down and visit us.

It's all go at Hillsdon Road Centre!

Woo hoo things are certainly underway at Hillsdon Road Centre for the refurbishment of the shops in the Courtyard gardens.  Opening up 'Smooth at Taringa' in to one big space really shows what a beautiful outlook it is.  

Discussions are nearly complete with the prospective new Tenants and it is all very exciting.

So stay tuned for more photos of renovations and announcements of the new Tenants moving in to our wonderful little heritage Centre.

 

Ch ch changes!

They say Change is Inevitable.   And as with our wonderful Centre there has been a lot of changes in 80+ years!  A rich and varied history of businesses have flowed through our little suburban corner. 

And now with the vacancy created (sadly) by the departure of 'Smooth at Taringa'.  We are now back in the state of change.  Ahead will be new businesses and faces coming to the Centre.  New faces and businesses to become part of the Hillsdon Road Centre family and the ongoing history of this fabulous little pocket of small business. It is an exciting time for us all and we look forward to finding the perfect personalities and partners for our wonderful little heritage hub. 

Stay tuned for announcements and look out for the start of exciting fitouts!

Today and Yesterday

Goodbye Smooth at Taringa

It is with a sad heart that we notify all our Taringa locals and clients of Smooth at Taringa, that the business has stopped trading.

Due to personal, health and family reasons Annie has made the decision after 8 years to close the business.  She is going to focus on her health and children.  Annie has always been a gem to have in our little Centre.  Her ethos, kindness and generosity has aligned with our Centre and every business in it.  Smooth always offered very professional and skilled service standards.  Presentation was stunning and product and service range was diverse.

She and all the team at Smooth will be sorely missed by everyone at Hillsdon Road Centre, the Taringa locals and we are sure her many clients.

We all wish Annie a happy, healthy future.  And we know that she and Smooth will not be forgotten at Hillsdon Road.

Contact Annie - 0434 165 147 or Email: amgough@bigpond.com if you have any queries.

Annie has recommended a fellow business and long time Industry friend for customers.  Kristy will be moving to work there:

Time Out for You
156 Waterworks Road
Ashgrove, Queensland, Australia

(07) 3366 8422

Inside the beautiful Smooth

Enjoying Christmas drinks with neighbour Mrs Lee

Stop, relax, enjoy spring at Hillsdon Shops Taringa

Spring, don't you just love it?   Here at Hillsdon Road Centre Taringa our courtyard gardens are enjoying the 'pink blush' of the Bauhinias!  Now most of the year they provide shade and lots and lots of leaves to sweep up lol.

But right now, they are adding a beautiful finishing touch to our lovely garden area.  Feels even more relaxing now!  So if you are in the area, stop on by, enjoy a coffee from Abode Cafe, grab a slushie for the kids from The Corner Store, even pop that nasty load of dirty laundry in at Indooroopilly Laundromat....while you enjoy a touch of pink on us!

Memories and History - Hillsdon Road Centre

 A collection of memories about Hillsdon Road Centre, Taringa.

Mrs Rodger, daughters Iris, Beryl and son Kevin

I have been very excited to finally find more fabulous photo's showing some of the history of Hillsdon Road Centre at Taringa.  Loaned to us by the Rodger and Andronicus family who developed the Centre from it's original one little corner shop.  In approximately 1946.


I have enjoyed sitting, chatting and collecting wonderful stories and memories from long time local resident Iris Andronicos, 102 years strong and still living at Taringa.  Her daughter Nola, has found and loaned us some wonderful old photos of the days that the Rodger family took over the Hillsdon Road Shops.  

Inside the Grocer, (now Mosaic Education) Kevin and Beryl Rodger.

The story goes, that Mrs Rodger a real business woman, was shown a dumpy old shoebox of a shop, from the top of Goldsbrough Road.  It was tiny and in need of repair, to the extent that she had a laugh when the Agent showed it to her.  Mrs Rodger and her children Kevin, Iris and Beryl took on the shop and started developing the Centre.  The plan was a business for the family and the soon to returning husband and son from the war.  

There is an advertisement in the newspaper archives showing a listing dated -  19 Feb, 1946. 

Outside the Corner store, looks pretty good!

"Freehold Corner Shop for Sale - vacant with scales, shelves and counters included.  450 pounds" Contact Miss Stanford.  *Mrs Stanford was a spinster who lived alone with her Pomerian dog and ran the little original corner shop*

Mr Rodgers truck, that did runs in to Roma Street Markets

Mrs Rodger and family soon cleaned up the shop, expanded it and created the well stocked modern, self service Corner Store.  They also went on to purchase the shops next door: currently Indooroopilly Laundromat, Martin Randall Travel and Mosaic Education.  This little block had been built by a local carpenter and his son.  However the father died and the son, not much of a carpenter didn't finish it off very well and lost interest.

Iris Andronicos (nee Rodger) inside the Drapery Store (Laundromat)

Mrs Rodger, Beryl and young local girl employee

The family developed the two blocks to successful and in demand businesses.  A Grocer - in the space where Mosaic Education is and a Draper in the space where the Laundromat is.  They also built a residence behind the Corner Store for son Kevin to live in on his return from the war.  Iris and her husband George loved the land opposite the shop on Hillsdon Road and offered local Farmer a deal to purchase that block and build their family home.  Which still stands today and is still Iris's home.  The back yard at the shops, was soon filled with flowers and garden beds.  Mrs Rodger besides being a sharp, smart businesswoman was also an avid gardener!  

The beautiful gardens, where the Courtyard is today.

Iris, Marshall & Nola Andronicos

The family have so many stories to tell of the Centre, the area and it's residents.  How there was a creek that flowed through Goldsbrough Road and in to the back of the shops, where there was a natural spring with yabbies.  That they used to enjoy lunch by the creek, surrounded by flowers and shrubs Mrs Rodger had planted.  

Another story I love is that Mrs Rodger had noticed that the area had a lot of Catholic residents, so she started offering Fish & Chips on Friday.  It soon took off and they had to purchase another little Bunsen burner, but even that couldn't cope with the growing demand and after a while they had to stop doing it.  As the orders phoned in, couldn't be met!  

Over time the Centre was developed changed and refurbished.  The dirt roads and gutters in these photos upgraded.  Originally a Pauls Milk Depot, with the Bus Stop in existence since the 1930's this has been the local shopping hub.  In the years it has existed there has been a Butcher (where Pampered Pets is now)  A Shoe Repairer, three Hair Salon businesses, a Library, a Dressmaker, Gift shop, craft shop, Surveyor....such a rich history exists at Hillsdon Road Centre.  

We plan to continue to find more history on the Centre, names, dates, maps, City plans.  So if you have any more, photos or stories to add, please contact me.  We'd love to add it to the Archives on Hillsdon Road Centre.

Karen & Geoff Sexton

Announcing the Arrival of Martin Randall Travel!

Announcing - 'Martin Randall Travel' 

We are very excited to announce the opening of Martin Randall Travel at Hillsdon Road Centre.  After refurbishing the little space and making it look fabulous!  Kelly and Steph have settled in to their new work abode this week.  So if you are keen to find out more about Martin Randall Travel's Tours and what fabulous, adventures you can do....please read below!!
 

Martin Randall Australasia represents leading UK cultural tour operator   Martin Randall Travel.

Martin Randall Travel offers small group tours to Europe, India and the Middle East, specialising in art, archaeology, classical music and other intellectual pursuits. 
All tours are led by an expert lecturer.

Kelly and Steph at 'Martin Randall Australasia' will assist with all queries about the tours, but they do not process bookings or make any travel arrangements. 

They would be delighted to discuss Martin Randall Travel's tours by phone, email, or in person (by appointment).

(07) 3371 82 88

Located at Shop 2/26 Hillsdon Road, Taringa.

Surprising facts about the Corner Store!

Did you know that the Corner Store's new owners Kim and Peter have been quietly going about re-stocking the Corner store with some fabulous products and produce?   Daily fresh crusty bread?   Did you know that they also have a range of daily fresh muffins and sweet treats?  Plus fresh fruit and veg?  Farm fresh eggs? 

The shelves are brimming with all those little things you you may have forgot on your big grocery shop.  Plus the usual range of chips, choccies and icecreams.  

A great range of drinks and dairy items too.  All those little things that make your life easier.  Pull up out the front, pop on in and grab what you need.  So quick and easy.  And super *clean*

All available with the lovely smiling face of Cindy behind the counter.  

'Not just your average Corner Store'

 

RSPCA Cupcake Day at Abode Cafe

Fill your pockets with change and keep your tummy empty!  Abode Cafe will be hosting an RSPCA Cupcake day fundraiser this Wednesday 20th August organised by Angie.  

RSPCA does such great things for all creatures great and small this is a simple and wonderful way of helping support and fund them. 

Support this great cause by going to the following link and donating!

https://rspcacupcakeday-qld2014.everydayhero.com/au/rspca-cupcakes-abode 
 

Shop 2/26 Hillsdon Road UPDATE!!

Shop 2/26 Hillsdon Road, looking fabulous after the lovely new carpet and vinyl floors were laid today!

A big 'thank you' to Carpet Court Indooroopilly and Northcoast Flooring.  

Not long now and the little shop in the middle will have a wonderful new business.  So standby for and keep your eyes peeled!!  

Shop Local, support Local!

 

Exciting new business coming soon to Hillsdon Road!

We are very excited!  Yes, we have a fabulous new business that will take over the shop at 2/26 Hillsdon Road in the next month.  

We would like to say a big 'thank you' to all the wonderful businesses and business people (many who are locals) who wanted to be part of our little Centre.  We were blown away by the enthusiasm and affection for our Centre.    It makes us happy to know that we have created a local hub that defies the BIG Westfield Shopping Centres, to show that little local shops area still a valuable part of the community. And small business still wants to be a part of small local Centres.   #shoplocal #supportsmallbusiness #smallisgreat  #thankyou

We hope to be able to broadcast the details very soon,  of the very local new business coming in to Hillsdon Road.

Thank you
Karen & Geoff

 

Small 35sqm space for Lease, Taringa

A small 35sqm space has now come available at 26 - 28 Hillsdon Road, Taringa.  Brisbane.  

Previously The LITTLE Art Studio this space has prime street frontage to Hillsdon Road and the Bus Stop right out front.  A BIG picture window has a lovely outlook, or would be suitable as a display window.  

The shape is square at the front, then a long hallway to a square room at the back.  The room at the back has it's own private toilet, a kitchenette bench, back door and louvred windows.  This space is airconditioned.  (recently serviced)  The space comes with 1 off street parking space.  Located directly behind the shop/office.  

Located in the heritage  Hillsdon Road Centre Taringa the space is between neighbour businesses Indooroopilly Laundromat and Mosaic Education.  Good foot traffic walks to the Centre.  

The Centre has a nice mix of businesses: 
Abode Cafe
The Corner Store
Smooth@Taringa Skin Specialists
Pampered Pets Grooming Centre
P & L Sexton Washing Machine Repairs
And is complimented with a lovely green space courtyard.  

Your imagination and dreams could create a great location for possibly:

Another Artist + Studio/Jewellery designer?
Funky clothes store or clothes designer?
Small retailer - Gourmet Food, Coffee Roaster, Deli items (Food Licence and approvals would need to be sought)
Office - office away from home?  New business set up?
1-2 person Hair Salon?
Florist - perfect window for Flower displays!

If you are interested in seeing the space and getting more information, please contact Geoff  0438 156 195
Karen 0458 587 886 

Sad News - Farewell to The LITTLE Art Studio

Sad news today for us and everyone at 'Hillsdon Road Centre'.  The lovely Leesa and The LITTLE Art Studio will be closing today.  However, we are happy to know that the business and art will continue from Leesa's private studio. 

After three wonderful years at 26 Hillsdon Road, bringing a smile to the faces of those who walked past her lovely artwork, purchased it or for us who worked next to Leesa..... it will be very sad to see Leesa and the studio go.  We personally have enjoyed shopping for gifts in The LITTLE Art Studio, admiring the art and feel proud to have an original piece on our wall at home.

Leesa's joy of doing what she loves,  has always shone through with her big smile and happy nature.  Every day it was a pleasure to see Leesa.  And every week we looked forward to the latest masterpieces.  Everyone here will miss that and we all wish you well for the future Leesa.  Much success and continued joy in your creations.

Please continue to support Leesa as an Artist, by following her Facebook page or website for updates.  

Facebook page

Blog page

Hungry? Abode Cafe's delicous menu will fix it!

Saturday morning, sleep in?   Why not keep that relaxed vibe going and pop on down to your local Cafe.  Abode Cafe is located in the unique garden courtyard at Hillsdon Road Centre at Taringa.  

Abode makes nearly *everything* on site, the menu is compact, simple and delicious.  Good portion sizes, very fair prices and super friendly service.  All the sauces, relishes and jams are made on site too!

Add to that seriously good coffee using local 'Black Sheep Coffees' beans.  Ken the Barista and Bron make beautiful cups of espresso.

Grab your brekky or a sweet treat and sit out in the winter sun, enjoy the view to Mt Cootha and relax.  

Our favourite's on the menu are:  

'Some of my favourite things' - Sour dough toast, with jamon, fetta, tomato, poached eggs.  Light and very tasty.  nom nom

'Quince Tart'  Bron's own pastry is to die for, filled with divine quince.  If it's there, grab one!  I always check ;)

And for something to take home?   Grab a jar of one of the beautiful jams.