Latest news with #RobGray
7NEWS
08-07-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
GRAYA purchases 'once in a lifetime' Brisbane site for $20 million
Award-winning developer GRAYA has secured a rare Brisbane site, beating both local and overseas buyers in a competitive sale. "Sites like this are truly once in a lifetime," said director Rob Gray. "It's a rare opportunity to contribute to one of Australia's most iconic lifestyle destinations." The 943-square-metre site is located on James Street, a vibrant retail and hospitality destination in the heart of Brisbane's Fortitude Valley, and the current home of Bed Bath & Table. Speaking about the project, Gray said it will 'elevate' the iconic street's current offering. "We plan to deliver a world-class building that elevates the James Street experience - blending high-end food and beverage, luxury retail, and office spaces in a way that complements the area's unique culture," said Gray. The off-market sale was managed by Chesters Real Estate's head of sales Tim Jones, and colleagues Michael Platsis and Greer Gittoes. "James Street is without doubt among the most desirable retail and lifestyle precincts in the country," said Jones. "This benchmark transaction is a testament to the strength of the precinct, attracting high-calibre interest from investors, retailers, and developers alike. "GRAYA's plans will take it to the next level." While plans for the site have yet to be lodged, the team said in a statement that the project will be a landmark mixed-use precinct featuring a "design-led approach with a strong focus on curating an offering that enhances the precinct's lifestyle appeal and long-term commercial value." This isn't the only big news to come from the Brisbane-based developer though. The company has also recently lodged a development application for The Gallery, another project that promises to be a "bold new mixed-use precinct" aiming to "transform Hamilton's iconic Racecourse Road". The development will include 37 residences across four storeys, with eight retail tenancies. "There's long been a clear demand in Hamilton for a lifestyle precinct that combines luxury apartments with the type of vibrant, boutique retail we've seen delivered in places like James Street," says Gray. "The Gallery is our response to that demand. Hamilton has been a major part of our story for more than ten years - we know this community, so we're proud to be the ones bringing that vision to life." Brisbane-based architecture studio Bureau^Proberts will be leading the design, which is said to include a resident-only rooftop retreat, resort-style pool and panoramic views. A home to make you live longer Earlier this year, GRAYA announced its foray into the world of wellness with Enclave - a $140 million wellness tower that aims to help residents improve their health and maybe even their life expectancy. Integrating 'longevity science' into its design, the project includes an expansive spa and wellness centre that features treatments including IV drip therapy, massage, acupuncture and dry needling. "Enclave will cater to the growing global demand for holistic wellness and longevity, and will provide residents with services and equipment that you'd only find at the world's most exclusive wellness clubs," said Gray. The development will also include hot and cold plunge pools, a steam room and sauna, a hydrotherapy spa and mineral pools to indulge residents' every wellness need. Those who live in the exclusive development will also have access to a private gym, personal training, and advice from nutritionists and dieticians on site.
News.com.au
19-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Graya acquires $20m retail site in Brisbane's New Farm
Developer Graya has tightened its grip on Brisbane's trendiest high streets with the latest $20m off-market buy of a hotly contested New Farm retail site. The James Street deal comes hot on the heels of the developer unveiling plans for a mixed-use project on Racecoure Rd, Hamilton. Graya director Rob Gray said the 943 sqm James Street parcel currently housing Bed Bath n Table was the 'last piece of the puzzle' ripe for redevelopment along the evolving lifestyle strip. It is understood several of the city's big players were locked in a shadow bidding war for the prime site, which last sold for $2.6m in 2014 and was owned by a company linked to Gold Coast investor Bradley Johnston. 'Sites like these are truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and this acquisition is a really big chess move for us and the goal would be to keep will cement Graya's legacy in southeast Queensland,' Mr Gray said. 'Graya plans on delivering a world-class building that will enhance the James Street lifestyle hub with high-end food and beverage along with a luxury retail offering and office space.' The deal was handed by Chesters Real Estate agent Tim Jones, who fielded multiple offers from Australian and international buyers. 'James Street is undoubtedly among the most sought-after real estate in Australia and this benchmark transaction is a testament to how well the area is performing with interest from investors, retailers and high-end developers like Graya,' Mr Jones said. The buy comes as Graya lodged a DA for a planned project in Hamilton. Named The Gallery, the 3,614 sqm site on Racecourse Rd and Balowrie St will comprise 37 units across four storeys, along with eight retail tenancies. The tower, designed by Bureau^Proberts, also includes a rooftop residents' area with a resort-style pool. The development marks Graya's first multi-residential release in Hamilton, following more than a decade delivering some of the suburb's most recognisable homes, including Scorpia, Larc, and the Mediterranean-inspired Casa Espri which recently resold for $12.5 million. Brutal honesty send 46 year family home viral Next-level luxe Brisbane build comes to market 'There's long been a clear demand in Hamilton for a lifestyle precinct that combines luxury apartments with the type of vibrant, boutique retail we've seen delivered in places like James Street,' Mr Gray said. 'The Gallery is our response to that demand. Hamilton has been a major part of our story for more than ten years. 'We know this community, so we're proud to be the ones bringing that vision to life.' While tenants for the ground-floor retail mix were yet to be confirmed, Mr Gray hinted at a boutique grocer and wine bar. The Hamilton submission and New Farm acquisition both fit within Graya's strategy of reshaping inner-Brisbane living through design-led projects which allow residents to shop and socialise locally. The company has a current pipeline close to $1b also including multiresidential projects on the Gold Coast. Pending DA approval, The Gallery is expected to launch to market in early 2026.
Courier-Mail
19-06-2025
- Business
- Courier-Mail
Graya acquires $20m retail site in Brisbane's New Farm
Developer Graya has tightened its grip on Brisbane's trendiest high streets with the latest $20m off-market buy of a hotly contested New Farm retail site. The James Street deal comes hot on the heels of the developer unveiling plans for a mixed-use project on Racecoure Rd, Hamilton. Graya director Rob Gray said the 943 sqm James Street parcel currently housing Bed Bath n Table was the 'last piece of the puzzle' ripe for redevelopment along the evolving lifestyle strip. It is understood several of the city's big players were locked in a shadow bidding war for the prime site, which last sold for $2.6m in 2014 and was owned by a company linked to Gold Coast investor Bradley Johnston. 'Sites like these are truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and this acquisition is a really big chess move for us and the goal would be to keep will cement Graya's legacy in southeast Queensland,' Mr Gray said. 'Graya plans on delivering a world-class building that will enhance the James Street lifestyle hub with high-end food and beverage along with a luxury retail offering and office space.' The deal was handed by Chesters Real Estate agent Tim Jones, who fielded multiple offers from Australian and international buyers. 'James Street is undoubtedly among the most sought-after real estate in Australia and this benchmark transaction is a testament to how well the area is performing with interest from investors, retailers and high-end developers like Graya,' Mr Jones said. The buy comes as Graya lodged a DA for a planned project in Hamilton. Named The Gallery, the 3,614 sqm site on Racecourse Rd and Balowrie St will comprise 37 units across four storeys, along with eight retail tenancies. The tower, designed by Bureau^Proberts, also includes a rooftop residents' area with a resort-style pool. The development marks Graya's first multi-residential release in Hamilton, following more than a decade delivering some of the suburb's most recognisable homes, including Scorpia, Larc, and the Mediterranean-inspired Casa Espri which recently resold for $12.5 million. MORE NEWS Brutal honesty send 46 year family home viral Glitter Strip's pink palace up for grabs Next-level luxe Brisbane build comes to market 'There's long been a clear demand in Hamilton for a lifestyle precinct that combines luxury apartments with the type of vibrant, boutique retail we've seen delivered in places like James Street,' Mr Gray said. 'The Gallery is our response to that demand. Hamilton has been a major part of our story for more than ten years. 'We know this community, so we're proud to be the ones bringing that vision to life.' While tenants for the ground-floor retail mix were yet to be confirmed, Mr Gray hinted at a boutique grocer and wine bar. The Hamilton submission and New Farm acquisition both fit within Graya's strategy of reshaping inner-Brisbane living through design-led projects which allow residents to shop and socialise locally. The company has a current pipeline close to $1b also including multiresidential projects on the Gold Coast. Pending DA approval, The Gallery is expected to launch to market in early 2026.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Heart of the Valley YMCA announces new president and CEO
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Heart of the Valley YMCA has announced Rob Gray as its next president and Chief Executive Officer. The YMCA said Gray will take over on August 11. The organization said Gray brings over 30 years of experience with the YMCA from various posts around the country. He most recently served as CEO of the Bath Area Family YMCA in Maine, but has also served in leadership positions in Maryland, Florida, Tennessee and Kentucky. Madison County BoE approves bid for construction of new middle school in Hazel Green 'Rob is a transformational leader with deep experience in mission-driven leadership andoperational excellence,' Board Chair of the Heart of the Valley YMCA Jared Sharp said. 'His commitment to collaboration, innovation, and community building makes him theideal person to lead our YMCA into its next chapter.' The YMCA said that while in Maine, Gray led the organization's post-COVID recovery and growth efforts and increased membership by 48 percent, and launched a $6 million capital campaign. 'I am deeply honored to join the Heart of the Valley YMCA, an organization with a stronglegacy of strengthening communities in North Alabama,' Gray said. 'Together with thestaff, volunteers, and partners, I look forward to advancing the Y's mission to put Christianprinciples into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.' The new CEO comes as Heart of the Valley YMCA has recently dealt with several issues. In August of 2024, the organization filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing mortgage debt from the Hogan YMCA in Madison. The bankruptcy led to the YMCA selling Camp Cha-La-Kee in Guntersville. The organization also announced the closure of its Downtown Huntsville location in April, saying that its lease with Huntsville Utilities expires on August 31. Heart of the Valley YMCA said that the closure has nothing to do with its bankruptcy and is entirely due to the expiration of the lease. The organization told News 19's Emily Moessner at the time that it was looking for other spaces downtown and is committed to continuing to serve the area. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
BBC News
14-02-2025
- General
- BBC News
Wimborne: How acidic Valentine's Day cards were sent to mock
An acidic collection of 19th Century Valentine's Day cards that were meant to mock their recipients are on of the so-called Vinegar Valentines cards are unsold stock from a Dorset shop that was open in Wimborne High Street between 1837 and cards were sometimes used to discourage the attention of would-be suitors through mockery and contempt and were sent Museum of East Dorset's curator said the collection of 350 cards would be the first thing staff would seek to save in the event of a fire. "Character assassination may be rife online nowadays but looking at these Vinegar Valentines, Victorians certainly also knew how to hit where it hurt," Rob Gray cards were popular from the 1840s after the Penny Post revolutionised the postal service and the volume of letters sent. In 1840, the first year of the Penny Post, the number of letters sent more than doubled and within 10 years that had doubled of the cards in the Wimborne museum's collection was taken from William Low's stationery and printing shop, where the museum is now collection, which also includes traditional - and more complimentary - Valentine's Day cards, were discovered by an ironmonger in 1904, who took over the old shop unit after it was boarded up by a previous occupier in were nearly pulped during World War Two as part of an effort to reuse paper but were successfully saved. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
