My Visit to the Valley

Did I need to escape from my computer? Maybe. But I did need to purchase something, which, according to the website of the Art and Craft Supply company, they had in stock.  So it meant a train trip to the city – cheaper and easier than driving my car. Then I had a brilliant idea. I would take my camera and see what eventuates. I would visit Fortitude Valley and then the CBD. I knew that I would pass by a couple of places that I might be able to write about, so I thought a two-hour trip would do it. Nothing goes as planned and it didn’t today, but I am not complaining. Except that I used a couple of extra hours that I hadn’t “budgeted” for. Overall though, I was impressed with my venture!

The plan was to visit Fortitude Valley – just a short distance from the CBD, and see if there were any preparations for Chinese New Year!  I would take a few photos and write an article for Weekend Notes.

The train trip was uneventful – in fact, I used the time and wrote notes in my planning document.

About “The Valley”

There is plenty of history around this space – you can read it here.

Once upon a time, it was a great place to shop, as the prices were somewhat less than in the city just a short distance away. When I became interested in the culture of the people of China, it was a great place to visit. I’d shop at Chinese supermarkets, dine at many restaurants and more. I even attended celebrations of Chinese New Year a few years ago.

I worked at a college in the Valley for nearly a year and often travelled by train. I know the space well.

Once I attended a fundraising function in a gay bar there too – a long story, not for here, but in support of a friend who was in charge of the event.

Night clubs, bars, all sorts of entertainment and much public disarray happened in The Valley. Homeless people slept on the footpaths and in doorways, At night, it was not a safe place to be on one’s own!

What is The Valley like now?

When I stepped off the train at the station I was impressed.   So much better than my last visit there.  Many new and updated places in the food court – it was quite amazing.

Street entrance to train station at The Valley

But as I walked into the main street, Brunswick Street, I was greeted with closed shops, damaged property, and lots of For Lease signs. The wonderful Chinatown that I used to visit is a shadow of its former self. No doubt the Covid pandemic was responsible for much of it. The area used to have many offices, but now working from home is popular and the dining hubs lost their customers. Like many businesses in Australia they lost their workforce – overseas students played a big role in the employment market. And Australia lost their tourists.

Chinese themed artwork in the Old Chinatown – now a building site. (Looks like a Mexican hat on its tail)

Celebratory merchandise in a small supermarket.

A Work in Progress

While there are still many vacant premises in Fortitude Valley, and clearly lots more work to do, it is refreshing to see a major new building near completion overlooking the area which previously was used for Chinese performances and promotions for the area. It will be some months before completion, but my understanding is that it will completely rejuvenate the area and bring locals and tourists back to the area. Time will tell.

Covid has changed things a lot.  I look forward to the new projects.

Has Covid made changes in your local area?