History and Background

A Case for Change

Flinders Street has been the centre of activity in Townsville’s CBD for over 130 years. In the 1870s, Flinders Street was no more than a rough track running along the banks of Ross Creek. In time, the street flourished to become the heart of the largest city in tropical Australia.

By the mid 1960s, retail trends in favour of suburban shopping centres were affecting the traditional CBD business model. In response, the Townsville City Council was forced to consider ways to encourage people back to the city heart. In line with international practice at the time for CBD redevelopment, construction began in September 1979 on Stage 1 of Flinders Mall. This created what we have today – the section of Flinders Street between Denham and Stanley Street that remains closed to traffic.

The Mall experienced limited success in its first 10 years, mostly due to its anchor tenant David Jones. However the Mall was unable to compete with the success of the new suburban shopping centres and, in 1993, David Jones relocated to Townsville's largest shopping centre – Stockland. Following the loss of David Jones, the Mall experienced large declines in visitation and property prices. Many specialty retailers closed as prospective investment ground to a halt. The CBD retained its role as the commercial and administrative centre of North Queensland, accounting for 10.4% of all economic activity in the region. However the retail heart of the region was now sick and at risk of terminal decline.

Around the world, similar problems with outdated malls have been successfully rectified. A consistent feature of the successful revitalisation of other small to medium CBD malls has been the re-introduction of vehicular traffic. Studies have shown that re-introducing traffic encourages more people to travel downtown, while drive-by visibility has long been a measure of the value of a retail location. Modern CBDs also need to be entertainment districts rather than competing with the utility-based atmosphere of suburban shopping malls.

There is now overwhelming support from the community, business, and political representatives for the redevelopment of Flinders Street. North Queenslanders and the 5,000 new residents to the region each year deserve this vital renewal project. The Queensland and Australian economies will benefit greatly from this investment.

"… an exciting opportunity to return the vibrancy to the region and create a centre that is attractive to residential, retail and commercial activity while still preserving and celebrating the historic buildings in the area."
Ross Dunning AC, Chairman, Port of Townsville

Our historic high street

Flinders Street began as a worn, dusty track in the 1870s and yet was the essential link between the active Port, its growing town and region. Flinders Street has changed its face and function dramatically over 130 years.

Did you know?

• The Australian Flag was reportedly unfurled for the first time in Australia before a cheering crowd in Flinders Street, Townsville in September 1901.

• The Queensland Governor, General Lord and Lady Lamington, met with great fanfare during their visit to Townsville in 1904. Our iconic coconut-covered cakes are famously named after him and his 1901 Federation speech united the country.

• At risk of bombing during World War II, the clock tower above the post office (now The Brewery) was dismantled by the community in a record three days.

• Air raid drills were regularly held in Flinders Street and bunkers were constructed in the street's gardens beds for quick escape during bombings. Crowds flocked to Flinders Street when peace was announced on 15 August 1945.

• In the 1950s, at the Roxy Theatre in Flinders Street, music and young people were celebrated with weekly 'Juvenile Jubilees'.

• The 1960s signalled the end of an era for Flinders Street as shoppers' numbers in the CBD declined, drawn instead to in vogue suburban shopping centres. By 1980, 600,000 pavers were laid along Flinders Street during its transformation into Flinders Mall. The Mall enjoyed a small peak of popularity. However, in the past two decades, shops have come and gone in reaction to the area's lacklustre surrounds.

For more information, please contact Planning and Development.

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