CBD Revitalisation

Townsville Central Business District Masterplan

The Townsville Central Business District (CBD) Masterplan was prepared to define a role for the CBD, identify and enhance the assets and ameliorate the liabilities. The establishment of a shopfront in the Flinders Street Mall provides a permanent and easily accessible place to display the Masterplan. Townsville's CBD Task Forces open door policy allows for continuous public consultation with individuals, organisations, businesses, and government agencies.

The Masterplan is a response to the social and economic changes affecting the Townsville CBD. Metropolitan centres and regional cities both nationally and internationally have been re-building, renewing and revitalising their communities and infrastructure to meet demographic and technological challenges. Local conditions affecting the Townsville CBD include:

• Growth of major suburban shopping centres
   
• Relocation of government and commercial offices to suburban centres
   
• Obsolete and poorly performing land uses
   
• A piecemeal approach to addressing the problems
   
• A neglected city attracted crime
   
• Tourist facilities affected by the lack of funding of quality public infrastructure
   
• Movement of the local economy from manufacturing to technology and service industries

Through the Commonwealth's Better Cities program, funds were provided for a major urban renewal project in South Townsville, and managed by the Townsville City Council. An integrated planning approach coordinating the three levels of government addressed the economic, social and environmental elements of a community. The confidence shown by the significant level of government funding has produced positive economic and social effects, and Palmer Streets dining precinct is one of the most popular destinations in Townsville.

The development of a streetscape strategy to improve the quality of the urban environment was commissioned by Council in the early 90s, and provided a guide on how to develop part of the CBD as funding became available. The Townsville Central Area Development Strategy, completed in 1997, addressed CBD revitalisation, inner suburbs renewal and planning issues. Both documents provided a clear picture of the key issues and direction for future development.

The opening of the Strand put Townsville back on the map and increased investment confidence in the city and encouraged a different approach to the problems faced by the CBD.

The Townsville CBD Masterplan coincided with the release of the Townsville Thuringowa Strategy Plan (TTSP) and the commencement of work on the new planning scheme for the City of Townsville. The TTSP provides the regional context for the redevelopment of the Townsville CBD. The local context will be defined by the new Townsville City Planning Scheme, including a city-wide planning framework, district plans and city-wide codes.

Consultation about the CBD Masterplan with the community, business and government is an essential element in the development of the proposals. The consultation process includes both formal and informal methods providing and encouraging feedback and participation.

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CBD Masterplan
Breakwater Precinct International cruise ships terminal International marina Ocean parkland Tourist and leisure focus
Railway Precinct Redevelopment of obsolete railway land New Flinder St West railway station Station platform over creek Rail Museum in heritage workshops
City Precinct
Mall Precinct Calm two-way traffic for western mall Contemporary oasis to replace eastern mall Leisure and retail focus for Flinders Street New knowledge centre with community focus
Communications Precinct Communications technology university Railway administration centre Ceremonial link to heritage station
Pedestrian Circuit New inner city pedestrian link Restored heritage of Victoria Bridge New Plume Street foot bridge with ferry terminal
Residential Parkland Residential townhouse parkland Eco-foreshore parkland
Hanran Low rise residential and mixed use New waterfront parkland
South Townsville Tourist accommodation Dining Marina

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