CBD Pathways

Creating a network of pathways through Townsville's CBD for pedestrians and people-powered transport.

Pathways are the key for residents of and visitors to Townsville to appreciate and experience the city. The creation of a pathways system will encourage active participation in many aspects of the city.

It is vital to see the pathways network as a way of highlighting and giving access to the differences and delights of the natural and existing environment of Townsville. Whilst not an exercise in creating more destinations, it is an exercise in connecting and appreciating what we already have.

In order to enhance the vitality of a city it is important activity and life pervade the built environment. Recreational activity should be the focus to ensure socialisation becomes a trait of the city. Proposed is a series of pathway systems that offer not only access to CBD venues, or paths of movement through the city, but also a set of pathways offering a clearly defined individual purpose and mode for each system.

A series of pedestrian loops is set up with a clear focus of interest and consideration to varied modes of transport. The loops will link activities but will also intersect to allow those of more diverse interests to vary the menu on offer.

A good pathways system is an opportunity to:

Activate the city with people and life; to put people back into public spaces and streets
Encourage people powered transport over fuel powered transport: healthy community!

A good pathways system serves two principle purposes:

Connection
Access to and connection between CBD features, or simply connecting 'A to B' (eg. home to work, work to park etc)
Recreation
Recreational pedestrian loops with a clear focus of interest (eg. built heritage path, arts path etc)