State investment secures North Rail Yards

A $35 million agreement between the State Government, Townsville City Council and local developer BM Webb has been finalised to support the restoration of heritage buildings and decontamination of the 145-year-old precinct, paving the way for future high-density housing opportunities, public spaces and commercial development in the heart of Townsville.

Established in the 1880s, the North Rail Yards served as a Queensland Rail maintenance depot before closing in 1990, abandoned becoming a derelict eyesore for locals.

The 4.5-hectare site is located within the Townsville Waterfront Priority Development Area and adjacent to the Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said the North Rail Yards had been part of the city’s fabric since the early 1880s and it was important to protect that history while servicing the needs of a growing region.

“The rail yards were one of the first projects I visited after becoming mayor,” he said.

“Council recognised the potential of this vacant site and worked to secure funding for what will be a gateway to our city centre.

“This is a rare opportunity to convert a dilapidated site into a residential and commercial hub that honours our past and embraces our future.”

Treasurer David Janetzki said this was a city-making project that would help transform the North Queensland city and support its future growth.

“With Townsville’s population set to grow by at least 40,000 people in the next 15 years, vibrant housing and commercial precincts like North Rail Yards are critical," Treasurer Janetzki said.

“Our $35 million investment addresses the most significant financial hurdle of the project to cover remediation and heritage stabilisation works, making the site ‘development-ready’.”

Local developer and CEO of BM Webb group Brad Webb said the project would bring pride in Townsville.

“The Webb Group has been investing in Townsville for more than 47 years and we are proud to keep reinvesting locally in projects that strengthen the city’s future while respecting its history,” Mr Webb said.

“There is a vast amount of contaminated material that must be carefully removed and replaced, and the historic rail buildings must be stabilised and restored.

“We appreciate the cooperation of both State and local government and ask the community to bear with us during the works.”

Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said reactivating the CBD was a vital step towards securing the city’s economy.

“Townsville residents voiced their concerns about youth crime, housing, energy and the state of the healthcare system when voting for a fresh start,” he said.

“The Crisafulli Government is listening and delivering - increasing residential development opportunities in the CBD will help breathe new life into the area while addressing the housing shortage.”