Townsville City Council crews have reached a significant milestone on a new pathway that will connect the new North Queensland Stadium to Palmer Street and beyond.
A major concrete pour will help shape the path along Dean Street, which will be three-metres wide between Rooney Street and Morey Street and four-metres wide from Rooney Street to Victoria Bridge.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the path will be popular before and after events at the new stadium.
“This project in Central Park will give users of North Queensland Stadium, like football and concert fans, a direct link from the stadium to the popular restaurant precinct on Palmer Street,” Cr Hill said.
“It’s an important project as we want to make sure local businesses benefit from the events at the stadium.
“Council crews are making good progress on the project and hope to have the pathway completed early next month.”
The project has been funded by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to promote and extend the cycle network in the Townsville City Council region.
“This a significant location with the arrival of the new stadium so we are working to activate Central Park to give people access to Palmer Street and the CBD,” Cr Hill said.
“This path and the Central Park Promenade will open up the area – they’ll be busy on event days but I’m sure walkers, runners and cyclists will also make the most of both projects.”
Local Councillor, Ann-Maree Greaney said she’s confident the project will be well-received.
“It’s great to see this path taking shape and it wouldn’t be possible without the funding support of the Queensland Government,” Cr Greaney said.
“This is another example of how the Queensland Government and Townsville City Council can work together to improve the city.”
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the path is an investment in the city’s future.
“This will encourage more people to walk, run and ride work to work and reap the vast health benefits that this brings,” Mr Stewart said.
“We’re also providing better access to and from the CBD, open spaces, tourist attractions, residential areas, and restaurant and entertainment precincts.”
The pathway is part of the overall plan to link the new stadium to surrounding areas.
Pedestrians can link up with the path from Dean Street Park and the Central Park boardwalk.
Fans accessing the stadium from Flinders Street West via Little Fletcher Bridge will enjoy a stroll along the new waterfront promenade to reach the stadium.
