Townsville’s waterfront is set to undergo a major facelift off the back of funding through Round 4 of the Palaszczuk Government’s successful $295 million Building our Regions (BoR) program.
The $10.2 million Townsville Waterfront Promenade is receiving $5 million from BoR, with Townsville City Council contributing $5.2 million and will support 34 construction jobs.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the project will result in new commercial, residential, hospitality and retail investment in Townsville’s CBD.
“This is a transformative project for Townsville that will energise the city centre, boost jobs, and propel the local economy forward,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“The new Townsville Waterfront Promenade will link the CBD to the North Queensland Stadium, which is due for completion in time for the 2020 NRL season.
“Creating pathways that tie together the exciting new cultural and entertainment precincts with the stadium will ensure these investments in the city are maximised.
“Our government is committed to the north and will continue working hard to deliver more employment and business opportunities for the region.”
The four-metre-wide promenade will link Ross Creek to North Yards, Central, North Queensland Stadium, the CBD, Palmer Street dining precinct, Civic Theatre and Reid Park precinct, Central Precinct and the Bus Hub.
It will consist of 745 metres of pathways and 69 metres of mangrove boardwalks, while Little Fletcher Bridge will be converted to a pedestrian bridge, with significant landscaping throughout.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the project will see the area evolve into a year-round destination.
“These works will create jobs and boost revenue for retailers in Townsville’s CBD through greater visitor spending,” Mr Dick said.
“By investing in Queensland communities through our Building our Regions program, we’re strengthening our entire state with the infrastructure needed for the future.”
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said on game days over 2500 pedestrians will access the stadium via the bridge after using park-and-ride facilities at Central and at Flinders Street.
“Locals and visitors will soon be able to immerse themselves in the Ross Creek environment and move seamlessly between key activity precincts,” Mr Stewart said.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the waterfront promenade would provide a crucial new pedestrian and cycling link over the Ross Creek connecting the Stadium Precinct to the CBD.
“This project will not only create jobs for locals now but play a crucial role in encouraging the ongoing development of the Stadium Precinct and other areas in the Waterfront PDA,” Ms Hill said.
“I’d like to thank the Queensland Government for co-investing in our city’s important urban renewal projects.
“The waterfront promenade will be a catalyst for other future developments such as the North and South Rail Yards and the remaining council-owned land in the Stadium Precinct and will provide a direct connection between the CBD via the Stadium Precinct to Central Park and Palmer St.”
Communities Minister and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said the project was yet another shot in the arm for Townsville.
“This government backs Townsville – it’s as simple as that,” the Minister said.
