GRAND $ 1.9b CBD VISION
PDA will be ‘ once in a generation’ bonanza
UP TO $ 1.9 billion in new developments will be built on Ross Creek, including bars, restaurants, shops and apartments. Deputy Premier Jackie Trad will be in Townsville today to unveil the proposed development scheme for the 97ha Townsville City Waterfront Priority Development Area, a key plank in Townsville City Council’s plan to have 30,000 people living and working in the CBD by 2030.
UP TO $ 1.9 billion in new developments will be built on both sides of Ross Creek, including bars, restaurants, retail stores, apartments and pedestrian walkways.
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad will visit the city today to unveil the proposed development scheme for the 97ha Townsville City Waterfront Priority Development Area, a key plank in Townsville City Council’s plan to have 30,000 people living and working in the CBD by 2030.
The priority development area – which encourages investment by providing a onestop shop for approvals – will also include the proposed stadium, convention centre, arts precinct and redevelopment of the North Yards railway sheds.
The plan also links Ross Creek to the Strand with walkways and pedestrian bridges.
The area will be broken up into seven precincts, including a city waterfront gateway, a waterside living precinct for residential development, the stadium and convention centre site and short- term accommodation around the existing ferry terminal.
“This is a plan to transform Townsville into a world- class destination that will attract significant investment to the city, create jobs and boost the economy,” Ms Trad said.
“The economic development of Townsville is not only important for the city itself, but for regional communities surrounding it. The project is a good example of the benefits of having a streamlined planning and development framework in place.”
Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said the Labor Government’s $ 100 million commitment for the new stadium would be a major drawcard for other investment in the area.
“This is a strong example of our commitment to seeing Townsville reach its full potential as an economic powerhouse in the North,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
The State Government, Townsville City Council and Port of Townsville – the major landowners in the priority development area – will form an ownership entity to begin releasing land for development.
The area contains 48ha of developable land with a redevelopment potential of more than $ 1.9 billion.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the city now had the plan for a “once- in- a- generation project” that would take Townsville to a new level in lifestyle and investment.
Cr Hill urged residents to have their say during the public consultation period, which is open until August 18, with a fly- through virtual tour of the area available online and a “discovery box” at the base of Victoria Bridge.
“The Waterfront vision will provide a 15 to 20- year plan to transform the inner- city area along Ross Creek into a worldclass attraction,” Cr Hill said.
Port of Townsville chief executive Ranee Crosby said the proposed development scheme had a strong focus on bringing people back to the waterfront by building precincts linked by land and water connections.
The priority development area was declared on September 5, 2014, and is a joint project between the Queensland Government’s commercialised business unit Economic Development Queensland, Townsville City Council and the Port of Townsville.
It is expected that the final plan for the area will be released in November.