ARTFUL WAY TO USE CBD
THERE might be some empty shops on Flinders St but the council is doing all it can to brighten up the main street.
A pop- up exhibition of the remaining Percivals Portrait Prize entries will open on Saturday at 398 Flinders St – opposite Woolworths and City Arcade.
Townsville City Council Community and Cultural Development Committee chairwoman Cr Colleen Doyle said it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the previously unseen entries.
“I think the Pop Up Percivals will go for about six weeks,” she said.
“It’s a good opportunity to come on in and grab a cup of coffee and do a little bit of shopping too.”
Cr Doyle said council crews had been working to transform the vacant commercial build- ing into an art gallery by erecting new walls to create more hanging space and constructing an artist’s workshop.
Division three councillor Ann- Maree Greaney said it was another way the council could entice more people into the city.
“It’s a great way that council is working to enliven the CBD and getting people in,” she said.
“They might go out and have a bite to eat, visit the library or do one of the walking trails around the CBD.”
Cr Greaney said this was a small part of activating the CBD.
“Particularly using vacant commercial buildings that are just left wanting, we’re working with the landlords to try and either beautify their buildings or look at innovative, costeffective ways that we can activate these buildings and the Pop Up Percivals is a perfect example of that.”