Alive with potential
FROM a bustling coach terminal to office spaces and eateries, the old Townsville Transit Centre is about to get a new lease on life.
Co- Habitat Co- Working Space will open on August 1 in the revamped South Townsville building, providing a 24- hour access work environment with offices, hot- desk spots, a shared meeting room and a conference room.
It will be the first business to open in the centre. There are also plans for an oyster bar and other food outlets.
Co- Habitat founder Josh Roberts said there had been a lot of interest in the space.
“With the changing economy in Townsville I think a lot of people have been interested in working for themselves and doing something different,” he said.
“I’ve been hearing from creatives, bookkeepers, even a lawyer … I think there’s a lot of different industries interested.
“There’s even showers there so that if someone’s come off a flight they can freshen up.
“I’m hoping the hot- desking particularly will appeal to business people who travel, whether it’s sales people or other workers who might want an option other than a desk in a hotel room.”
Mr Roberts said he believed South Townsville was a great location because of its proximity to the CBD.
“We’re in here before the stadium, so it’s good timing,” he said.
“Parking can also be a problem in the CBD but we’ve got on- site parking and free street parking.”
Work began on the tran- sit centre last year after it was bought by Stephen Campbell of Brisbane’s Auto Parts Group and local developer Tim Edmonds.
A stone’s throw from the Palmer St dining precinct, the developers have given the two- level building a makeover with a vision of creating a bustling hub.
E- Property Consultants agent Steve Whaling said he was looking forward to seeing Co- Habitat up and running.
“We continue to receive plenty of interest in the remaining vacancies – an oyster bar overlooking the marina is nearing completion and will complement the more casual and everpopular Simply Tops Seafood, and we are in discussions with several fresh food, coffee and market operators for the remainder of the ground floor space which includes a drive- through opportunity.”