City plan for tropical idyll
A DESIGN guide outlining development standards for building facades, tropical green spaces, walkways and lighting along Townsville’s waterfront precinct has been recommended for approval.
The draft design guidelines for future developments in the Townsville City Waterfront Priority Development Area were recommended by Townsville City Council’s Planning and Development Committee.
Developers looking to build in the area, which includes about 97ha of land on both sides of Ross Creek adjacent to the CBD, will be required to meet specific standards for lighting, green spaces, public art, walkways and building appearance.
These standards include that all footpaths are at least 2.5m wide and that plants and gardens in the area suit the tropical environment.
The guidelines are designed to assist developers and help fast- track jobcreating projects.
Artist concept drawings of spaces, including the North Yards, highlight how the design guidelines could be applied to the development area.
The Planning Department’s Jeff Kerr said after a month- long public consultation process only a small number of changes had been required.
“Generally ( submitters) were pretty happy with what we are trying to do,” he said.
Mr Kerr said historically Townsville had “turned its back” on Ross Creek but the guidelines would ensure developments made better use of the waterfront.
“We’ve turned our back on the creek for a long time and we want to turn it back around so that we’ve activated the creek,” he said.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the guidelines aligned with the council’s “2020 vision”.
“The PDA will encourage development along Ross Creek,” she said.
“The guidelines will ensure the design of future projects suits the tropical Townsville climate and fits the vision for the city.”