Hi-tech future for rail history
TOWNSVILLE’S historic disused North Rail Yards will be transformed into a technology precinct, with council revealing a company had signed on to redevelop the site.
The North Rail Yards, at the western end of Flinders St, will be turned into the Townsville Technology Precinct, focused on the “emerging software development industry”.
The project is a joint venture of Projects & Infrastructure Group and leading Queensland firm Conrad Gargett Architecture.
Townsville-based software company Code Valley has signed on as an anchor tenant of the precinct.
The announcement comes after a recent Townsville City Council meeting, where councillors decided to “commence negotiations and development” of Code Valley’s terms as a project partner.
Conrad Gargett North Queensland manager Greg Sexton said the precinct would support professionals working in “contemporary workplace environments”.
“The heritage fabric of these workplaces will add a unique character to this setting – both the internal character of a factory like space (complete with remnant cranes and boilers), together with the unique campus character of the site is critical in creating an environment that will attract the best IT talent worldwide,” he said.
The council confirmed a significant proportion of the historic buildings would be refurbished and retained.
The plan includes conservation of the historic Westinghouse Brake Shop and Gate House buildings and returning them to the community as multipurpose community space.
Buildings are supported by 194 parking spaces and enhanced by extensive landscaping which includes a waterfront park and boardwalk connecting the site with the stadium precinct and the council’s proposed Waterfront Promenade.
The precinct delivers around 9500sq m of new or fully refurbished space as a dynamic urban renewal node for the CBD, and a waterfront park.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the proposed precinct “fit well” into the Townsville 2020 Masterplan.
“The project is progressing swiftly and I look forward to negotiations finalising so the North Rail Yards development can start as soon as possible,” she said.
“The site has remained vacant for a number of decades and it’s great to be able to transform the area and build for our future.”
The council acquired the North Rail Yards from the State Government in 2013.
It includes 4.5ha of land fronting Ross Creek and historic railway workshops in Flinders St established in the 1880s.
Code Valley project director Rob Woolf said the company looked forward to signing the agreement soon so the North Rail Yards could become productive again.