Chemist Warehouse Townsville set to relocate to new premises on Sturt St

The last remaining business in the former-Dimmeys Arcade is set to relocate, paving the way for a long awaited fix to the “eye sore” CBD building. See what’s changed.

Chemist Warehouse Townsville is the last store operating in the former Dimmeys Arcade Building. It could soon relocate. Picture: Google Maps.

The only business still operating in the CBD’s crumbling former-Dimmeys Arcade, Chemist Warehouse Townsville is expected to relocate in the coming months, clearing the way for a potential demolition or significant renovation.

Long regarded as an “eye sore” and a “disgrace” by many in the community, the building is owned by a company whose shareholders include Jack Gance and Mario Verrocchi, rich listers worth around $1.8bn each and founders of the Chemist Warehouse group.

Several sources have confirmed that work was underway behind the scenes to relocate the Chemist Warehouse across the road into the former ANZ building at 121-133 Sturt St, within months.

Featuring tenancies on the ground and first floor, and 26 secure undercover car parks, the building was sold for $5.75m by Ray White Commercial Townsville in May 2023.

Within months, Chemist Warehouse Townsville could be moving across the road into 121-133 Sturt Street, Townsville. Picture: RWC.

The Townsville Bulletin understands that National Retail Group director Michael Spektor, whose property company is part-owned by Chemist Warehouse directors, was involved in the sale.

National Retail Group has been acting as asset managers on behalf of the property owners and announced a $3m redevelopment of the Townsville site in early 2021, which has failed to materialise.

A wrecked roof, graffitied walls, and damaged tiles at the former Dimmeys Arcade greets visitors to the Townsville CBD. Picture: Leighton Smith.

A broken window revealed the crumbling interior inside the former Dimmeys Arcade. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Remaining tight-lipped about the move, Mr Spektor previously described how the Dimmeys Arcade building had been stripped out and they had done as much as building permits would allow, but had struggled to get permits for a new fire protection sprinkler system – expected to cost $2m.

“We understand the community wants to see it redeveloped and we continue to work with various stakeholders including government and the QFES to find an appropriate pathway forward,” he said in November.

Chemist Warehouse was approached for comment.

Originally published as Chemist Warehouse Townsville set to relocate to new premises on Sturt St