The Pier Restaurant Townsville to be given new purpose after sale

One of Townsville’s most idyllic restaurant spots has sat idle since late 2020, but it’s about to get a whole new lease on life with a new owner — and very different plans.

IMCommercial's Troy Parker outside The Pier, which will re-open under new ownership, with a whole new purpose.

One of Townsville’s most idyllic restaurant spots has sat idle since late 2020, but it’s about to get a whole new lease on life with a new owner.

The Pier Restaraunt and Bar, on Sir Leslie Thiess Drive near The Ville, is expected to become a short-stay accommodation hotspot under new ownership who recently purchased the building.

IMCommercial’s commercial property specialist Tony Parker oversaw the sale.

“It was in a vacant position and the current owners have had it for quite some time, they were investors and didn’t have a tenant, so decided to sell it freehold,” Mr Parker said.
“There was a lot of interest in the site, given its location and outlook, However, there were some restrictions on what use it was given, because the location’s on the water the Department of Natural Resources also have a lease on the property.

Pier Restaurant and Bar. Picture: Evan Morgan

“It’s now been approved for accommodation. It’s going to be short term accommodation. The buyer is a local, in fact, his grandmother used to operate the restaurant many years ago, and he’s really excited to do some renovations in there.”

Mr Parker said while people would see work happening, it would mostly be internal and plans for the outer facade hadn’t been drawn up quite yet.

“Given it’s location opposite the ferry terminal and that gateway to Magnetic Island, I think it’ll be a really good use for that area,” Mr Parker said.

While no hard numbers on pricing were able to be shared at this point, Mr Parker said all parties involved left discussions ‘very happy’

In its glory days, the Pier offered waterfront views through its glass-walled interior and sat as the seat of Townsville’s dining experience in the time before the Ville Resort-Casino.

Originally built as the Barge Inn, it was levelled by a fire at the end of 1985 and was rebuilt in its current configuration.

The restaurant became a favourite spot for birthdays and family celebrations, but sadly closed in late 2020 at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Originally published as The Pier Restaurant Townsville to be given new purpose after sale