Harvey Norman expands Townsville presence with $23m warehouse project

A retail giant has revealed an ambitious Townsville expansion revolving around a $23m warehouse project under construction. See how it could benefit local businesses.

Burgess Rawson agent Michael Hooper at the new Harvey Norman Warehouses in Garbutt. Picture: Evan Morgan

Big changes are under way to expand Australian retail giant Harvey Norman’s presence in Townsville, while also giving a leg up for other businesses seeking warehouse space.

Construction work is well advanced at 33 Greg Jabs Drive on a $23m Harvey Norman Warehouse Development, situated behind Harvey Norman’s retail showroom at Domain Central.

Harvey Norman Property Leasing and Development Manager Nicholas Guerrera revealed that local builder Hurst Constructions Queensland began constructing the 10,700sq m warehouse project in October 2022, which was due to be handed over on February 1, 2024.

It included 5150sq m of warehouse space for both Harvey Norman and Joyce Mayne, and additional warehousing for third party tenants, that could be split into three tenancies.

“There is currently an undersupply of industrial buildings in Townsville,” Mr Guerrera said.

Construction is under way on the new Harvey Norman warehouses in Garbutt. Picture: Evan Morgan

Aerial view of the Harvey Norman warehouse development. Picture: Burgess Rawson.

“Harvey Norman is bringing 5080sq m of warehousing to the market for tenants to allow new businesses to break into the market or existing local businesses to expand their operations.”

Mr Guerrera said the warehouse would allow Harvey Norman and Joyce Mayne to consolidate their warehousing needs into one location.

“Harvey Norman will be expanding its retail footprint into its on-site warehouse (at Domain Central), allowing Harvey Norman to bring a wider range of products to Townsville.

Beginning in mid-2024, he said renovations to give the Domain Central store a “bit of a facelift” would include an upgrade to the external facade, lighting upgrade, and fit-out upgrade.

Burgess Rawson agent Michael Hooper at the new Harvey Norman warehouses in Garbutt. Picture: Evan Morgan

Designs for the Harvey Norman warehouse development. Picture: Burgess Rawson.

He said the new warehouse featured 54 parking spaces, awning covered loading docks, office and amenities for each unit.

Burgess Rawson commercial agents Neville Smith and Michael Hooper were offering the additional 3,000sq m of “A-Grade Warehouse” space for lease.

Mr Smith said the timing for this quality facility was crucial given the shortages the city was experiencing in warehousing.

Burgess Rawson agent Michael Hooper at the new Harvey Norman warehouses in Garbutt. Picture: Evan Morgan

“We have seen considerable take up of warehousing in the past 18 months in leasing and sales,” Mr Smith said.

“Given the position of these near Domain Central, major retailers and wholesalers have the ability to secure a position close to their businesses.

“We are excited to assist Harvey Norman with this major project and we expect now as they get closer to completion, commitments will be finalised.”

Originally published as Harvey Norman expands Townsville presence with $23m warehouse project