No clues yet after Chemist Warehouse relocates, emptying former Dimmeys Arcade

Collecting dust and slowly decaying over the last 17 years, the former Dimmeys Arcade remains a ‘blight’ on the appearance of Townsville’s CBD. Find out what’s happening with the building.

The future of former Dimmeys Arcade in the Townsville CBD still remains unclear, as its appearance continues to deteriorate after the recent flooding event. Picture: Leighton Smith.

A “blight” on the appearance of the Townsville CBD for decades, the former Dimmeys Arcade is now fully vacant after Chemist Warehouse recently left the building, opening the door for a potential refurbishment or demolition.

Chemist Warehouse was the building’s last tenant before relocating and reopening across the road in the former ANZ building at 121-133 Sturt St, on February 7.

With its Flinders St entrance now fenced off and its ceiling further caved in by recent rainfall, the former Dimmeys building has stood largely empty for the past 17 years, gathering dust, mould, itinerate urine, and cobwebs – emblematic of the woes plaguing the CBD.

Records show the property 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.

Managing the building on behalf of its owners, National Retail Group director Michael Spektor announced “plans to transform the derelict site with refurbishments expected to cost anywhere between $5-8 million” in 2021.

This plan was yet to materialise and Mr Spektor has not provided any answers over the past two years outlining what would happen next.

“As previously advised we have no comment to make. When the time comes, I will be in touch and happy to discuss my clients property interests in Townsville,” Mr Spektor said.

As debate rages about the CBD’s appearance for cruise ship passengers, and the best way the city heart could be revitalised, the newly formed business-led UpTown Townsville group is stepping up to take the lead.

UpTown Townsville’s Debbie Rains of Gallivanter Travel, Townsville Chamber of Commerce president Miranda Mears, Mark Kennedy of Counterpoint Architecture, Chamber CEO Heidi Turner, Zammi Rohan, also of Counterpoint Architecture, and Craig Stack, a senior partner at Knight Frank, in the CBD. Picture: Supplied

More of the ceiling has collapsed at the entrance of the former Dimmeys Arcade in the Townsville CBD. Picture: Leighton Smith.

“We are aware of, in touch with and supportive of the recently formed Uptown group and the forthcoming BES-Tville event,” he said.

Townsville City Council was asked what powers it could exercise with regards to the troublesome freehold building, which remains a lightning rod for community angst.

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

Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said due to limited powers under the Unsightly Buildings Local Law, the local government does not have the power to compel an owner to upgrade or invest in a building, resulting in the council having to reallocate valuable ratepayers money to install screening to beautify the building’s Flinders Street frontage.

The screening was expected to be in place by March 31.

The fenced off entrance to the former Dimmeys Arcade on Flinders St in the Townsville CBD. Picture: Leighton Smith.

“The Dimmeys Arcade building is an important site, connecting Flinders and Sturt Streets in the heart of the City Centre, alongside many others in the community Council is frustrated at the lack of investment and activity at the site that has contributed to this building becoming a blight on our City Centre,” Ms Greaney said.

“Council has, and will continue to engage with the owners, but at this stage there has been no commitment to invest in, or reactivate use of the building.”

Signage on the former Chemist Warehouse location advises customers that it had relocated across Sturt St. Picture: Leighton Smith.

The acting mayor said the council was supportive of the UpTown initiative and how it was looking at practical ways to activate and advocate for the City Centre.

“Council is also in the process of engaging with stakeholders to review and refine our approach to improving and better activating the City Centre to make it safer, and more welcoming,” she said.

Townsville City Council Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney.

Sign-writer installs signage at the new Chemist Warehouse store at 121-133 Sturt St. Picture: Leighton Smith.

“Neither council, nor the business sector can meet the challenges alone, requiring an ongoing and active partnership between Council, businesses, community and the State Government.

“There are many owners who are investing in their properties and businesses in the City Centre, alongside a number of excellent investment opportunities available. Those who are investing have confidence in the future of the City Centre and for Townsville more broadly.”

A Chemist Warehouse spokeswoman declined to discuss their new CBD store’s opening.

Originally published as No clues yet after Chemist Warehouse relocates, emptying former Dimmeys Arcade