Motivated locals flock to forum showcasing solutions to revive Townsville’s CBD
Hundreds of community members have attended an event which showcased success stories and strategies to revive Townsville’s ailing CBD. Find out what they heard.
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The business-led effort to revive Townsville’s ailing city heart is gathering momentum, as motivated locals look at the ideas other cities have used to reverse the fading fortunes of their CBDs.
Hot on the heels of Townsville Chamber of Commerce’s formation of the UpTown Townsville steering committee to drive a collaborative revitalisation of the CBD, committee member Zammi Rohan hosted another BES•Tville event at Townsville Brewing Co recently.
A director at Townsville CBD-based Counterpoint Architecture, Mr Rohan was delighted to see a “highly engaged audience” of 200 attend the forum, which was called ‘Insights To Inspire – A Transformation for Our CBD’.
Guests included Acting Townsville Mayor Ann-Maree Greany, Townsville MP Adam Baillie, local business and property owners, industry professionals, and passionate community members, who were “united by a shared commitment to revitalising Townsville’s City Heart”.
Mr Rohan said expert speakers shared valuable insights and real-world examples of urban transformation, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities that come with revitalising city centres.
Key insights from expert speakers
Leading landscape architect and director of Urbis, Glen Power, spoke about the dramatic transformation of the Rockhampton Riverfront, emphasising how landscape-led urban renewal has been a key driver of change.
By beautifying and greening the streets and public spaces, he said Rockhampton has significantly improved shade, comfort, and overall liveability, creating a more inviting environment for both residents and visitors.
He reinforced the idea that small-scale, high-impact interventions in the public realm can be catalysts for larger-scale economic and social change.
Award-winning architect for Cairns Regional Council, Ellen Buttrose highlighted her city’s struggles with emerging precincts outside the city core, competing with the CBD and creating challenges with activation and connectivity – a problem also faced by Townsville.
She discussed how Cairns had invested heavily in strengthening key linkages, recognising that the success of their CBD depended on seamless pedestrian and vehicle circulation, and strategic landscaping.
Ms Buttrose highlighted the need for clever urban planning to ensure new developments complement, rather than compete with, existing centres.
Committed to architecture that goes beyond convention, CHROFI Architecture founder John Choi spoke about the importance of understanding a place’s unique qualities to help guide future decisions.
By analysing what has and hasn’t worked, he said cities could take a more informed, strategic approach to revitalisation.
He also shared an inspiring case study of a not-for-profit theatre group that is moving forward with an adaptable, cost-effective design solution.
Their approach, which included a clear strategy for future funding, served as an example of how visionary yet practical thinking could help unlock opportunities, even in projects with limited resources.
Momentum builds for CBD action
Mr Rohan said the expert’s presentations sparked enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and a renewed drive for action among the BES•Tville forum’s attendees.
“Many left feeling inspired to take an active role in shaping the future of the CBD, and conversations from the event are already translating into real momentum,” Mr Rohan said.
“Now, the focus shifts from ideas to action. The newly formed committee, UpTown Townsville, will take the lead in driving change and delivering tangible outcomes for the CBD.
“As a first step, an activation workshop is planned in the coming weeks, designed specifically for CBD business owners to collaborate and define the changes they want to see.”
He said this session would focus on practical strategies, collaboration opportunities, and immediate actions to reinvigorate the city centre, with real, constructed interventions as key outcomes.
“Stay tuned for details on how to get involved — because the transformation of our CBD starts with all of us,” he said.
“If you have suggestions or would like to participate, please reach out via the UpTown Townsville website.
Real estate veteran weighs in after forum
With decades of experience selling and leasing buildings in the Townsville CBD, Ray White Commercial principal Graeme Russell was grateful for the efforts of forum organisers and speakers.
“Without people like this … the CBD will not progress as it is constantly being usurped by urban shopping malls and a low population density,” Mr Russell said.
“In discussions with Ann-Maree Greaney, we agreed that increasing population density in the CBD is key to improving the viability of retail and hospitality businesses downtown.
“The council needs to roll out the red carpet for any developer contemplating high density inner city residential projects.”
He said having university campuses and accommodation downtown, like it was in Adelaide, could also provide a source of labour for hospitality businesses.
“Shade was also an important factor and two of the guest speakers noted the importance of green corridors to reduce ambient heat and to improve the amenity of inner city spaces,” he said.
“It was noted that Townsville CBD has very low canopy coverage compared to industry standards.
“One of my personal observations, based on previous experience in the early nineties, is that inner city shops need to showcase artisans offering unique goods and services.”
Places like Hobart’s Salamanca Market and Townsville’s Cotters Market were examples of how to reinvigorate our CBD, particularly for visitors.
“It was encouraging to see good ideas being explored and I am pleased to be a part of the journey myself.”
Business leader highlights CBD’s challenges
Co. Habitat Co-Working Space director Joshua Roberts took a lot away from the forum, saying it was a great opportunity to connect with other businesses.
“While there were ideas that ranged from relatively simple like increased green cover through CBD, through to large, complex plans, this event presented a range of ideas that could help our CBD,” Mr Roberts said.
“There are little things we can do to start a shift in fortune (like) increasing trees to help with sun protection and reduce heat and have businesses at street level operate with an increased level of presence.”
“Our CBD is not well set up for our climate, the majority of it is large concrete jungle with little to no green coverage. Trees have been shown to help reduce heat and one easy solution to part of the issue currently facing our CBD.”
He wanted to see a range of CBD solutions rolled out to target the costs to operate a lease, improve access to parking for clients and staff, and to address anti-social behaviour.
“Anti-social behaviour is often cited as a reason not to do business in the CBD. I believe bringing people and businesses in will help reduce this problem naturally,” he said.
“Several case studies have shown that small attractions that increase foot traffic of everyday people reduces anti-social behaviour in urban settings.”
Zammi Rohan’s three big takeaways the BES•Tville forum
• Stand up: Change starts with leadership. Whether you’re a designer, business owner, or community member, we all have a role to play in shaping the future of our city.
• Show up: If we want a thriving city, we need to support the initiatives and activations that make it great. Turning up matters. It builds momentum, attracts investment, and keeps good ideas alive.
• Speak up: Let’s change the narrative. Townsville has incredible success stories. We need to share them, celebrate them, and shift the conversation from what’s missing to what’s possible.
For more information about BES•Tville and UpTown Townsville, visit: www.bestville.com.au and uptowntsv.com.au.
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Originally published as Motivated locals flock to forum showcasing solutions to revive Townsville’s CBD
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