Multi-venue entertainment precinct planned for Ross Creek, Flinders St site

A “game-changing” entertainment precinct has been proposed for Townsville’s historic Burns Philp building near Ross Creek. See the big plans here.

A “game-changing” multi-venue entertainment precinct has been proposed for Townsville’s historic Burns Philp building and adjoining marine lease over Ross Creek.

The site of the city’s first wharf and birthplace of the shipping juggernaut, the Flinders St property more recently has been used for the Santa Fe Gold strip joint and Bullwinkles nightclub, although these have both not operated for some time.

Now, a company called Flinders Street Wharves has bought the property and applied to the council for its redevelopment to operate bars, food and drink outlets, function facilities and nightclubs.

An eye-catching pavilion over Ross Creek, to support more bars, restaurants and recreation deck, is part of the plans of Brisbane venturers Andrew Hooper-Nguyen and Lawrence Narayan.

Gallery: Spectacular pictures reveal former nightclub’s new-look

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Mr Hooper-Nguyen said Flinders Street Wharves would combine a great city location, iconic heritage building and idyllic waterfront setting that could do for Townsville what the popular Howard Smith Wharves project had done for Brisbane.

Mr Nguyen said they had received a great response so far from venue operators.

He said the indicators for Townsville’s economy were very positive and they believed if they created the “right product”, it would be successful.

“We are very committed to preserving the heritage fabric of the building. The birth of Townsville happened on this site,” Mr Nguyen said.

Mr Narayan said Flinders Street Wharves would be a “game-changing multi-venue entertainment precinct” with potential for restaurants, bars, breweries, concerts, functions, community events, retail and more.

According to the development application, the project will restore and celebrate the historic use of the site and the heritage-listed building.

The first wharf was developed there when Townsville was founded in the 1860s, while the heritage-listed two and three-level building was developed by Burns Philp and Co Ltd in 1895.

The application says the building’s development will involve some internal alterations but these will be primarily to remove elements obscuring its heritage, while also creating food, beverage and entertainment tenancies across its ground, first and second storeys.

An open plaza alongside the building is planned for an area previously as a gravel car park.

An over-water platform will connect to a creek-side boardwalk being developed by the council and support a pavilion providing tenancies for more bars and restaurants.

Mr Nguyen said they had engaged with the council during design and were encouraged by their support and vision for Flinders St.

A decision on the application is expected later this year.

Originally published as Multi-venue entertainment precinct planned for Ross Creek, Flinders St site