$10.2M Waterfront Promenade under way

Earthworks have started on the Townsville Waterfront Promenade project to link the new North Queensland Stadium with the CBD.

An artist's impression of the Townsville waterfront promenade.

EARTHWORKS have started on a $10.2 million Townsville Waterfront Promenade project to link the new North Queensland Stadium with the CBD.

Townsville City Council has also announced a separate project, called Flinders Lane, will start this week.

The waterfront promenade, supporting 34 local construction jobs, will include the construction of 460m of concrete pathways and 177m of mangrove boardwalks along Ross Creek, the conversion of Little Fletcher Bridge into a pedestrian bridge and landscaping.

It is being jointly funded by Townsville City Council and the State Government under its Building our Regions program.

Mayor Jenny Hill said the project was vital for boosting the local economy and attracting people into the city.

“The Townsville Waterfront Promenade will transform the area along the Ross Creek for those visiting the Stadium Precinct,” Cr Hill said.

“Watpac, who are constructing this first stage of the promenade, has begun the initial earthworks and the construction of this section of the promenade is due for completion by the time the new stadium opens in early 2020.”

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Cr Hill said the first stage of construction activity was being managed on behalf of the council by the Department of Housing and Public Works in conjunction with the delivery of the North Queensland Stadium project.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said the promenade would be delivered by a local workforce in time for the opening of the stadium.

“Alongside supporting a 97 per cent local workforce and 79 apprentices, a driving objective of the North Queensland Stadium is the regeneration of the Townsville city centre and the attraction of further investment in the North Queensland region,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Critical to achieving this is the stadium’s proximity and connectivity to the CBD and accommodation and entertainment precincts of Townsville.

“We can all look forward to an unforgettable fan experience both in and out of the North Queensland Stadium.”

Deputy Mayor Les Walker said the waterfront promenade would connect future developments such as North Rail Yards, the CBD and Palmer Street.

“The waterfront promenade will provide a pedestrian and cycling link over the Ross Creek and allow residents and visitors to access our new cultural and entertainment precincts,” Cr Walker said.

“This development will also encourage other investment into the Stadium Precinct and Waterfront PDA and provide a boost to Townsville’s economy.”

Works are scheduled to commence this week on the Flinders Lane project which will connect the CBD to the Bus Hub via a new laneway with retail stores and cafes.

The former Sportspower building will be demolished to create the laneway which will be

integrated with adjoining buildings.

The council, in partnership with a company associated with a property owner adjoining the laneway, Martin Locke Homes, will be deliver this project over the next 12 months.

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