Castlerock reveals plans for its first carbon-neutral building in the Townsville CBD

Construction machinery has revved up at a former Townsville CBD carpark to construct a new office building with industry-leading sustainability credentials. Find out where.

Render of Castlerock's carbon-neutral CBD office building currently under construction at 158 Walker St. Picture: Castlerock.

Construction machinery is hard at work carving up the foundations of a former Townsville CBD carpark to pave the way for a future, state-of-the-art office building, opposite the council chambers.

Melbourne-based funds manager and full-service property group, Castlerock has proudly announced that it was developing and building a carbon-neutral office building at 158 Walker Street, after earthworks began earlier this month.

Expected to be completed by mid-2026, the five-storey building will boast a 6,500 sqm floor area with “A-grade office space”, approximately 200m² of retail space at ground level, including a cafe, and underground carpark for 107 vehicles.

It will become Castlerock’s first carbon-neutral building, with industry-leading sustainability credentials, including a 6-star NABERS energy rating, a 5.5-star NABERS water rating, and a 4-star Green Star rating.

Render of Castlerock's carbon-neutral CBD office building currently under construction at 158 Walker St. Picture: Castlerock.

Expected to generate 153,708 hours of employment during construction, the building will incorporate advanced green technologies, like a 99kW rooftop solar array, highly efficient airconditioning and lighting, remotely monitored and controlled from Castlerock’s Melbourne office.

The building will also harvest rainwater and reuse water from its mechanical services for toilet flushing, significantly reducing water consumption and minimising environmental impact.

Castle Rock Property founder Hank Bronts with his wife Margie and sons Adam (left) and Jason. Aaron Francis/The Australian

End-of-trip facilities are a central component of the design, promoting sustainable and active transportation options for tenants, with 46 secure bike racks, ample showers, and locker facilities, encouraging employees who commute by bike or on foot, and fostering an eco-friendly work culture.

Castlerock chief executive and founder Hank Bronts said the new building reinforced their reputation for high-quality, government-leased assets in the Castlerock Government Property Fund, which also included the Queensland State Government occupied building at 445 Flinders St.

Construction work is underway at a former CBD carpark opposite the council building. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“We’re excited to deliver a project that benefits both the community and our investors, ensuring sustainable growth for the future.”

Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson said the council was thrilled to have supported this innovative project through its Housing and Jobs Incentive Policy, which helped drive investment in the city and surrounds.

Castlerock's Government Property Fund portfolio includes a CBD building at 445 Flinders St, with the Queensland Government as its major tenant. Picture: Castlerock.

Castlerock is seeking an operator to partner with for this new facility, which will add to the building’s community and lifestyle appeal.

They were unable to say how much the project was worth, or who would be tenanted in the completed building.

Colliers senior executive Todd Walsh assisted with the sale of the land for $3.4 million, which settled in August.

Originally published as Castlerock reveals plans for its first carbon-neutral building in the Townsville CBD