Townsville East End Boardwalk project coming together

The first step in an ambitious pedestrian network, a 280m boardwalk through the Townsville CBD is nearly built. See the progress in our gallery.

Deputy Mayor Mark Molachino and Townsville MP Scott Stewart donned hi-vis to provide an update on the East End Boardwalk project. Picture: Evan Morgan.

The first stage of the East End Boardwalk project next to Ross Creek, a pedestrian-friendly network to connect key Townsville CBD locations, is nearing its end.

Wagner’s CFT Manufacturing began construction in August 2022 on the $6.2m project, which will deliver a 5m wide, 280m long promenade along the Ross Creek from the Flinders Street East carpark to Reef HQ – due to complete in May 2023.

It forms part of the Waterfront Promenade network project, which will eventually connect the Strand, Palmer Street, NQ Stadium Precinct, Central Park, Reid Park and the Central Development site.

With the boardwalk offering a safer option for people crossing the creek and making their way around the city, usage was anticipated to increase as other stages of the East End Waterfront Precinct roll out.

Future stages under development include a bridge for pedestrians, cyclists and scooters linking Flinders Street to the intersection of Tomlins Street and Plume Street, along with a boardwalk and public realm upgrade along Tomlins Street to the George Roberts Bridge.

Gallery: Construction progress for the Townsville CBD East End Boardwalk project

VIEW GALLERY

The boardwalk could also integrate with a multi-venue entertainment precinct proposed for the historic Burns Philp building, which previously hosted Santa Fe Gold and Bullwinkles nightclub.

Deputy Mayor Mark Molachino said the project will create 30 local jobs and activate the CBD.

“It makes sense. We’ve got this beautiful river here that attracts people, let’s bring them in and give them somewhere to recreate,” Cr Molachino said.

The latest Townsville City Waterfront Priority Development Area Map shows where future boardwalks and a bridge will support pedestrians in the CBD. Picture: TCC.

Concept image of the East End Boardwalk waterfront promenade along Ross Creek. Picture: TCC.

He said it would have a safety benefit for the Safe Night Precinct, especially once the link to George Roberts Bridge was completed, with less people mixing with traffic along Flinders St.

Future stages of the multi-year Waterfront Promenade network project were pending appropriate funding, consultation, design, and relevant approvals.

“Once we get the final design done, we’ll have costings, and then we’ll have to see if they can fit into future budgets,” he said.

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

VIEW GALLERY

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said he would seek additional funding to support future stages, adding to the state government’s $2.4m Works for Queensland grant for the first stage.

He hoped the project would emulate the successful redevelopment of the Strand.

“This is about making those improvements over time so we can celebrate those waterways, because a lot of our great cities around the world really attract people back to their waterways and make that a central point,” Mr Stewart said.

For more information, visit: www.townsville.qld.gov.au/building-planning-and-projects/council-projects/east-end-boardwalk

Originally published as Townsville East End Boardwalk project coming together