BES.Tville forum organised to build on UpTown Townsville’s CBD revival efforts

Two Townsville leading architects say our CBD has the potential to be transformed into something special, like Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves or Cairns’ esplanade. See their vision.

With its river frontage, spectacular Castle Hill backdrop and tapestry of modern and historic buildings, two Townsville architects say our CBD has the potential to be transformed into something special, like Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves or Cairns’ esplanade.

Counterpoint Architecture co-directors Zammi Rohan and Mark Kennedy are part of an enthusiastic cohort of business leaders rallying to revitalise Townsville’s ailing CBD.

Spearheaded by the Townsville Chamber of Commerce, the newly formed UpTown Townsville group has united landlords, businesses and city leaders to come up with ideas to transform Flinders Street and the city heart.

Mr Rohan said the city heart was struggling with lack of activation and vibrancy at street level to draw people in and keep them engaged, creating a cycle of empty shopfronts and streets, adding to the perception of the CBD being in decline.

A crowd of almost 50 concerned locals gathered at the inaugural meeting of UpTown Townsville to discuss solutions to revive the CBD. Picture: Supplied.

“The CBD has lost its role as the natural gathering place for the community,” Mr Rohan said.

“Much of the city’s growth and activity have been pulled toward suburban shopping precincts, which offer convenience and airconditioned comfort but don’t contribute to a rich urban experience.

“Evening and weekend activity is another major gap. While there are some great restaurants, bars, and cultural venues, they are too spread out to create a consistent buzz.

“Without a critical mass of people, public spaces can feel empty, and uninviting, which further discourages visitation.”

He wanted to see energy focused on quick, affordable solutions that create immediate impact, like simple pop-up activations which would bring people out of their offices and onto the street throughout the day.

Despite the council doubling CBD parking fees, he didn’t believe that scrapping paid parking altogether was the right solution, saying they would be occupied by workers, making it even harder for visitors and shoppers to find convenient parking.

“A better approach might be to extend the free parking period from 15 minutes to 1-2 hours. This would encourage more people to visit, stay longer, and engage with local businesses without feeling rushed,” he said.

Counterpoint Architecture directors Mark Kennedy and Zammi Rohan with Knight Frank agents Mark Fitzgerald and Dan Place at 487 Flinders Street. Picture: Evan Morgan

Mark Kennedy considers the CBD challenge

After volunteering in CBD revitalisation initiatives like Renew Townsville and witnessing years of decline in retail, Mr Kennedy said now was the time to reimagine and transform the city centre into a lively, attractive and welcoming place of which we could all be proud.

“We still have great cafes, bars, restaurants and unique shops, so there is plenty to build on already,” Mr Kennedy said.

“When events take place, the city comes alive, and we need to find ways to bring that same energy and atmosphere to every day of the week.”

He said activating Townsville’s city centre wouldn’t come about from any single big idea or initiative, but there were a lot of low-cost ideas that could make an impact.

Townsville Chamber of Commerce president Miranda Meers speaks at the inaugural meeting of UpTown Townsville to discuss solutions to revive the CBD. Picture: Supplied.

“Pop-up businesses, live music, regular events and community-led place-making projects can all play a part,” he said.

“These kinds of ideas can build on things that are already working well and help to create an invitation and a reason for existing city workers and residents to come down to street level and participate in the life of the city.

“Cities are made by people, and life brings more life. The overall aim should be to create a welcoming and supportive environment that helps many kinds of activities to take root and thrive in the city.”

Counterpoint Architecture co-directors Zammi Rohan and Mark Kennedy would like to see Townsville's CBD revitalised. Picture: Robert Hiette.

In the future, Mr Kennedy hopes to see a permanent market established in the city heart, and a much higher number of residents living within walking distance.

Both agree on the importance of longer term, shade and green projects providing a comfortable environment that enticed the 11,000 CBD workers to spend more time at ground level.

They said a collaborative approach was needed to address the city’s itinerant / anti-social behaviour problem, which would be partially remedied by increased activation, bringing “more eyes on the street”.

BES.Tville is an initiative that was founded by Counterpoint Architecture co-directors Zammi Rohan to exploring ideas that promote positive outcomes for Townsville. Picture: Supplied.

Townsville Chamber CEO Heidi Turner was heartened to see the strong interest and enthusiasm for revitalising the city’s heart displayed recently when 50 CBD businesses, property owners and stakeholders had a constructive discussion about the way forward.

“We were thrilled to receive pledges from two businesses to help initially to increase our team’s resources, ensuring we can continue delivering on our core work while driving this initiative forward,” Ms Turner said.

“A vibrant city centre benefits everyone – from increased foot traffic and greater investment to a stronger local economy and a unique destination we can all be proud of. But to make a real impact, collaboration is key.

“This initiative isn’t just about ideas – it’s about driving practical, meaningful change that supports local businesses, attracts visitors, and enhances Townsville’s appeal.”

Bright minds gather to save the CBD

Born from a simple realisation that it was action, not frustration that led to change, Mr Rohan founded the BES•Tville initiative a year ago, and continues chipping away at it in his spare time.

BES•Tville is an inclusive network that unites the community to explore ideas that promote positive outcomes for Townsville, championing events that focus on education, knowledge sharing, collaboration, and networking.

He has planned ‘Insights To Inspire – A Transformation for Our CBD’, a forum event that will take place at the Banquet Centre, above Townsville Brewing Co, on Friday, February 21.

Rather than dwelling on what’s wrong, he said it was time to explore solutions, spark new ideas, and shift the way we think about Townsville’s potential.

“We’re bringing together some of the brightest minds in urban revitalisation for an inspiring forum that will focus on ideas and inspiration, featuring visionary speakers, real success stories, and fresh perspectives, featuring projects from places such as Cairns, Rockhampton, Tweed Heads and Gosford,” he said.

“Learn from cities that have faced similar challenges and turned things around through smarter planning, community-driven initiatives, and creative urban design.

The Rockhampton Riverside project is a CBD revitalisation success story to inspire Townsville. Picture: URBIS.

“This event isn’t just about talking, it’s about learning from real success stories and exploring ideas that can help us transform Townsville’s city centre into a more vibrant, people-focused place.”

The forum was open to anyone who was passionate about Townsville’s future, whether they were in the design and construction industry, a local business, or they simply wanted to see our city thrive.

“It’s about building momentum for real change. Our goal is to spark discussions that translate into practical action, new collaborations, and a shared vision for a city that is greener, more vibrant, and full of life,” he said.

The Tweed Heads Mall Masterplan could be used as inspiration for Townsville's CBD. Picture: CHROFI.

Brisbane's Howard Smith Wharves project is another CBD revitalisation success story to teach Townsville. Picture: URBIS.

“Change doesn’t come from waiting for someone else, whether it’s council, government, or developers. It comes from collective energy and a willingness to participate, even in small ways.

“We hope this forum inspires others to step up, whether through innovative ideas, partnerships, or investment in Townsville’s future. Change doesn’t have to be massive to make an impact; whether big or small, every action counts. The key is to start.”

To find out more about the upcoming BES•Tville event, visit: www.bestville.com.au.

For more UpTown Townsville information, visit: uptowntsv.com.au.

Originally published as BES.Tville forum organised to build on UpTown Townsville’s CBD revival efforts