Construction begins on Flinders Street Wharves to upgrade heritage building

Work has kicked off an ambitious development on Townsville’s waterfront, which will revitalise a historic building and create a floating bar. Find out more.

A render of the proposed waterfront development of Float on Flinders Street.

Ground has been broken on an ambitious redevelopment of a heritage-listed Townsville building in a project which promises to spearhead Townsville’s waterfront transformation along Ross Creek.

The Flinders Street Wharves (FSW) project was first floated in a development application to Townsville City Council in 2022, where a significant upgrade was proposed for the former Burns, Philp & Company building at 108–124 Flinders Street, which was built in 1895.

Once completed, FSW will be a waterside dining and events hub, offering a pub, multiple indoor and outdoor dining spaces and bars, live entertainment, a rooftop bar and the adjoining pontoon – the jewel in the FSW crown.

FSW co-owner and general manager Grant Morgan said construction had begun on the $30 million project and was expected to be complete by the last quarter of 2025.

“We’re really excited to bring Flinders Street Wharves to Townsville, offering an up-market yet approachable venue with elevated menus, drinks and service,” Mr Morgan said.

Conceptual image of the completed Flinders Street Wharves development. Picture: Supplied.

“The full venue construction and pontoon is on track, and we can’t wait for locals and those from further afar to experience this new precinct.”

The development will be able to host up to 1000 patrons and will employ 120 people across the two venues.

A render of the proposed waterfront development of Float on Flinders Street.

Plan for the Flinders Street Wharves development to be built next to a future pedestrian bridge. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Mr Morgan said the precinct is looking to employ local staff where possible and were in the early stages of recruitment.

It was revealed last year that the project had shared in the first round of funding from the state government’s Growing Future Tourism program.

Investor and founder of 4810 Property Andrew Hooper-Nguyen. Picture: Supplied.

Construction has commenced on the Flinders Street Wharves development next to, and inside the historic Burns Philp Building. Picture: Leighton Smith.

The new Marine Tourism Hub development will feature booking offices, commercial marina berths and FLOAT, a function area, restaurant and bar venue that will be the first of its kind in North Queensland.

Flinders Street Wharves Director Andrew Hooper-Nguyen said at the time that he was delighted to see the project proceed with the aid of the state government.

“It will activate the waterfront and bolster Townsville’s image as a liveable city and tourist destination,” he said.

Construction has commenced on the Flinders Street Wharves development next to, and inside the historic Burns Philp Building. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Construction has commenced on the Flinders Street Wharves development next to, and inside the historic Burns Philp Building. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Construction has commenced on the Flinders Street Wharves development next to, and inside the historic Burns Philp Building. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Construction has commenced on the Flinders Street Wharves development next to, and inside the historic Burns Philp Building. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Construction has commenced on the Flinders Street Wharves development next to, and inside the historic Burns Philp Building. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Construction has commenced on the Flinders Street Wharves development next to, and inside the historic Burns Philp Building. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Construction has commenced on the Flinders Street Wharves development next to, and inside the historic Burns Philp Building. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Originally published as Construction begins on Flinders Street Wharves to upgrade heritage building