New promenade to connect Townsville sports and arts precincts

Townsville’s waterfront is set to undergo a $10.2 million major transformation linking CBD arts and entertainment precincts with the North Queensland Stadium.The Townsville Waterfront Promenade is receiving $5 million from the Queensland Government with Townsville City Council contributing $5.2 million.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the project will result in new commercial, residential, hospitality and retail investment in Townsville’s CBD, advising "the new Townsville Waterfront Promenade will link the CBD to the North Queensland Stadium, which is due for completion in time for the 2020 NRL season.

“Creating pathways that tie together the exciting new cultural and entertainment precincts with the stadium will ensure these investments in the city are maximised.”

The four-metre-wide promenade will link Ross Creek to North Yards, Central, North Queensland Stadium, the CBD, Palmer Street dining precinct, Civic Theatre and Reid Park precinct, Central Precinct and the Bus Hub.

It will consist of 745 metres of pathways and 69 metres of mangrove boardwalks, while Little Fletcher Bridge will be converted to a pedestrian bridge, with significant landscaping throughout.

On game days once the North Queensland Stadium opens, over 2500 pedestrians are expected to access the venue via the bridge after using park-and-ride facilities at Central and at Flinders Street.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the waterfront promenade would provide a crucial new pedestrian and cycling link over the Ross Creek connecting the Stadium Precinct to the CBD, adding "the waterfront promenade will be a catalyst for other future developments such as the North and South Rail Yards and the remaining council-owned land in the Stadium Precinct and will provide a direct connection between the CBD via the Stadium Precinct to Central Park and Palmer St."