Frequently Asked Questions
CBD Redevelopment Master Plan
1. Where can I view the master plan and associated concept plans?
You can view plans of the redeveloped mall as well as other design features online.
2. How can I comment on the concept plans for the master plan?
By emailing, or calling or writing to council with your feedback.
Flinders Mall and Flinders Street
1. Why is council redeveloping Flinders Mall?
After almost 30 years, the mall has become dated and has limited appeal as a major shopping and entertainment precinct.
The mall is expensive to operate and costs council more than $1.65m every year to maintain.
The mall has a limited capacity to support Townsville’s growth. It is unlikely to provide opportunities for major new businesses and entertainment services. Opening the mall to calm traffic will restore the traditional role of Flinders Street, which has been our city's main shopping street for most of Townsville's history.
Redeveloping the mall will create a vibrant shopping and entertainment hub that the whole community can enjoy.
2. Why is council renovating Flinders Street East?
The existing streetscape and fittings along Flinders Street East are in conflict with many important heritage buildings.
Council wants to create a new, non-intrusive design that will highlight the unique heritage of Flinders Street East.
3. Is the mall development going ahead?
Yes. The redevelopment of Flinders Mall is going ahead and will include works to Flinders Mall, with major construction planned for 2010.
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4. Is the mall closing down?
No, Flinders Mall is not closing down. Whilst some stores are vacant and under going their own development or refurbishments, Flinders Mall will continue to trade as a commercial precinct prior to and through any development works.
We encourage you to continue to visit traders in the mall throughout the redevelopment.
5. When is the mall development starting?
Concept plans and costing for the development are now available.
Funding for the project was secured in the last week of April 2009, and construction contractors are expected to be engaged in November 2009. This means it is anticipated people will “see” construction work happening early 2010.
6. Will the mall be re-opened to traffic?
Yes, the Flinders Street Redevelopment will include re-opening Flinders Mall to some level of traffic, in order to secure private sector investment.
7. Will more parking be made available?
The council understands that access and parking are critical to making the revitalisation of the Flinders Street precinct a success, and will ensure increased parking is incorporated in the master plan. Parking for the new Flinders Street will be boosted by the inclusion of 1,000 car parks within Flinders Plaza, the $200m Austexx/Lancade complex planned for the Sturt Street side of the mall.
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8. How long will the development take?
It is anticipated that the project will be delivered within 13 months from the engagement of construction contractors, with actual construction taking approximately nine months.
9. When will the development be finished?
It is anticipated that the development will be completed in late 2010.
10. Will the community be consulted?
Yes. There were three stages for community consultation for this project. The first was in the form of consultation workshops which took place between 11 and 15 August 2008. The second stage of community consulation was held between Monday 22 September to Monday 6 October 2008 and encouraged the community to comment on the initial masterplan for the redevelopment. The final stage ran from Tuesday 25 November to Sunday 7 December 2008 where the public were able to view and comment on the concept plans for the street that have been developed from feedback relating to the masterplan. A fly-through DVD of the redeveloped street is available for viewing online.
11. How much is the redevelopment costing?
The project is expected to cost $56.6m.
12. Who is funding this project?
Funding has now been secured. Council will provide around one-third of the funding for the project and has secured additional funding from the State and Federal governments to complete the project.
13. Will there be on-street parking?
On street parking will be incorporated into the detailed design for the mall.
14. What is happening to the trees, especially the fig trees?
All existing mature trees have been incorporated into the concept plans where possible. Some of these trees may require relocation within the precinct.
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Cotters Markets
1. Will the Cotters Markets continue to run?
Yes. The Cotters Markets will continue to run and will remain in Flinders Street.
2. Will Cotters Markets move during construction?
Construction works for the Flinders Street redevelopment is not anticipated to start until February 2010. A timeline of specific works will not be known until closer to this time. Once the works schedule is set, the impact on the Cotters Markets operations will be determined and alternate plans made.
3. Will there be road construction work on Sundays?
Construction works for the mall redevelopment is not anticipated to start until late 2009. It is expected that most construction will be carried out during business hours; however there may be the need for construction on Sundays in exceptional circumstances.
Flinders Plaza
1. What will the Flinders Plaza development include?
Flinders Plaza will add 150 specialty stores plus a six theatre cinema complex and gymnasium into the city heart. The $200m Austexx and Lancade Corporation Flinders Plaza development will cover 1.7 Ha, and will be built to five storeys, with a Flinders Street frontage of 170 metres.
If you would like to speak to someone about this project, please phone council's Customer Service Centre on 4727 9000. A response timeframe of 48 hours may apply to some queries.
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