Council to test market interest in Thuringowa centre
Date published: 27 January 2016
Townsville City Council will invite expressions of interest from developers, government and potential investors for the purchase or lease of the Thuringowa Civic Centre site.
The decision is part of the council’s strategy to centralise administrative services in the CBD at the Walker Street chambers and adjacent former Commonwealth office building which was purchased last year.
Up to 300 staff are in the process of relocating from the Thuringowa Civic Centre into CBD. Council will continue to operate library and customer service facilities at the Thuringowa location.
A full meeting of council today gave the go ahead to seek expressions of interest for the civic centre.
Planning and Economic Development Committee chairman Cr Tony Parsons said the sale or lease of the centre would provide a revenue boost for the council and encourage new development and investment in the Thuringowa site.
“Consolidating council’s administrative services in fewer locations is a smarter way to do business with more efficient operations, less duplication and reduced costs to maintain and operate facilities,” Cr Parsons said.
“The relocation of staff into the city is progressing well and has now reached a stage where the council is in a position to test the market and see what sort of interest there is in the Thuringowa site.
“It’s a prime location and offers a great opportunity to attract new investment to the area, and at the same time provide revenue for the council.
“The call for expressions of interest will carry the condition that the council intends to maintain library and customer services at the Thuringowa centre for local residents.”
