Palmer Street dining precinct upgrade set to commence
Date published: 27 September 2017
A refresh and refurbishment of the popular Palmer Street dining precinct is set to commence next week with an upgrade to footpaths, street facade and gardens.
The refresh of the streetscape is courtesy of a Works for Queensland (W4Q) partnership between the Townsville City Council and the Queensland Government.
The upgrade will see new footpaths installed on both sides of Palmer Street from Dean Street to Plume Street.
The footpaths will be widened to allow for expanded outdoor dining spaces, improved wheelchair access and garden spaces.
Work will be conducted in two stages, with the first stage commencing in early October and continuing until the end of November.
Works will require the removal of several trees by Council due to invasive root systems that are damaging existing footpaths and subsurface water and drainage infrastructure.
These trees will be replaced at a later stage.
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said he project is part of the $21.8 million council has received from the Queensland Government to deliver 57 projects through the Works for Queensland program.
“The Palmer Street upgrade is receiving $2.4 million from the program and according to the council, will support or create 12 local jobs,” Mr Stewart said.
Infrastructure Committee chair Cr Mark Molachino said the project was a further example of the effort and investment being committed to revitalise the CBD and surrounding hospitality precincts.
“We have consulted widely ahead of this project with the local hotels, restaurants, business owners, and residents as well as Townsville Taxis and Sunbus,” Cr Molachino said.
“The wider footpath will provide restaurants with more outdoor dining options for customers, while also improving the amenity for pedestrians and guests at Palmer Street hotels.
“It complements the current upgrade work in the CBD and will provide a fresh welcome to guests coming to the city ahead of the Commonwealth Games events.”
Council has awarded the project contract to BMD Urban with work to begin in early October.
