One of Townsville city centre's most iconic buildings is set to be transformed into a boutique hotel after Townsville City Council approved a recent development application by 4810 Property Pty Ltd.
The long-vacant, former Westpac building on the corner of Stokes and Flinders Streets has already had its classic façade repainted thanks to a Council Modernizing Buildings Grant, and is now ready to undergo a complete renovation to house more than 30 hotel rooms after Council approved the Development Permit for a Material Change of Use for the building to house short-term accommodation.
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said she was thrilled to see investors making moves in Townsville's city centre.
"I'm really excited to see this project commence and to bring more people smack-bang into the middle of our city centre," Cr Greaney said.
"Harnessing the local history of what was originally built as the Townsville branch of the Bank of New South Wales in 1935 and transforming it into a hotel is a beautifully innovative way to pay homage to one of our city's most iconic and historic buildings.
"I can't wait to see what the developers do with the space and the life it is set to bring into our city centre, I can just imagine people wandering out onto a busy Flinders Street on a Sunday to enjoy the Markets and take in the wonderful hospitality."
Developer Andrew Hooper-Nguyen said Townsville was identified as a quality investment destination due to its diverse economy spanning education, military, tourism, sport, agriculture, resources and culture.
The city has potential to be a regional powerhouse," Mr Hooper-Nguyen said.
"Our grand bank deserves to be restored to its former glory. We will deliver a boutique hotel which contrasts cutting edge design with the building's proud heritage.
"Both Council and State have been very supportive of our vision. We also want to work with quality food and beverage operators to activate the banking hall and the rooftop entertainment venue."
Councillor Greaney said the project was just one of the recent investments being made in Townsville's city centre.
"It's great to see movement and confidence in our city and we certainly welcome this kind of investment," Cr Greaney said.
"While our city centre has had its challenges in years gone by, it's investment and activation like we're seeing now that will enable us to enliven and grow our city.
"Along with recent investment in the city like upgrades to Flinders Lane, works beginning on the $55M Castlerock development, the Suncorp expansion on Walker St which is set to bring 120 workers to the city and Telstra's investing in their new $32M Flinders St West facility, people are seeing our city as a place to invest.
"Council will continue to work to incentive further investment and activation into our city centre through policies like our City Activation and Housing Incentive Policy, activating vacant shopfronts and spaces through Council leases, extending leases on Council buildings to allow further investment and further streamlining our planning and building approval processes."
