For three decades AEC has been dedicated to delivering practical outcomes for communities and organisations across the region. AEC combines its core technical disciplines of economics, strategic finance, market research and design to support and deliver game-changing projects across Australia.
Coinciding with AEC’s 30-year commitment to Townsville and Northern Australia, the team are excited to have recently moved into their fully renovated and restored building on Flinders Street.
AEC’s new home at 222 Flinders Street has been completely renovated into a modern, open plan office to house the North Queensland team.
The new office promotes a collaborative working environment and brings the economics, data, design and creative teams together to ensure seamless delivery of projects ranging from economic and industry development strategies, investment attraction projects, design, marketing and branding campaigns and digital video production.
“AEC’s philosophy has always been to promote, support and sustainably grow Townsville using our diverse set of disciplines. Being able to take a lead role in the design and fit out of the inside, and the restoration of the outside of the building is very rewarding,” AEC’s Creative Director, Lyndon Berresford says.
The strategy for the design of the new workspace is part of AEC’s ongoing vision to continue to cultivate a collaborative, productive and learning-focused culture. This new space will support the ongoing development of AEC’s team members, who are respected for being experts in their field, not only in their chosen careers but in understanding and promoting the Townsville region as well.
Externally, 222 Flinders has been restored to enhance the historic Flinders streetscape by complementing adjacent buildings while maintaining a classic façade and bringing a character all of its own.
The building features the Townsville’s Street Art Walking Trail with ROA’s Sugar Glider and HAHA’s Faces of Townsville artworks, both getting a facelift during the restoration.
“It’s great to have a creative team on the inside and a creative building on the outside for everyone to enjoy,” Lyndon says.
External improvements to 222 Flinders were made possible with funding assistance from Townsville City Council’s City Activation and Jobs Growth Grant and using local trades and suppliers.
With the move, AEC continues to expand its team and has recently welcomed senior economist and regional development expert, Glenn Maguire to the Townsville office.
Glenn is a seasoned economist with extensive international experience in both public and private sectors across Asia and Australia.
Glenn specialises in economic analysis, research, and data- driven insights leading AEC’s regional development efforts and is driven by a passion for contributing to the growth and prosperity of regional communities.
Glenn recently highlighted the city’s potential amidst Australia’s economic transitions and with it he emphasised Northern Australia’s unique position in the net-zero transition and the ‘Future Made in Australia’ program, predicting significant economic transformation and growth in the region.
“It’s an exciting time for AEC and the Townsville economy. We continue to be positioned as a leader in guiding and supporting this transformation, with our new office symbolising our commitment to the future of Northern Australia,” Glenn says.
“I envision thriving, resilient regions that capitalise on emerging opportunities. My focus is on providing evidence- based policy recommendations, fostering collaboration, championing skills development, and leveraging international best practices to build a brighter future for Northern Australia and all regional communities.”
AEC offers a wide range of services to support all private and public sector clients, which ultimately adds value through a multidisciplinary approach.
Lyndon says, “The majority of our most successful moments have been when the different skills of the broader AEC team come together to deliver unique solutions for the region. If you look at many of the game-changing ‘Townsville’ projects over the last 30 years, our team has had a hand in supporting their creation and delivery.
“Whether it is a creative marketing campaign – delivered with insight or game changing urban development project for the city – AEC are proud to continue to sustainably shape the future of our communities and the region.”
Main Image: Kate Smith, Lyndon Berresford, Kelan Bradshaw-Sheard, Mitch Driver, Holly Marson, Glen Maguire, Rob Donaldson and Chenise Hayckock
Image credits: Whitney Lautner
