It’s a tale as old as time, “Townsville’s tired CBD”, but the narrative is being rewritten, one laneway at a time.
Revitalising Townsville’s CBD requires more than just investment – it’s about creating a vibrant, connected community. Imagine a collaborative space where businesses unite to create something extraordinary; a hub where community events thrive, and unforgettable experiences are made. This is the bold vision Flinders Lane and City Lane are committed to pursuing.
City Lane buzzes with a diverse range of locally owned hospitality venues, while Flinders Lane is unveiling five exceptional event spaces that can host everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale events.
Established in 2014, City Lane was created to bring the community together through its restaurants and hospitality offerings. It has long been a thriving hub where people connect, celebrate, and create memories – a destination where you can start your day with a coffee, have a working lunch, share an anniversary meal, or celebrate after a Cowboys game. Over time, it has expanded with the addition of City Arcade and new business investments.+
Building on the success of City Lane, 2018 marked the beginning of a significant partnership between the private and public sectors. As adjoining owners of the former Discount Jeans and Sportspower buildings, Developer Martin Locke and Townsville City Council (TCC), proactively worked together to design more than just a laneway connection. The result was Flinders Lane which was originally intended to be a food and retail precinct. However, through further collaboration with TCC, it has since evolved into a fully licensed, dedicated events venue.
“While the final outcome has changed from the initial plans, the vision has never wavered: to create a CBD experience with its own identity, and to also work cohesively with City Lane to draw people out of the suburbs and into the city,” says Martin.
“Flinders Lane now boasts five unique spaces catering to everything from corporate functions and intimate celebrations to lavish weddings and community programs.
“The Parlour can transform from an intimate cocktail space into an elegant dining space with custom built tables that descend from the ceiling, while the Manhattan can cater for larger groups and has a purpose-built powder room ideal for wedding parties.
“Now that Flinders Lane is a dedicated events venue, we’re starting to see it come to life, and it’s only the beginning as we continue to partner with other city businesses to create signature events.”
This reinvestment reflects a broader trend of confidence in Townsville’s potential, exemplified by Central Fair’s (UI International Group) purchase of City Lane and City Arcade in 2022, underscoring the city’s appeal as a desirable location for regional investment. City Lane’s property manager, MDT Property and Energy, is passionate about Townsville and committed to giving back to the community through various initiatives. They are excited to be part of collaborative efforts that continue to drive the city’s growth and vibrancy.
“We see great potential and growth in the North Queensland region. In collaboration with Flinders Lane, we will prioritise joint projects now and, in the future, to create a dynamic city centre and assist in the long-term revitalisation of Townsville CBD,” says Kent Beal, of MDT Property and Energy.
City Lane and Flinders Lane are more than just neighbours – they are partners in a shared vision to draw people into the city.
The upcoming Derby Day on 2 November marks their first major collaborative event, orchestrated by Support Local in partnership with Flinders Lane, City Lane, and City Arcade. This event will bring the entire Flinders Lane space to life with live music, a dedicated betting area for race enthusiasts, and catering from CBD traders Shaw and Co, Polola, The TapHouse, and Sakana. It’s an opportunity to witness the power of collaboration and experience a taste of what Townsville has to offer.
As Derby Day organiser Kellie Stephenson from Support Local says, “City Lane and Flinders Lane are proof that businesses are stronger when they work together. Boundaries can be pushed, and anything is possible. This isn’t the story of a tired CBD anymore – Townsville is a city on the rise, and we’re just getting started.”
Image credits: Images supplied
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