Image: Josephine Carter Photography
The Martin Locke motto of “Built For Life” has rung true as his CBD development, Flinders Lane, debuts as Townsville’s newest event and function venue this week.
Originally designed to be a hospitality and retail precinct, the builder-turned-developer has put the location’s versatility on show by turning it into an exciting event activation space, at least for the remainder of this year and throughout 2023.
“The pandemic hit right when we were amping up to open and it has been a challenging time for everyone, with hospitality businesses amongst some of the hardest hit,” Martin says.
“Annee’s Caphê Sua Da have been doing great trade in Flinders Lane but there’s no doubt COVID-19 has impacted our search for the perfect tenant partners to complement and build on that. I want to ensure we get it right, so in the meantime I can’t see a better way to bring life, laughter and atmosphere to Flinders Lane than hosting some of the most memorable moments in people’s lives here.”
Previously, Flinders Lane has hosted larger public events, and with the space is now being made available for private hire, it is already attracting attention from event planners around the city.
With built-in AV systems, polished concrete flooring and stylish, industrial chic finishes, Martin sees potential for the space to be used for corporate functions, private events and weddings. The first event of its kind was ticked off by Global professional services company, GHD, hosting the 50th Anniversary of their Townsville office on Thursday night.
GHD Townsville’s Regional Leader, Graham Anderson says Flinders Lane was the perfect fit for the company’s celebration.
“Our Townsville office opened in 1972 with only four staff. 50 years later we employ about 80 people and have welcomed more than 300 JCU graduates in our time, so we understand and respect Martin’s long-term vision to build something special in Flinders Lane.
“In the last 50 years the work we’ve done has helped shaped the region, so we couldn’t think of a more fitting location than the heart of the city and can’t wait to see what great things are to come,” Graham continues.
Flinders Lane has two event-ready spaces on its upper level, the smaller Flinders Cocktail Room for functions up to 80 pax and the Flinders Executive Room & Balcony, a larger area that can cater for up to 200 pax, a seamless pivot from shopfronts to activation spaces.
Martin says this move was considered to bring life to the laneway while he continued constructing his long-term vision for the precinct.
“My hope for Flinders Lane has always been for it to be a place where memories are made for a reason, a season or a lifetime, a place that gives Townsville something to be proud of now and in the future,” Martin explains.
“Every great city needs to have a great and memorable CBD experience that gives locals and visitors a reason to come into the city in the daytime and at night.”
For more information or to make a booking visit the Flinders Lane website.
