Conrad Gargett Contributes to a Prominent Placemaking Project for Townsville – The Hive

Conrad Gargett, a multi-disciplinary design practice who launched a Townsville studio in 2007, has been commissioned with the master planning and architecture of a key placemaking project in the city, The Hive.

The proposed staged development delivers exemplar private and public civic infrastructure to inspire community pride, produce employment opportunities and boost the economy with increased visitation to Townsville.

The Hive has been strategically designed as a catalytic precinct that will activate and enrich the appeal of the regional city. Connecting Townsville’s beachfront leisure and recreation promenade, The Strand, to the central business district, the project will unite the two detached districts. The Hive delivers a mixed-use shared space integrating commercial, retail, residential, leisure, cultural, research and education uses, where locals and visitors can actively intermingle, cultivate ideas and leisurely enjoy the amenities.

Conrad Gargett’s Director, John Flynn, appointed as the Project Director stated, “Our practice is proud to bring our master planning and architecture capability to this prominent placemaking project for Townsville.” “This significant urban renewal project will improve and invigorate Townsville’s public realm by delivering new active spaces where locals and tourists can engage and enjoy.” The practice is working closely with DMA Partners who has been appointed by the Gleeson Group to manage the project.

As part of the proposed master planned precinct and integral to The Hive, Conrad Gargett was engaged to design a state-of-the-art commercial building located at 45 Flinders Street and 10 The Strand in Townsville.

Flynn highlighted, “Master planning principles have been integral to the intricate design of this building.” “Panoramic views are maximised, pedestrian-friendly spaces throughout the activity zones have been encouraged extending the pedestrian network and creating linkages in multiple locations, and indoor-outdoor public spaces cut through the site which open up to a plaza promoting public gathering and shared use.”

“The building’s floor plate dimensions, shape and orientation have been conceived to best achieve the ambitions for a highly-productive workplace, focused on safety, productivity and collaboration. The colour palette mimics the coral sea colours of the Great Barrier Reef.”

For over two decades, Conrad Gargett has delivered some significant projects in Townsville and North Queensland, and remains committed to creating meaningful places for people in the region.