The draft design guidelines for future developments in the Townsville City Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA) have been recommended for approval by Townsville City Council's Planning and Development Committee.
Following community consultation some changes were made to the draft guidelines including encouraging energy efficient and sustainable building practices.
The draft guidelines provide clarity for the types of buildings and design standards that can be used in future developments throughout the PDA including public spaces such as parks and walkways.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the draft guidelines are aligned to Council's Townsville 2020 vision.
"Townsville 2020 provides a clear vision for our city – these guidelines have been created to clarify what type of projects and design standards we are looking for in the Priority Development Area," Cr Hill said.
"This will provide residents and businesses with certainty and encourage investment in new projects to create more job opportunities for locals.
"The PDA will encourage development along the Ross Creek, the guidelines will ensure the design of future projects suits the tropical Townsville climate and fits the vision of our city."
Planning and Development Committee Chair Les Walker said the PDA was a major drawcard for future investment.
"The PDA was important in securing major projects like the North Queensland Stadium and proposed hotel from Double Tree by Hilton," Cr Walker said.
"The guidelines are essential in ensuring we get the right developments to best benefit the Townsville community.
"We had a number of submissions from the community providing feedback on these guidelines – Council has made a number of changes to reflect the feedback provided.
"Getting these guidelines right will give investors and developers the confidence to put forward projects that will transform the city."
The updated draft guidelines will go to the next Full Council meeting on 27 November, and if approved, will become the formal guidelines for future developments in the Townsville City Waterfront Priority Development Area.
