Australian design practice, Conrad Gargett has been appointed to masterplan and design the highly-anticipated $450 million Hive project in Townsville.
Designed as a catalytic precinct that will activate and enrich the city, the Hive is set to connect Townsville’s beachfront leisure and recreation promenade, The Strand, to the nearby CBD, making it easier for visitors and residents to experience what both districts have to offer.
Early plans indicate that the Hive may include a high-end hotel, a 1,000-seat concert hall, a tertiary education centre, tropical science research facilities, residential apartments, commercial areas, a café and dining precinct and more.
Acting Townsville Mayor, Les Walker, welcomed the architecture firm’s recent appointment, stating that the company has already commenced an updated design for the Hive.
“It’s exciting to see this major project is progressing further with the help of an architecture firm with a well-established local presence,” Cr Walker said.
Conrad Gargett’s Director, John Flynn also said the practice felt proud to bring expertise to the prominent placemaking project for Townsville.
“This significant urban renewal project will improve and invigorate Townsville’s public realm by delivering new active spaces for locals and tourists to enjoy.”
Conrad Gargett will be working closely with DMA Partners who has been appointed by the Gleeson Group to manage the project.
Further to this, the firm has also been engaged to design a state-of-the-art commercial building at 45 Flinders Street and 10 The Strand.
Flynn highlighted that master planning principles have been integral to the intricate design of the new 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,” he explained.
“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,” Flynn said.