A sign went up at the site, on the corner of Palmer and Dibbs St, this afternoon.

There is a launch site but it only has a form for expressions of interest
http://www.gatewayonpalmer.com.au
More info on M2 Property site (thanks mrlaxitive)
http://www.m2developments.com/townesville.html

Gateway on Palmer
12 storeys
112 apartments

The site
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v376/Oriolus/GatewaySite.jpg

The sign
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v376/Oriolus/GatewaySign.jpg

New Render
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v376/Oriolus/GatewayRender2.jpg

Old Render
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v376/Oriolus/Gateway.jpg

That would be a good addition to the Skyline when that goes up. Especially to South Townsville.

Should add on Emporis

Can't wait for this one to go up!! Should look really good. With this project and the new Ibis hotel, Palmer street is really goin off! :)

Who is the local Emporis member by the way? Because no offence to whoever they are, but they're pretty slack.

I've noticed Darwin even include 6 storey buildings on Emporis' website, so why not Townsville? We'd have 20+ buildings in Emporis if we set our standards that low.

Well there we go, (using Oriolus's buildings diagram as a start) Emporis should have 28 buildings in Townsville over 6 storeys. That includes 8 proposed, 2 approved, and 2 under construction.
This does not even include the new Seaview Apartments by SSI Group (which I believe are going to be 7 storeys) next to the Seaview Hotel (see www.ssi.com.au) so make it 29!

So c'mon Mister Emporis! Update our city!

I suppose Culwullas got a lot to do but there are other editors for Townsville as well - I'd love to get my hands on it and I was looking for a way to apply but I don't think they accept just anyone. The list I have of buildings in Townsville (all status types) has:

5s and over - 51 buildings
6s and over - 43 buildings
7s and over - 35 buildings
8s and over - 30 buildings
10s and over - 17 buildings
12s and over - 12 buildings
15s and over - 8 buildings
20s and over - 3 buildings

Wasn't this first going to be a Hotel. That's what I (thought) read in the paper. I think.

From the m2 site

In joint venture with the Sydney-based PJ Group, M2 will develop a striking 12 storey tower containing 112 apartments designed specifically for Townsville’s burgeoning short-term accommodation market. Every one of the 112 apartments will have views of either the Townsville CBD, Ross Creek, the blue Pacific and/or Mt. Stewart to the south.

The project is made up of a mixture of one, and two bedroom Dual Key apartments for residential use or medium to long-term visitor accommodation.

This strategic mix of short term and long term residential accommodation modules is based on extensive research which revealed growing demand for higher quality short term business and tourism accommodation.

Notice spelling of Mt Stuart.

So Gateway won't be a hotel as such but they will be strata-titled serviced apartments with many available through a letting pool for tourist accomodation, which is badly needed.

Also the time frame quoted is construction commencing this month, with completion due in December 2005.

It should be the same style as the Quest Apartments then. Many of those apartments are now privately owned, and management is passed on to Quest at the owner's discretion.

So then, Three Cranes maybe, I think I saw a Crane part at the Mint site. In the car at the time so I couldn't see it properly.

Went to Townsville City Council and got some stats on this today:

Height: 41m

Ground: 3.5m RL
Roof: 38.7m (42.2m RL)
Parapet: 39.4m (42.9m RL)
Plant Room: 41.0m (44.5m RL)
Floor Plates of Apartment Levels: 3m

The tower will be aligned with its length parellel to Palmer St and the conference facilities will be beside it on the Ross Creek side with a restaurant beside it on the Palmer St side.

Nice Design though, Wouldn't be surprised if they have the resturant on Palmer.

Just need to knock all those crappy old buildings down along that side of Palmer now and have more projects like this along there! :D Well i guess Ibis Hotel is a start as well.

Went by the site today. Nothing is really happening but looks like Cars aren't parking there anymore. Just dead, even for a sunday night.

The site is still being used as a carpark. Only thing that has changed is there is now another smaller sign further along Palmer st on the site. I'm starting to have doubts whether this project is going to start this month. I notice that the old soundshell carpark is being recapped, maybe they are waiting for that to be finished for more parking spaces after the carpark on that site is closed?

Maybe you just might be on to something there wezza. The soundshell as we all know is being turned into Carparking and apparantly from what I heard. People are dropped to work by a Shuttle bus that leaves from there to the city

A little bit of history

I found this pic yesterday - it's a newspaper quality picture of work on the South Townsville approach for the George Roberts Bridge (Denham St) taken in May 1973 but it shows the Gateway site - the building is Tancred Meats and I assume it's the building who's foundations are still evident on the site. You can see the tower of Bullwinkles and the Queensland Building in Flinders St East in the background.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v376/Oriolus/Tancred.jpg

Nice Building im kinda jelouse its not on Sunny coast :)

I notice that the old soundshell carpark is being recapped, maybe they are waiting for that to be finished for more parking spaces after the carpark on that site is closed?

That seems quite likely to me too considering the carpark where the Woolworths shopping centre is UC didn't close until Urban Quarter Shopping Centre carpark was finished (roughly anyway) The Dean Park capark is due for completion at the end of the month so pershaps early November construction will commence.

La53r isn't there already cranes galore on the Sunny Coast.
I was looking at the Woolworths site yesterday and said October 2005 completion. Maybe I should Apply to work there. In fact there was something today about the Daen Park carpark project.

I talked to the guy maning the Gateway carpark yesterday and he hasn't been told when construction is starting so I don't think it's imminent. He did make the point that they would want to sell a lot of the units before construction commenced.

However the Dean Park carpark is already finished and open for business. As you can see only 2 people have discovered it so far. I don't think the shuttle bus is running yet.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v376/Oriolus/DeanCarpark.jpg

I like the Pic of the Dean Park Car park. I enquired about the Project and PRD sent me a letter back, I'll put on the Forum Tommorow or so.

As of 4pm this afternoon, 3 people had discovered the Dean st carpark! :) Have the Gateway apartments been released for sale yet? All the signs say are for earlybirds to register interest.

Here's the Letter that I recieved when I enquired.

(Gertzy)



Thank you for registering with PRDnationwide regarding Townsville’s Gateway On Palmer.


You have taken the first step into becoming part of Townsville’s best new address.

The development is 12 storeys of magnificent resort-style living. Comprising of luxurious apartments on all levels,spectacular river and ocean views,lap pool,plunge pool ,gymnasium and spa all located in the heart of Townsville’s restaurant and café’ precinct. Gateway On Palmer is an excellent,flexible investment with 1 and 2 bedroom dual-key serviced apartments,on site management with strong rental returns available. This development is placed on a fantastic waterside location adjacent to the best restaurant precinct and also with in-house restaurants,walk to the CBD or stay in your resort-style facilities.

Through your enquiry you will now receive regular updates on all aspects of the development.

By registering you have become one of our “privileged” buyers,allowing you to take advantage of our pre launch prices and to have first choice of any of the prestigious apartments at Gateway On Palmer.



Regards



Rob Jarvis

Project Salesperson

PRDnationwide Townsville

I wish I was “privileged”. I cant even buy an Apartment. I'm just registering for Info on the Project.

Does anyone know when this one is beginning construction? I'm getting sick of the sight of that half-arsed carpark on the site! It's gonna look awesome with a nice 12 story tower! :D

La53r isn't there already cranes galore on the Sunny Coast.
I was looking at the Woolworths site yesterday and said October 2005 completion. Maybe I should Apply to work there. In fact there was something today about the Daen Park carpark project.

Yes but does more hurt? NO, hehe
From what i saw driving around Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and Kawana there seems to be more going up than the gold coast.
From where i live at Kings beach (Caloundra) i go out on the balcony and watch the cranes, i can see 5 cranes working on 3 buildings.
There is also 4 big posters out the front of sites with buildings over 12 storys to be built there. This is just the Kings beach area!

Wow, I was watching Today show in the morning on Ch 9 and they had something about how the Sunny Coast was being loved to death.

Looks like this has had a design change - renders appearing in the Townsville Bulletin aren't the pure white design seen previously (still on the M2 website) but one with a bit more colour and features. Looks a lot better IMO.

New
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v376/Oriolus/GatewayNew.jpg

Old
http://www.m2propertygroup.com.au/ani/anitest.jpg

I liked the old design better, but then again, a 12 story building is a 12 story building.

Yeah the old design was better IMO. Just the colours needed changing. New design looks very Urban Quarter-ish, which isn't a good thing if you ask me. Still a hell of alot better than Urban Quarter though. Maybe the design change is the reason behind the delay?

Maybe, the Old design could be what it looks like from Palmer Street. I had a look at the Application at TCC and the Ross Creek side was like that. I reckon Construction could start by Febuary at the Earliest. That is when alot of Projects are starting.
On Palmer Street, The Ibis Hotel is starting in Febuary and so is 37-43 Palmer Street.
so 6 Cranes around Febuary.

Finally found a decent render - across the road from the site next the Australian Hotel there is a fence with a render on it - looks like a display centre will be built there. Sorry about the distortion - took the photo on an angle.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v376/Oriolus/GatewayRender2.jpg

Nope, Its just Fine.

Work is underway on the display centre/sales office now. The developers have been hounding my father to buy one of these apartments. lol

I have some new information about this project. It's due to start in March with completion being March 2006. My father bought an apartment on the 8th floor today. The display centre is supposed to be open this weekend for anyone interested. :)

Cool, so March, I thought It was going to be Febuary like the TCC Development list had it.

Maybe site clearing begins in Febuary with construction beggining in March?

Yet again thats true too.

Gateway website has been updated to conincide with the official launch yesterday. Lot of interior renders but no new external renders. Here's a poor quality aerial they have.

http://www.gatewayonpalmer.com.au/images/Gallery/thumbs/aerial_small.jpg

Looks like the Palmer St side is a bit different to the creek side shown in the render above.

They are really starting to market this one heavily now. Went to the basketball on Friday night, it was sponsored by Gateway. There was a pamphlet on every seat in the stadium as well as a massive Gateway On Palmer image being projected onto the exterior roof of the Entertainment Centre, quite impressive.

31 units worth $17m in sales were sold during the launch. My Friends at school who went to the basketball mentioned something about it saying it was fairly annoying to them.

^ Can't see how it could have been? I dunno though, some people get annoyed pretty easily i guess! :)

I Wonder if you would be able to see it from say Wulguru as clearly as you can see the HI and Suncorp and Stanley Place.

It's not as tall as Metro Quays so i doubt it.

I went to the Display Centre and took a couple of pictures of the model. Infact, that was the friendliest Display Centre, I've been to, quite friendly people.

Here's some pictures of the Model.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid158/pb30c6f0e8c41c9ec8be7dc2a0c79bf44/f51bba31.jpg
Front view (good that I'm not seen very well, still the myterious gertzy)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid158/pcc9be0188450d5d13993346c0308c431/f51bba33.jpg
Back (Palmer Street) View.

Enjoy.

I agree - that is one sweet display centre. I like the chart that shows exactly how many apartments (and which ones) have been sold. About 40 sold so far I think.

Rob Jarvis confirmed to me that Construction would start in March, even though we had already been told that by Wezza, just reminding about it.

I had a look in the display centre last Friday. Quite impressed.

The Display centre is the best in Town, The Mint display centre is nothing compared to this one. I wonder why Hedley doesn't do Display Centres, would be cool though.

Hedley seems to get PRD Nationwide to do most of their marketing - there's supposed to be a display centre for Sanctuary at the PRD office but I've never been in. Was there a display centre for UQ - I don't remember one?

Yeah the UQ display centre is where Mint's display centre is now.

Actually, UQ had 2 display centres, Their first was at one of the old buildings that was knocked down for Coles. then they moved into Metro Quays.

Not long till Construction starts ehh!! (I'm from Canada).
I got in the mail today an indepth information package today from PRD Nationwide, most of the stuff is at the Display centre but I'll put some on here later.

More Information on Gateway for you all, Heres a Floor Plan Diagram off the Booklet I got in the Mail, and some (Probable) Construction News Below.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid159/p0fae79891b9e0b94ff1b62ce60b185af/f4f52a57.jpg

The Denham St Bridge is closed from the 7th to the 28th, probably with something to do with Construction.

There has been a couple of information signs up around the area advising of the bridge closure. The way i read it was that the bridge would be closed on the 7th & 28th. But now you say that, it makes sense.
I'd have to agree & say it would be to do with site excavation or something?

Some news on when construction will begin. I was informed today that it is now set to begin in May. Don't ask me why it's been put back.

On another note, 41 apartments have been sold.

Damn. It's probably because of the skills shortage. My tip is that it won't begin until at least June - yeh I'm a pessimist but that seems to be the way things go these days. So I guess the George Roberts Bridge closure is unrelated.

^ I guess so. The signs on Dean St say Denham St Bridge closed 7/03/05
28/03/05
Judging by that, it reads like it's only shut for 2 days. I'm not sure.

Damn, everything is being Knocked Back or so on.

Article about apointment of managers for serviced apartments.
http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,12444988%255E14790,00.html

includes this sectence>
"construction by Brisbane builder Matrix is scheduled to start early in 2005-06."

That sounds worryingly vague.

That was on Friday right.

I don't know whether this is supposed to be common knowledge, the managment that has been appointed also manages the Southbank as well.

Also read that as well, I thought it said that they were managing South Bank, not appointed.

That info was straight from the horses mouth.

Straight from the horses mouth ehhh. I can agree with that.

Bump.
Getting close now!! Hopefully it should only be a matter of a couple of weeks before we start seeing some action on this one. :)

If it begins in May I'll eat my pessimistic hat. According to the M2 website even if it does it will still be 7 months behind schedule
http://www.m2developments.com/townesville.html
And no that address is not a mistake - they really spelt Townsville like that (and they still have the old render on there)

I guess the original hold up was something to do with the redesign. I actually liked the look of the old one better.

this project made the latest Sydney morning herald in property section full page spread!

http://img240.echo.cx/img240/4673/gatewaypalmer3nv.jpg

I love the glass-sided pool! :D Have to make a few trips past there......... ;)
Here's a shot of the Gateway site for those who aren't familiar
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10/wezza/GatewaySite.jpg

^ yeah glass sided pools are becoming a feature in a lot of new apartments. Sydney has one in the Monument>http://img203.exs.cx/img203/155/imgp40682bh.jpg

heres a good pic showing location of gateway on p!

http://img181.echo.cx/img181/476/scan00016gh.jpg

Well while were on unusual hotel pools, here's an unusual hotel pool at an unusual hotel.. not a bad pub in Singapore.. end of the pool hangs out over the street... they had a little bird bath in the lifts with little rubber duckies.. now there's something different.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/emerbot/SIN_GALL-exter-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/emerbot/25065_1.jpg

The Pool looks normal to me but the hotel is the thing that is looking really unusual, and crap a bit.

Went to the display centre today and start of construction is now pushed back to June. Only 39 apartments have been sold, not much more than last time I visited - looks like it's been slow going on the sales front.

If this thing was scrapped it'd shit me to tears. Anyway, fingers crossed, should still go ahead.

I was under the impression that 41 had been sold. Still, only 2 more than what you were told anyway. Not a huge difference.

Here's a better quality copy of the aerial - photographed on the wall of the display centre
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v376/Oriolus/GatewayAerial.jpg

And the model
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v376/Oriolus/GatewayModel.jpg

It'll be a good building anyway when its done.

hey that river going through city is impressive. is it wider then melbs Yarra? atleast its blue. lol
a mate i work with visits Tville regualry and said that location is excellent! perfect actually!

Cul - That's Ross Creek. It used to run into Ross River and the land South Townsville is on was known as Ross Island but Ross Creek goes underground near the confluence now.

I just checked how wide it is using the TCC aerial photo viewer and I was suprised - about 90m in vicinity of Gateway but 100m opposite Urban Quarter, about 200m at the marina and 130m at end of Strand. A great asset for Townsville alright.

You can check out how wide it is at any point by going here >
http://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/services/landinfo/TAM_Comm_Maps.asp
and clicking on CBD development. There's a tool at the top for measuring distances.

I know this is going off topic but in the Townsville Bulletin a few months back now there was a proposal for another bridge crossing Ross Creek at the end of the Strand. I'm sure Townsville forumers would remember seeing it.

Anyway, back to Gateway, thanks for posting those pics Oriolus, they're much clearer.

That Telstra CountryWide building is an eyesore and should be demolished.

^ There's worse buildings than that around the place! lol

I don't find the Telstra Building that bad, Its not the greatest looking building but its alright. Wezza, That proposed bridge is a new Footbridge to link Flinders street East to Plume Street, so that'll probably go alright. Cul, I dont think that Ross Creek is wider than the Yarra, but it probably is way better.

Wezza, That proposed bridge is a new Footbridge to link Flinders street East to Plume Street, so that'll probably go alright.

Gretzy - it's actually a traffic bridge straight accross the creek at the end of The Strand, which will be able to swing open to allow boats through. Not a good idea IMO but it's very long term I think - wont be built for ages.
The footbridge from the end of Plume St will probably be built when Nautica is completed - it's a very good idea IMO :)

^ Yeap thats the one i was talking about Oriolus!! I know about the footbridge as well. :)

Oooops..........Edit.

thanks orilius. over 90m? wow didnt think it was that wide. The Yarra varies from only 50m wide near bot gardens to 90m near Crown Casino.
cheers

Sorry, I didn't know which one you were talking about wezza. But seriously, Ross Creek is wider than The Yarra.

thanks orilius. over 90m? wow didnt think it was that wide. The Yarra varies from only 50m wide near bot gardens to 90m near Crown Casino.
cheers

Neither did I. I was actually convinced they were wrong after I posted them but I checked them on the UBD and they all check out except near Gateway, which UBD says is 70m not 90m, but it probably is 90m - areial photos don't lie :)

Orilius, what the hell?????

So we'll be seeing a Matrix crane from sometime this month or next month.

Looking across the Gateway site to the sales centre and Australian Hotel

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v376/Oriolus/100_2762S.jpg

Unbelievable!! Townsville Bulletin reports today that beginning of construction of Gateway has now been put back to July. After it's been held up so many times is there any reason to believe them this time. Watch this space for news in late June that it's been put back to August. No wonder apartment sales have dropped off. Buyers don't wont to put money into something which seems to have so much trouble getting off the ground. As soon as site work begins I'll bet interest will increase.

Surely Matrix can still get the project done with only half the workforce needed, everyjob can still be done with half the work. But thats how the other projects seem to get sales, is when Construction Starts.

Unbelievable!! Townsville Bulletin reports today that beginning of construction of Gateway has now been put back to July. After it's been held up so many times is there any reason to believe them this time. Watch this space for news in late June that it's been put back to August. No wonder apartment sales have dropped off. Buyers don't wont to put money into something which seems to have so much trouble getting off the ground. As soon as site work begins I'll bet interest will increase.
LOL
You hit the nail right on the head there Oriolus. As i had stated earlier, my parents were buying an apartment in this complex. They originally only needed $1000 deposit then pay the rest later during the construction process or upon completion. (I can't remember exactly) Now they want another $40,000 deposit before construction even begins!! Sounds a bit sus to me. Needless to say, the olds have refused to pay the extra deposit until construction has begun.

Kick the Can, Kick the Can. Hopefully this isn't cancelled. By the looks of things it probably could.

I'm still confident this will go ahead. One might say it's heading down the road to cancellation but if it had been scrapped then they would close the sales centre.

I didn't know this: M2 (the developer) is jointly owned by Matrix (the builder) co-founder John Davies.
To ensure a smooth delivery of its projects M2 has entered into a formal arrangement with the leading construction group, Matrix Group (Aust), to deliver all the company’s current and planned developments
Taken from here> http://www.m2developments.com/frames/154release1.html

I suppose its good that M2 & Matrix have a connection. That way they aren't likely to pull out and screw the other company.

^It's just not a good sign that they keep putting construction back further and further.

That was Interesting news that Matrix and M2 are jointly owned, didn't actually know that.

****NEWSFLASH****

Gateway WILL go ahead!! I spoke to the girl in the sales centre this morning and the Endeavour Foundation carpark on site will close on June 30 so that construction can begin.

:banana: :banana: :banana:

Thats better news to hear instead of, construction's been put back and so on. But that means less parking for town.

Good news!
But i think i'll still believe it when i finally see action happening there........... :)

On the parking front, they're extending the Dean St carpark currently, so that might help a bit.

Yeah Stage 2 is what, another 250 parking spaces etc.

It looks like construction will take place from June 30.........good, very good!
And new mall is a possible go ahead from next Feb.....build build build, now now now!!

Townsville Bulletin article comfirming the June 30 start. Also says construction will take 17 months, so it will be due for completion in December 2006. So looong :)
http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,15555601%255E14787,00.html

Good work Townsville, this tower looks not too bad.

Well as my sig says I'll be offline until July 14, most of the time in Brisbane. May get on here occasionally. Hopefully when I get back work will have begun in ernest on Townsville's first highrise in 13 years!

We better, frigging hope work will begin in Early July.

The sign on the carpark says something like "carpark sold, closing 30/6/05". It sounds like the carpark only closed because the sale of the site to M2 has gone through. There is no action on site. So beginning of construction is not necessesarily any closer and its still no gaurantee that Gateway will go ahead :(

Hopefully they start this Month sometime, or a good time would be when T1 Starts (which is soon, with the crane parts there and everything).

In today's Bully the project developer hopes to start construction next month when they intend the pre-sales target to be reached.

Fingers crossed.

When the hell will they get this done, Matrix and M2, stop changing the bloody Construction dates and stop bloody postponing it till months after its supposed to be due, Infact more people will buy when Constrution has started.

Still no Action happening as of yet, looks like this has lost the title of "Construction Start of Townsville's First Hi-Rise in 13 years" to T1, but it still regains first proposed one though.

The Gateway site waits paitently for construction to begin....

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/6/gatewaysite24bg.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Looks like theres something going on there, or is that with the Bridge Maintenance and that, because theres alot of people on the Bridge from what I can see.

^ There is still no action on the site, went past there this morning. Actually, people have even started parking their cars back on the site now. I wonder if they'll eventually end up being booked?

I've noticed that indeed, I think there's a slight chance of that happening actually as Its officially Closed.

I popped into the sales centre today and when I asked about a start to construction the chick said something about "8 weeks". I also asked her what the pre sales target was but she didn't know (or couldn't tell me).

Most concerning was that, according to the board at the sales centre, there are actually LESS apartments sold then last time I as there - 36 versus 41. That can't be good.

Gateway is looking increasingly like its on a one way trip to Scrapsville.

^ Can't blame people for backing out. They keep putting the start date back further & further. I wouldn't want to be outlaying large sums of money when not even 1 little bit of soil has been turned yet!!

They better, build this, don't they know that people will start buying when they actually see construction happening, But PRD are the type that always want to see presales reached first before construction.

Temporary fencing has been erected at the site. Hopefully this is a good sign. It could be just to stop cars parking there though.

Thanks Wezza. Good news, but I'm not going to get too optimistic like I did when the carpark was originally "closed". But that's definately a good sign. Finger's crossed.

Maybe a way for more people to buy Apartments is to offer them something, like Honeycombes and the Car Giveaway deal.

Check out this website: http://www.archiform3d.com/portfolios/gateway-3d-rendering-virtual-reality-gallery.htm

It's got lots of renders of Gateway but they're different to the final design - different roof structures and different colour scheme. Must have been an old design.

http://www.archiform3d.com/portfolios/gateway/3d-renderings/1-640.jpg

^^
Wow, i like the roof design in that render!

Geez, I like it with Trees and Blue.

Who here likes Gateway better in that design, maybe not so blue but with the thingo on the roof etc.

^^
Hell yes!

I popped into the sales centre today and when I asked about a start to construction the chick said something about "8 weeks". Well that's 8 weeks.....

Latest news from the article about Dalgety:
.....other developers find the going tough.

Work is yet to start on the M2 Property Group and PJ Group's 12-level 112-unit tower, Gateway on Palmer. M2 Property Group development manager Chris Carley said yesterday: "We are getting there but slowly . . . not as fast as we would have liked".

one year too long I guess actually, remember, It was claimed that it was going to start Construction October 2004.

Lol. This is turning out to be a farce.

Its been a month exactly since the last post, and still nothing has happened, so I'd agree and this is turning out to be farce.

Indeed. It's due for completion next month :ohno:

I was walking past the sales centre yesterday and I paused to watch the video in the window. It features the blue design shown above. I guess they didn't want to fork out for another presentation when they changed the design so they just used the one Archiform had already made them. Probably didn't think anyone would notice.

I'd like to see something happen on site, would be good to see Three Cranes in the Skyline soon, like to see it get to the point where there is Four Cranes in our Skyline.

Had a look the other day. Still nothing happening. This project may be a farce, but something is bound to happen on that site. The location is one of the best in Townsville. It's only a matter of time. It should be 20 stories not just 12.

^^
You're not wrong about the location, it's too good to just be a dirt carpark!!

The last few times I've been past the sales centre its been closed. Yesterday there was a notice on the door saying "All enquiries please call 4721 3644 or 0421 458 199". So I did and it seems the sales centre is still open, I must have just been unlucky.

The guy on the phone said something about looking for a joint venture partner and that while they'd like to start sooner, construction will probably begin within 6 months. So things aren't sounding too good but at least it hasn't been cancelled yet.

^^
I think this one is as good as gone unfortunately!! :(

Originally Posted by Oriolus
The guy on the phone said something about looking for a joint venture partner and that while they'd like to start sooner, construction will probably begin within 6 months.

In other words "We really don't have the money to start the project. Hopefully we can find someone with some money so we can actually proceed." :yes:

Of course Gateway is already a joint venture, between M2 Property Group and the PJ Group. Maybe PJ Group pulled out, or if not then they're looking for a third joint venture partner?

^^ Possibly, I heard somewhere that a venture in the project pulled out, and thats why its been stalled, but I think thats not the case, If this does start in the next six months, think of all the activity in the CBD/South Townsville around later this year or early 2007.

I think maybe that they might be looking for a Joint Venture to run the Accommodation and Serviced Apartments part of the Complex.

I talked to a rep about the status of Gateway today. They are in negotiation with the Quantum group for a joint venture. The project is not dead, but the rep admitted that they will be left behind unless they start building on the site soon.

^^Thanks for that Jeffro, sounds promising. On the Quantum Group website (http://www.quantumgroup.com.au/) you can see other "development syndicates" they've been involved in. By the way Gertzy I think the joint venture partner is to develop the building, not manage the serviced apartments - that was awarded to an unamed local company headed by John Van Grinsven & Peter Stephens last March (Bulletin 5/3/05, p40)

Also, I spied a backhoe parked on the Gateway site from Castle Hill yesterday...

^^
I think the backhoe may have been for works they were doing on the footpath this morning.

I asked about that. The rep told me that they are upgrading services in anticipation of the Mercure.

Word has it that it looks as thought they may have found another major investor for this one. It might still happen!!

Hopefully it happens, it'll bring a bit more height to the South Townsville skyline.

Original by Wezza
Word has it that it looks as thought they may have found another major investor for this one. It might still happen!!
I hope so. I think with the other projects starting next door, the site for the Gateway is becoming more desirable. New investors might now want to get where the action is. There is definitely a need for a Gateway type building at that spot.

I wonder who is going to run the Serviced Apartment stuff at Gateway?, cause most buildings like this have a Service group do the Housecleaning and such for their serviced apartment stuff.

I heard that the Southbank or someone associated with the Southbank was going to service the apartments but that was from someone who put a deposit on a unit way back when it was first launched. It may have changed since then.

^^
Yes that was the plan...

^^The Bulletin reported on 5/3/05 that the management contract for Gateway's serviced apartments was awarded to a Townsville company headed by John Van Grinsven & Peter Stephens. They didn't name the company but I don't think it'll be a brand name (like Quest or Oaks etc) - ie the building will just be known as Gateway on Palmer I guess.

I went to ask a few questions at the sales office today but it was closed, as it always seems to be of late. I notice M2 as also removed it from their website. But that sounds like promising news Wezza.

I think the Rep for Gateway is also the rep for Riva. You might catch him at the Riva sales office.

Yeah, Gateway sales where done through PRD Nationwide, Riva's sales are also being done through PRD Nationwide.

So PRD have one guy who's supposed to be manning two sales offices? WTF? If that's the case then I guess you can't blame him for spending most of his time at the Riva office.

Anyway Wezza was right about a new investor, and Jeffro was right about it being the Quantum Group - check out the Quantum Group homepage (http://www.quantumgroup.com.au/). Hopefully things will start to happen now.

^^ That's looking hopeful. Could it really happen? :rock:

^^ Hopefully it'll be a new rise to South Townsville.

According to the Bully, this one should be underway towards the end of the year......thats good for the skyline....

Hey yeh, I didn't get that far into the Bully this morning. The article is online - see here (http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,19191716%255E14790,00.html)

So M2 were the ones that bailed out, then PJ Group sold the development to the Quantum Group they say they want to start construction between July and October. Here we go again...

Let's hope they find builders.

I don't think the PJ group had intention of actually building the building, but just wanted to sell the concept. PJ bought the property for 1.9 Million and sold it 6 Million. I don't think PJ would of lost out on the deal.

Hopefully the Quantum are serious about building. The best advertisment for selling apartments, is to actually build the building.

Yeh, I hope Quantum doesn't get their knickers in a knot about pre-sales. Hopefully they realise that there will be very few people keen to invest in a proposal that was meant to begin construction 19 months ago and that if they just start building the thing, the buyers will come. And I'll be one very happy man :)

maybe we'll be waiting another 19 months before it actually happens :D.

I walked past the sales office yesterday. It goes without saying that it was closed but in addition to that the model was gone (like the whole table it sits on), as was the board that shows apartments that have been sold. So make of that what you will. It doesn't sound good but I don't think Quantum would be throwing in the towl only a month after they pair $5m for the thing?

I think I know why the model is gone - Quantum are going to use the alternative design!! Remember, the blue and white version with the opposing roof features & the spire that I posted a while back when I found it on the Archiform3D website (http://www.archiform3d.com/portfolios-architectural-renderings-video-website/gateway-architectural-3d-rendering-gallery.htm). The Gateway website used to be at www.gatewayonpalmer.com.au but Quantum have changed it to www.gatewayliving.com.au and that's the render that's shown on the new version. I think I like it better then the other one.

http://www.gatewayliving.com.au/images/lifestyle/main.jpg

http://www.gatewayliving.com.au/images/lifestyle/view.jpg

I think I like it better then the other one.Ditto.

This must be close to getting off the ground. If you look at their new website and look at the Apartments (http://www.gatewayliving.com.au/apartments.htm) page, you can look at each floor and see how many are actually available. By my quick count only 43 (out of 112) units are available (so over 60% "sold") - and as most of these are on the lower floors, it means the most expensive ones are gone. Although, I'm not sure what the difference is between Sold and Unavailable?

Also, does anyone know what is planned for the frontage of this building? I'd always thought it hugged the river, as the following seems to indicate:
http://www.gatewayliving.com.au/images/lifestyle/main.jpg

Yet, when you see this perspective:
http://www.gatewayliving.com.au/images/lifestyle/view.jpg

it looks like it's set back 70-80 metres from the river. Looking closely, I get the impression there are a couple of structures at the front - are these new restaurants? Any ideas? Did the model indicate what was planned here?

Similarly, what are the smaller structures to the rear?

I like this design better as well.

I think there is resturant(s) in the Palmer St side. Not sure about on the river side, there is a pool which has a glass side that fronts onto the sidewalk. I think that structure you can se on the river side might be some sort of cabana by the pool. Might have a cafe or something. Not sure though.

Not sure what exactly they've get planned for the podium but doesn't look like it'll change at all under the new design. Here's a pic of the model GoTroppo. Good to see some fairly generous creek side parklands as well.

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/5039/gatewaymodel26md.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^
Looks like tables & chairs on the sidewalk? So maybe some sort of alfresco cafe or something?

It's a nice new design. The project must be alive or they wouldn't have spent the money to redesign it.
Although I'll be happy when I see something actually happens on the site. Maybe this time, fingers crossed??? :?

I like the look of the new design...Hopefully it'll take some focus off the urban quater!

^^
With those horrible colours, it's gonna be hard to take the focus off it!! LOL

The thing about the new design is that it has a spire, which we have to include in official height. I scaled one of the elevations on the website and if the roof features are 41m then the spire goes to 45m. That's the same height as Aquarius & Metro Quays. I think the spires complement the design well but does Gateway deserve to have the same official height as those two just because it has a stick on the roof? Hell NO!!! [End of anti-spire rant]

On another note when I walked past this morning the sales centre had been completely stripped out.

I forget to mention that the sales centre isn't going to reopen. There was a sign on the door last week that said to refer any enquiries to PRD at 241 Sturt St.

Also, I drew the new design:

http://img350.imageshack.us/img350/2199/gatewayoldnewja3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^ That definetly looks better than the old design, it also funny to note that Oriolus found the render prior to being changed to that design, with most of us saying that it was better that way, and what a few months later, and here it is.

Seems like Gateways on the move again. Large new render posted at the front of the site.:)

Quantum seem to be tagging on the fact that it is taking a long time to even get started. But its better that they have the render of the project on the board on the site, it was boring with just the snapshots of the view and so on.

The new Render says something on the line of:
"A quality project takes time, Ask Quantum How".

Hmmm, so don't hold your breath waiting I guess. Still a new billboard is positsive news.

As a side note the sales office is now occupied by offices for Reed Construction. They were the guys who were going to develop a Ramada Hotel in Townsville, most recent suggested site being the Australian Hotel right next door.

Here's a photo showing the new billboard:

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/9558/gatewaynewbillboardqe6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Very interesting development!!!

There's always been a section of the site fronting Ross Creek that hasn't been fenced off, and cars have continued to park there. Well now that bit has been fenced off as well and there are signs there that say "From Wednesday 25th October, carparking will no longer be permitted in this area. Matrix apologises for an inconvenience." Then there's a big Matrix logo. Matrix, you guys might remember, was the company originally contracted to build Gateway two years ago. Anyway on this land there is a site office, a very big one actually, which I assume must belong to Matrix! Surely that means that the beginning of construction is imminent???

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5520/1008216sbp8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Good stuff. I like Palmer Street...would be a good place to live!

That does look promising!! It's been progressing along very quickly this one.......................... :lol:

Great news

In today's investor, It names that Quantum group is actually a project financer, and not actually a sales partner. It is an Investor company of the project though.

It also stated that 71 of 112 apartments at gateway have now been sold (which is probably around 65% sold), which indeed sounds like promising news, and of course construction will begin in "the new year".

It also stated that 71 of 112 apartments at gateway have now been sold (which is probably around 65% sold), which indeed sounds like promising news, and of course construction will begin in"the new year".
Gee that quote sounds familiar!! :)

That does sound familiar. Lat's hope that when construction starts, it's real construction, not pretend construction like Riva. Which is now a big hole in the ground.

If they were smart enough, they would know that starting construction ASAP, would reduce the overall price of resources, labour etc. If they keep waiting for sales, they will eventually have to pay more due to rising construction costs. Yeah sure with this construction boom, prices will still rise during construction, but instead, it will be like eventually paying off when prices are low, and maybe paying the last bit off when construction costs are high, Or starting construction when prices are high, rather than maybe a year ago when they were lower.

The article Gertzy speaks of can be found here (http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,20918315%255E14790,00.html) (with the old render). I'm staggered at the number of apartments sold, the old design only had about 40 sold when it stalled. Good news.

The one thing that is under construction at the moment is Matrix's website (http://www.matrix.com.au/). Might be some info on there when it goes up.

If they were smart enough, they would know that starting construction ASAP, would reduce the overall price of resources, labour etc. If they keep waiting for sales, they will eventually have to pay more due to rising construction costs. Yeah sure with this construction boom, prices will still rise during construction, but instead, it will be like eventually paying off when prices are low, and maybe paying the last bit off when construction costs are high, Or starting construction when prices are high, rather than maybe a year ago when they were lower.

yeah, but they might not be able to get the funding for the construction until they have a certain number of apartments sold.. it might be higher than 65% perhaps?

There have been three more smaller site offices and a shipping container moved on site. Today there was a guy running round on a tracker with a auger drill putting holes next to the site offices - don't know if that means anything to anyone. You can actually see the drill between the first and second buildings. Even from a pessimistic point of view this looks pretty promising...

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/6997/gatewaysiteofficesmm7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^ 2007 will be a good year in terms of construction and proposals if this one is definetly going ahead.

Oh yeah, guess what i saw on site today, PILE DRIVER BITCHES!!!

:banana: :cucumber: :banana: :cucumber:

Looks like it is going ahead.

Awesome!!! Thanks Gertzy. I'm assuming it wasn't actually driving piles yet though?? The ker-thump, ker-thump of a pile driver coming from that site is going to sound pretty sweet after waiting for 27 months for construction to begin.

^^ There was a dozer digging up abit of the site, but the pile driver looked like it was ready to go, but even the thought of it being on the site, definetly shows that it is going ahead.

I mean, Riva, Gateway, Suites on Palmer (Grand Mercure), and depending on whats happening with Symphony, Crown and possible 45 Palmer Street. South Townsville will be going off in 2007, possibly Multiple cranes on the skyline.

I hadn't read this thread in a while & was quite suprised to see a piling machine on site over the weekend. It looked to be set up, but it was dark when i saw it, so i could be wrong. Good stuff.

Shows what happens with a simple design change, but marketing was abit more low key than PRD's regime.

I think this one is definately under construction now. When I passed today there's a heap of work going on, pile drivers, etc.

I also noticed the new sign. Their comment was something like "excellence is worth waiting for"...

Yeah, its been quite a while, but it'll be worth it seeing construction finally going ahead.

I think this one might have been worth the wait. It will be high quality.

P.S. Change of title for the thread to U/C now maybe Oriolus? :)

^^Well it's not that I don't trust you guys, but I like to see some photographic evidence before I go changing thread titles. Ah what the hell, why not. But if yous have all been making this all up I'll be fully pissed!! :D

Hopefully I'll find time to get into the city sometime this week to see for myself.

Pricey has a bit about the pile driver at Gateway in his column in the Bully today (link (http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,21226323%255E15702,00.html))

http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,3600,5388766,00.gif

MY little photo shows great dedication to our country and flag I reckon. These flags are on one of those 'bang hole in ground loudly' machines on the southside. If we had a flag on every crane in town, I reckon it would look terrific. Well, we have more cranes than the Town Common at the moment. On that subject, or really any subject, this column does not seem to follow any sensible rules at all, good luck to all the builders and council workers out in our hot and humid weather.

I remember the pile driver (same one I presume) also had the Aussie flag and the boxing kangaroo flying when it was working at Ibis. If there are more cranes in the city then the Common then thats probably a reflection of the lack of Brolgas then the abundance of construction cranes :)

When i was in the city on Wednesday, Pile driving was under way, you could easily hear "kerchink" of the pile driving from the mall.

^^
Yep, she was slaving away on Saturday morning as well. Thought i's better chuck that in in case Oriolus was still skeptical at all about it's status! :lol:

When i was in the city on Wednesday, Pile driving was under way, you could easily hear "kerchink" of the pile driving from the mall.Kerchick???? What is this, a friggin cash register. I'm thinking maybe something like "fwa-doosh", although it's been a while since I heard a pile driver - Mercure across the road I guess :D

Thanks for the updates guys :okay:

^^ Lol, im not too bloody good when it comes to describing sounds of any sorts :), but yeah something along those lines.

View of the Gateway site from Melton Tce. As it turned not a very good vantage point to clearly show what's going on at the site at the moment, but anyway...
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7679/gatewayfeb20vt4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

How refreshing it is to see action on the site after all this time! :) :yes:

^^I reckon. I can't believe there's actually going to be a highrise building there. It'll look awesome coming over George Roberts Bridge. I was going to say it'll be the first highrise for South Townsville but I'd think Riva would top out first (provided the extention is approved). Gateway has to do piling, which will probably take a while, then excavate one basement level before they start going up.

http://www.gatewayliving.com.au/floorplans/plan_6.gif

As long as there are multiple cranes in our skyline at one single time, then im going to be happy. But its good that something is happening on that plot of land.

No mucking around like with Riva - excavation has already begun at Gateway. And check out T1 in the background.

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/1448/gatewaymar7dx2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Construction photo from yesterday. There wasn't any work happening at the time. Taken from the steps beside the beginning of George Roberts Bridge.

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/4964/gatewaymar20hm1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Digging holes on Palmer street, wish they dug more around town.

The March newsletter about Gateway on Palmer can be viewed here (http://consultingnq.com.au/gateway/March07/march07.htm) (yes with an old render at the top :ohno:). One of the most interesting bits was that Gateway is going to be managed under the Oaks (http://www.theoaksgroup.com.au/) brand, although it isn't featured on their website yet.

Oaks aren't a bad group, just my only concern is that they have the tendancy to manage apartment complexes and treat them like it is a hotel and problems are created by the shear fact that people staying in Short term accomodation will be moving around alot, which creates a few problems.

Unfortunately construction seems to have stalled. I don't think anything has changed in the last three weeks. Yesterday the site was again entirely devoid of people or machinery. There were five cars there though, so some people must have been working away in the little airconditioned huts. I'm thinking maybe that first little effort was just so they could tell everyone its under construction.

^^
Yeah i've been wondering what's happening (or not) there lately......

We are used to things being stalled at that site. It'll be great to see some real foundations being laid.

I heard on the news tonight that major construction is about to start.:cheers:

^^That's good news. I guess with the chronic skills shortages we're going to have to get used to contruction projects stalling or progressing slower then other cities. Anyway Bulletin reports the Quantum held a launch party for Gateway last night (see here (http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2007/04/28/2275_hpbus.html))

Gateway launched
TONY RAGGATT
28Apr07

IT has been two years on the drawing board but glamorous $70 million apartment project Gateway on Palmer is officially under way. Its Sydney-based developers, fund managers the Quantum Group, launched the project to about 100 property industry guests and clients in the city last night.

The resort-style 12-level complex including 112 residential and managed apartments is the latest project in a $200 million development wave for Townsville's Palmer St.

The Gateway will occupy a former car parking site at the corner of Dean and Palmer streets and its apartments from level three up will command views over Cleveland Bay to the north and south. Restaurants and retail shops will be built along its entire Palmer St frontage and fronting Ross Creek.

While construction has started under Brisbane builder Matrix, the project has travelled a rocky road. It was originally launched by a consortium involving the PJ Group from Sydney in January 2005. Joint venture partner and developer Brisbane-based M2 Property Group withdrew and Quantum bought the project for a price understood to be between $5 million and $6 million last year.

Quantum director James Maitland couldn't be happier with his group having sold 70 per cent of the apartments, mostly to Sydney investors, over the past 12 months. "We are over the moon," he said. "We have sold about 70 per cent of the apartments ... a lot through our network. "Probably 60 per cent of the sales are Sydney based and 40 per cent local, all predominantly investors and the bulk of those sales have been in managed stock."

Listed Australian hotel and resort operator Oaks Hotel and Resorts has been signed to manage the complex. Apartment prices range from $350,000 for a podium level 86sqm one-bedroom apartment up to $960,000 for a 132sqm three-bedroom penthouse on level 12.

Selling agent Nicole Plozza of PRDnationwide said local investors included buyers from Ayr who had indicated they would keep the apartments for their own use.

The property's resort facilities will include two signature restaurants including convention facilities, lap pool and plunge pool, spa, gymnasium and barbecue and landscaped entertainment areas.

In other developments, work is well under way on the Grand Mercure Hotel being developed by Melbourne-based Thompson Property Group. The $40 million Riva on Palmer apartments, another Thompson group projects, is also under way. At the end of Palmer St, Sydney development Glen Alpine is due to begin work on its $60 million Solarus apartment project on the former Crown Hotel site next month.

Palmer street is kicking butt!! Three big projects for Townsville's standards. Good to see them getting up.

This is ridiculous, its been 10 weeks now since any work happened on site. I don't care if they held a party, something is wrong. I can kind of understand the delay (albeit lengthy) with Riva because its a different phase of contruction, but at Gateway everyone just up and left with the excavations just beginning. I'm going to change its status to Stalled, because its clearly not Under Construction.

:gaah: :gaah:

Site this morning:
http://i13.tinypic.com/4u96v5y.jpg

I saw some trucks in there last week sometime, thought there might have been something happening again. Maybe not. I think the piling works was just to satisfy the investors so they could say it's "UNDER CONSTRUCTION" lol

I've wonder if some of this isn't about stabilising the site. A lot of this ground is dodgy reclaim so it may need time to stabilise before they get stuck into it?

Chin up guys, it often just comes down to the availability of equipment (and staff for that matter). Townsville is obviously a hectic place at the moment development wise, it's likely that the labour market is more than a little stretched... like most of the country.

Seems like Gateway is powering up again. A lot of activity on site.:)

^^
Sweet! :)

Sounds good to me, like music to my ears.

Some news on why this one stalled......Apparently the builders walked out because they hadn't been paid for the piling works. Hopefully that's been rectified now.

Wow, you got the inside info on Riva AND Gateway. Nicely done Wezza :cheers: See I was right, there WAS something wrong :)

Here's a photo from this morning. There was no action on site and what with all the rain the site has turned into bit of a quagmire, but nevertheless I shall give it back its UC status. Hopefully its full steam ahead now.

http://i17.tinypic.com/53tjtxj.jpg

I've got good connections mate! ;)

There was alot of action at the Gateway site today, many workers & a large concrete pump on site. :D

Sweet, more reason to catch the bus into town on Friday.

Lot of activity going on. Seems like the unthinkable is happening. Gateway is actually going to happen.:banana:

Yeah, after more than a few years, it seems quite unreal.

Did my eyes deceive me or was that a crane I saw sprouting out of the ground onsite @ Gateway yesterday?

Yep you definately saw a crane. It's now in place. Not as big as T1, but a big one.:)

I WANT TO SEE IT!!!

What type is it, a favco, hammerhead, Liebharr like T1.

It's a favco gertzy.

:banana: :cucumber: :carrot: :banana2:

I must have said three of four times that Gateway is going ahead, but now I think its really true. Once you put up a crane there's no turning back...touch wood :) And a Favco to boot. I was going to go in to take some construction photos in the CBD during the week but didn't get time. But for a Favco, I'll MAKE time :) Very exciting development, thinks for the info guys

A Favco, sweet! I'll be going to the CBD in the morning so i might take my Camera.

wawawewa, this makes a bit of an impact going across the causeway at Hermit Park/West End.

An exclusive from Gertzy.
Pictures of Gateway's Crane taken today.

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/4488/dscf0665nn1.th.jpg (http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf0665nn1.jpg) http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/5936/copyofdscf0664cx2.th.jpg (http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?image=copyofdscf0664cx2.jpg) http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/9531/dscf0663qd8.th.jpg (http://img510.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf0663qd8.jpg)

Sorry i was too busy looking at crane and didnt take pictures of the site.

Good photos Gertzy. Townsville is becoming crane city. I saw a new one today across from the old Peoples Palace near the cinema. Strange looking crane.:lol:

I love the sight of a few cranes on the skyline. A good sign of progress! :)

Good photos Gertzy. Townsville is becoming crane city. I saw a new one today across from the old Peoples Palace near the cinema. Strange looking crane.

Where was that one Jeff, dont know of any old people place near Birch Carole and Coyle.

You know that 4 story brick building on the corner of Walker and Blackwood streets. I'm sure that started off as the Salvation Armys old 'Peoples Palace', not the 'old peoples place'.:lol: Anyhow the new crane is just across the road from that. Not sure what they're building.

Ahh, yes, that site was mentioned in the Townsville projects thread at some stage i think? Have to have a look back through it.

Great pics Gertzy. Still haven't been in to see it myself, good to see you picking up my slack :)

Wezza, there was a 22 apartment development approved for 300 Walker ages ago - which is the eastern corner of Walker & Blackwood. But I think Jeffro means on the opposite side of Blackwood from Sturt Lodge (right??). There was a little site being cleared there, cant imagine its anything significant though - theres barely enough room to swing a cat.

So there's quite a variety of cranes in Townsville at the moment:
Gateway - a Favco!!!!!!!!!
T1 Sturt - big arse hammerhead
Element on Gregory - a skinny little hammerhead
Vue on Stanton - a self-erecter
Grand Mercure - a caterpillar crane
And then this wierd one in Blackwood St.

Heh Jeffro, that crane in Blackwood St is a "self-erector" (thats what Favco called it when I asked about them one day) like at Vue on Stanton. I reckon its probably some extensions to the Salvation Army place.

Anyway the Gateway site was a hive of activity today. Is that a core I see rising in the middle?

http://i18.tinypic.com/4lj3sdx.jpg