http://i32.tinypic.com/90czdi.png
http://i28.tinypic.com/10y0tjl.jpg

PROPOSED:
Floors: 12 story's
Hieght: 50m (4.5x12)
Developer: Thomson Property Group
Website: http://www.verdetownsville.com/followup/second-followup.html

http://i26.tinypic.com/xq03yu.jpg http://i25.tinypic.com/1445nbb.jpg http://i29.tinypic.com/2helpn7.jpg

May as well move this here.

I think this is what Sean is talking about. It isn't the news from today but it's on that project.

Green team picked for Townsville eco-tower construction

TONY RAGGATT

04Jun08

DEVELOPER Sterling Securities has assembled a green team for its $80 million eco tower planned for 445 Flinders St.

Sterling Securities, associated with Brisbane property identity Stephen Gosling, announced its consultant team yesterday.

It included architects ML Design, ESD consultancy Cundall, builders ADCO Constructions, engineering firm Robert Bird Group, hydraulics and water conservation technology specialist Steve Paul & Partners and mechanical and electrical engineers MGF Consultants.

"Their brief is clear, we've instructed the team to combine their expertise to ensure the project achieves a 4.5 star Australian Building Greenhouse Rating certified design and a four star Green Star office design at a minimum," he said.

"Securing such ambitious green building design targets would lift the bar even higher for office development in Townsville and I believe we've got the team to do it."

Sterling Securities recently announced its purchase of a 4040sqm inner-city site for $7.5 million.

The company has lodged a development application with Townsville City Council to construct a 12-level `eco' office tower on a 2500sq m portion of the block fronting Flinders Street.

The project is to be launched in Townsville this month.

Mr Gosling said 445 Flinders Street was set to play an integral role in the on-going renewal of Townsville where $4 billion in public and private investment was under way or planned, including the Lancini Group's $250 million Flinders Plaza development and the council's Flinders Mall make-over.

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2008/06/03/page-25-yarn.jpg
Stephen Gosling

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2008/06/04/13631_investor.html

Yip thats it, Looks to be on the Highgate site.

^^ I was gonna say, Sterling Securities are actually the developer, not Thompson.

Anyway as i said in the Townsville Projects thread, this is at 445 Flinders Street (which is Flinders Street West, pretty much adjacent to the Former T&G site), and also occupies the former Wintergarden site on Sturt Street, which is right next door to the Highgate site.

Ive got the video for it all just waiting for it to upload! Construction set to begin in September.

Here go y'all:

8k6S3eTqOxE

O.M.G!!! That is a mind-blowing design!! This is by far the best project this city has seen in this current boom. Great to see Sterling raising the bar when the developers of so many of our residential towers seem to be lowering the bar. And thanks for the video Sean. I'm excited, I think this calls for some dancing produce :)

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


Here is the article about the original announcement of the tower back on May 23rd:

City's the place to be (http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2008/05/23/13320_news.html) | Tony Raggatt | 23 May 2008

AN $80 million `eco' tower is planned for inner-city Townsville. Brisbane developer and former Suncorp executive Stephen Gosling announced the 12-level tower proposal yesterday along with news of his purchase of a 4040sq m site fronting Flinders St and Sturt St for $7.5 million. The site is partly vacant, where the former Wintergarden Theatre used to stand on Sturt St, while the Hollimans Arcade building occupies the property fronting Flinders St.

Mr Gosling, who has been involved in developments in Cairns and Mackay, is convinced Townsville is the place to be. "It's probably the most go-ahead place in Australia," he said. He added that the city centre where the $200 million Flinders Plaza retail and entertainment project would be developed was set for `enormous' revitalisation and renewal. "We want to be part of that," he said.

Mr Gosling's family company, Sterling Securities, bid for the site at 445 Flinders St late last year in a deal negotiated by John Quinlan of Knight Frank. Sterling Securities has also lodged an application with Townsville council to construct a 12 level, `sustainable' office tower on a 2500sq m portion of the site fronting Flinders St. The application describes the project as the city's first premium grade ecologically sustainable development.

Mr Gosling said Townsville was desperately short of commercial office space and that `445 Flinders' would provide 11,000sq m of A grade standard offices. The project aimed to achieve a 4.5 star Australian Building Greenhouse Rating certified design and highly rated Green Star Office design. Mr Gosling hoped to gain council approvals by the third quarter of 2008 with construction to start late this year for completion by late 2009. The tower would include 700sq m of ground floor retail and showroom area.

"The Flinders St site offers a great opportunity to create the kind of high-quality office project not yet seen in the Townsville city centre," he said. "It will play an integral role in the on-going renewal of the Townsville CBD where $2.5 billion in private investment is under way or planned." Mr Gosling said he planned to assemble a team of high-profile national and local professionals to help deliver the project and that it was likely major national investors would join the development team.

The project _ one of several major developments chasing demand for new A-grade office accommodation in the city _ is to be formally launched in June. Mr Gosling is a director of Central Properties Corporation, a company associated with the development Brisbane's Rivergate Industry Park and the Rivergate marina and shipyard facility.

To me it looks so much taller than twelve stories, He mentioned that when they build the tower it had to be done in a "Eco" way, I wonder what sort of Tower crane is eco friendly? Anyway construction to begin September.

Its sounds from a few remarks from Crisafulli and City council that were in for a few more tower that are equivalent size of this one and the Suncorp tower.

... and probably explains why Council has extended the "mall revamp" to include Flinders Street West (well, this and Central).

Wow I was such a silly man back in 2008

^^ On the same block, Verde wont be fronting Sturt Street, that side however will more likely be Car Parking.

So you'd have Highgate on Sturt, Verde on one side of FSW, and Lancin's T&G replacement on the other side, at the corner of Stanley Street.

Still though that is dense.

Love it. So much is happening in FNQ

Construction is imminent (Should start the end of this year), I was kinda hoping for some activity on this site because I noticed they had the old dumpy levels out on Thursday and blocked of some of the road for this development for site servicing I would imagine. Anyway here is a site update plus I marked in red were this tower will cover, So it will have entrances from both street, I didn’t realize it would be so wide! Cool!

http://i33.tinypic.com/2nlecma.jpg

...I didn’t realize it would be so wide! Cool!Erm, it's actually bigger than your mudmap suggests. If you look at the render a few comments earlier, you'll notice that it actually butts right up to the old heritage building on the cnr of Flinders and Stanley Street - and it's probably safe to assume that the building on the right (on Flinders St) will also be included.
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/7137/verdepz9.jpg

Ok, Sorry I got that inncorrect, I just realized that empty lot in the render will house Lancini's 16st Eco tower.

http://i37.tinypic.com/2wgxdnb.jpg

...I just realized that empty lot in the render will house Lancini's 16st Eco tower.hehehe - nothing like artistic license to help enhance the appeal of your project - in reality, from that angle it'll probably feel a closed in.

Actually...you're both wrong :) The Verde site includes what GoTroppo has circled (retangled??) except NOT the Highgate site. To confirm this I measured the area of the site on TAM, and it is 4040sqm like the article says. BUT, the Verde office tower will only be built on the lots fronting Flinders St, it will not extend all the way back to Sturt St (you can see the building is nowhere near that long in the render)

http://i36.tinypic.com/2iblxkm.jpg

So the person that is on the ground looking at the render is looking towards Sean and his camera which will be up the hill but out of view because it is behind the render?

http://i38.tinypic.com/znri2t.jpg

All clear for Townsville's Verde

TONY RAGGATT l September 17th, 2008 l Townsville Bulletin

TOWNSVILLE City Council has given the go-ahead to the city's first world-class sustainable office tower, Verde Townsville. The $80 million eco-tower will comprise 12 levels of commercial office space at 445 Flinders St with dual frontage to Sturt St.

Verde Property Group purchased the 4040sq m inner city project site for $7.5 million in December last year.

The group is aiming for a 5-Star Green Star-Office Design rating for the project.

Developer Stephen Gosling said they were excited to be working with the council to revitalise the city centre with
the ground-breaking building.

"From our first meetings it was clear council was enthusiastic about our sustainability ambitions
so we've been working hard with our environmental consultancy Cundall to achieve the best result," he said.

"With development approval, it's full steam ahead in making Verde Townsville a reality."

A leasing campaign is under way headed by John Quinlan of Knight Frank Townsville. Construction is
to start in January 2009 with completion in early 2010.

Mr Gosling said as part of the Green Star protocols, they would meet benchmarks for low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content which affects the kind of paint, carpet and glues that can be used. They would also promote greater pedestrian and bicycle use by providing showers, locker rooms and cycle storage facilities.

Key environmental features will include low water and energy usage, sustainable transport facilities, air-conditioning systems promising higher comfort and air quality, rainwater harvesting and re-use systems, solar hot water and waterless or reduced water flow urinals.

It is excellent news indeed, the render looks pretty awesome.

Excellent news! :) This one should look great.

Excellent news! :) This one should look great.
Looks better then great, Snooping around Google and I managed to find some renders, It looks like its going to be taller and bulkier then Stanley Place. This is probably the best proposal the CBD has seen (Other then Flinders Plaza which isnt a highrise). The bogan in the first render really sells it for Verde doesnt it! :D. Link (http://www.mldesign.com.au/projects/market-sector/2/69.htm)

Verde Townsville

445 Flinders Street Townsville Australia
Client: Private
Status: Concept Completed
Disciplines: Architecture, Architecture
Market Sectors: Commercial

This contemporary building incorporates premier ‘A’ grade office space with world class Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) building management systems; a targeted 5 Star (Green Star Office Design); large, efficient and flexible floor plates to accommodate changing needs; up to 200 car parks; ground floor coffee shop/cafe; intra-floor private stairways to facilitate ease of access; and integrated building security systems.


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Wow, thanks Sean, we haven't seen that first render before. Absolutely stunning. Look at that green glass!! I can't wait to see that render become reality. I especially can't wait to see this become reality:

http://i33.tinypic.com/11qtq15.jpg

bleh

Wow, they really, really, and if I may enfersize it, really decked the Verde website out! This development has literally blown me of my chair. Link (http://www.verdetownsville.com/) (Check out the Brochure)

http://i35.tinypic.com/doo2tk.jpg

Thumbnails:

http://s2.largeimagehost.com/TN/eFrUrFQ/tn_Verde2.jpg (http://s2.largeimagehost.com/img/untilted/eFrUrFU/Verde2.jpg.html) http://s2.largeimagehost.com/TN/eFrUrFX/tn_Verde3.jpg (http://s2.largeimagehost.com/img/untilted/eFrUrFe/Verde3.jpg.html) http://s2.largeimagehost.com/TN/eFrUrFr/tn_Verde4.jpg (http://s2.largeimagehost.com/img/untilted/eFrUrFc/Verde4.jpg.html)

Wow, they really, really, and if I may enfersize it, really decked the Verde website out! This development has literally blown me of my chair. Link (http://www.verdetownsville.com/) (Check out the Brochure)

http://i35.tinypic.com/doo2tk.jpg

Thumbnails:

http://s2.largeimagehost.com/TN/eFrUrFQ/tn_Verde2.jpg (http://s2.largeimagehost.com/img/untilted/eFrUrFU/Verde2.jpg.html) http://s2.largeimagehost.com/TN/eFrUrFX/tn_Verde3.jpg (http://s2.largeimagehost.com/img/untilted/eFrUrFe/Verde3.jpg.html) http://s2.largeimagehost.com/TN/eFrUrFr/tn_Verde4.jpg (http://s2.largeimagehost.com/img/untilted/eFrUrFc/Verde4.jpg.html)
I think the word you're looking for is emphasize. ;)

Safari and word check :), I didnt even realize, Also this will have a pretty big Core Box once construction starts.

Quite large floorplates too, i didn't realise this before.

Wow, they really, really, and if I may enfersize it, really decked the Verde website out! This development has literally blown me of my chair.Also, inappropriate use of the word 'literally' is a real bug bear of mine. Unless the quality of the website literally propelled you out of your chair and flung you across the room :D Personally I was a little underwhelmed - I can barely read the small font, and I couldn't find that skyline render anywhere?

Abit of a site update for your viewing. I must note that around the other side they had a backhoe, I also noticed fencing has been delivered. Construction was meant to start last year, Hmmm. But I can definitely see this one built, Townsville is crying out for premium office space. The shitholes on either side have both been bothered up aswell, the interiors seem to be gutted.

http://onetouchphotography.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p273563463-4.jpg

Not much happening on site.

http://i44.tinypic.com/14il5r8.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/2hdnta9.jpg

God i hope this should go to make the city more commerical wise like Lismore, Coffs Harbour, Southport and city of Sydney etc.

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2010/10/13/VERDETOWNS_STANDARD_WEB_J6995575_17049.JPG

City to boast a green tower

TONY RAGGATT | October 13th, 2010 | Townsville Bulletin (http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2010/10/13/176811_business.html)

THE proponents of a planned $80 million commercial office tower in Townsville's CBD say they have achieved a certified five-star Green Star rating for office design.

Verde Townsville is a premium office project proposed for 445 Flinders St by Verde Property, a partnership between Brisbane developer Stephen Gosling's Sterling Securities and Jim Goldburg's Friday Group.

Mr Gosling said Verde Townsville secured the rating from the Green Building Council of Australia with 70 points - 10 above the five-star cut-off.

"This represents Australian Excellence in the view of the council," Mr Gosling said.

"The project has only narrowly missed six-star status at the 75-point level which would confirm its International Excellence.

"This is a great boost to the project's appeal to prospective tenants, including the State Government and its agencies which have mandated that new accommodation meet such standards."

The project features include premier A-grade office, environmentally sustainable building management systems, large, efficient and flexible floor plates, ground-floor coffee shop and up to 200 car parks.

Mr Gosling said as soon as major tenants committed to the property,

__________________________

work on Verde Townsville would begin in eight weeks and the 11,000 sq m building would open by mid-2012.
__________________________

"Importantly, the project would employ many hundreds of on-site and ancillary workers and help stimulate the economy and bring reality to efforts to revitalise the inner city," he said.

"There is no doubt that with the opening of the new Flinders Street in March 2011, the construction of Verde Townsville is a critical piece of the urban renewal jigsaw.

"The Federal Government, the State Government and the council have invested many millions in creating an active and exciting public space in the city centre.

"Verde Townsville will bring hundreds of customers back to town to patronise it."

Mr Gosling said few projects could boast full council approvals, full design documentation, a team ready to go and near six-star green quality rating.

The 12-level eco-tower is to be constructed on a 4040sq m site with dual frontage to Flinders and Sturt streets.

Mr Gosling is also a director of Murrarie Developments, a company associated with the development of Brisbane's Rivergate Industry Park and the Rivergate marina and shipyard facility.

I was beginning to lose hope! :D

^^Yeh, I thought Verde must have been dead too, so fantastic to know its still alive. The key sentence about start of contruction is a little confusing though. I think it means that contruction will start eight weeks after they secure pre-committments, not eight weeks from now. And in the current economy securing tennants for A-Grade offices in Townsville must be pretty difficult. Fingers crossed though. Also, last time I was in the city I noticed the Flinders Street frontage has been painted the Verde green - maybe its been like that for ages, but I only just noticed.

http://i55.tinypic.com/153rz4j.jpg

Yeah I only noticed that the other week as well.

Fingers crossed they can secure a tennant(s) & get this one underway. Come on BHP or other mining companies, surely you need large a large regional office? :lol:

^^Yeh, I thought Verde must have been dead too, so fantastic to know its still alive. The key sentence about start of contruction is a little confusing though. I think it means that contruction will start eight weeks after they secure pre-committments, not eight weeks from now. And in the current economy securing tennants for A-Grade offices in Townsville must be pretty difficult. Fingers crossed though. Also, last time I was in the city I noticed the Flinders Street frontage has been painted the Verde green - maybe its been like that for ages, but I only just noticed.

As of yesterday, Elizabeth Siebel CPA's offices are now located on Denham Street, and the entire complex remains empty.

I don't want to stir up too much hope on here, but I noticed in the tenders section of Saturday's Bully that a couple of builders are advertising for subcontractor prices for this project. Might not be far off starting after all!

Another article about Verde in the Bulletin today, good to have reassurance that its still alive. Upbeat about getting office precommitments, mentions negotiations with builders, and they would "like" to start construction in the middle of the year (hopefully they will, although they probably wont)

Verde back on track (http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2011/03/05/212861_business.html)

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2011/03/04/verde.JPG

TONY RAGGATT | March 5th, 2011

THE developers of a proposed 12-storey office tower at 445 Flinders St say pent-up demand for quality office space could see the project proceed this year. The directors of Flinders Street Tower Pty Ltd, Brisbane developer Stephen Gosling and former Flight Centre director Jim Goldburg, were in the city this week talking to potential tenants and stakeholders including the council, Townsville Chamber of Commerce and Townsville Enterprise.

"Townsville is desperate for high quality office accommodation and the trickles of interest from last year are now turning into a flood of inquires," Mr Gosling said. "Like everybody else we need a percentage of confirmed tenancies to allow us to start construction but we feel we are very close to achieving that goal. We are in serious discussions with a number of large private companies about leasing significant space. They realise it's going to get pretty competitive soon for quality space and they see the benefits of making a move now."

The project, called Verde Townsville, was announced as the city's first world-class sustainable office tower in 2008 with the group aiming for a 5-star green-star office design rating. Knight Frank Townsville started a leasing campaign but the intervention of the global financial crisis caused potential tennants and financiers to pull back.

Mr Gosling said financiers were now willing to play ball and tenants were looking to take up a position in quality space in the CBD. Also, plans by State Government agencies to take up new space and the council's willingness to provide incentives was lifting confidence.

"The market is buzzing as potential suitors line up for the possibility of Ergon and the State Government tendering for new office space in the CBD," he said. "The council has been terrific in promoting the vitality of the CBD. With the completion of Flinders St (redevelopment) and the potential for financial incentives for new projects, confidence has returned to the market."

Mr Gosling said Verde had development approval and was advanced in its discussions with major builders. He said completion would take 15 months from commencement. "While we would have liked to have been up and running by now, a benefit of the delay has been the real reduction in construction costs, which are down at least 10 percent from 2008. Lower costs means we can pass on the benefits in lower leasing costs." He said they would like to be on site half way through this year with completion in 2012.

Sounds pretty encouraging. Though I will believe it when I actually see it start rising.

Fan bloody tastic news!! http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2011/12/20/292105_news.html

Awesome news. These new CBD developments and injection of workers must surely provide the needed catalyst for fixing up the rest of Flinders St and getting retailers in there.

Nice! Just across the road from 420 too, albeit at it's lower height.

Agree with phreeky too, hopefully it will be kick start the city needs.

Fantastic news! Not only have they chosen Verde, but looks like it is going to be built as proposed, in all its glassy goodness, not shortened and uglified like 420 on Flinders. The renders from the Bulletin just have the state government signage added to the top. Not in the online article, but I'm sure in the hard copy it said construction would start in March 2012 and take 18 months. Can't wait, having an amazing building like this on the skyline is going to be great, and having the two office towers under construction opposite each other will be very exciting.

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2011/12/20/verde-wide.jpg

There are a few things that really excite me about this development, One of them being its size comparable to that of Stanley Place and 420 on Flinders - its foot print is huge! coupled with 420 on Flinders this will bring density and height this side of the city has not ever had before. The ride into the city will be awesome in a couple years! GLASS GLASS GLASS

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/seannn.jpg

I would love to see Townsville boom. For this to happen I suggest that the retail precinct in particular Flinders Street must be allowed to flourish. To achieve some operational balance, concessions could be extended to developers who provide additional car parking that is in excess of planning requirements. One thing that attracts shoppers to the major centres is ease and proximity of parking.

And site prep has begun, Hutchinson hoardings are now up. Great news!

Wow, they're not mucking around then!

For the last week I've been posting from my iPhone cause I don't have Internet, so I hope these site pics work cause it's taken me ages to do, dedication to the forums or what!
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/image.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/image-1.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/image-2.jpg

Thanks for the pics Burden. But try logging onto SSC with a Nokia 2680 (which I've done a few times :)). Good to know that Hutchies are the contracted buider. When Verde and 420 are under construction I might actually have a reason to go into the city on a more regular basis.

It's all good, also another couple things the new Verde website is U/C http://verdetownsville.com/

And construction is set to begin in March so demolition is immanent.

Finally a title change soon, been a few years since I last got to say that ;)

New inner-city home for govt departments

JESSICA JOHNSTON | January 24th, 2012

PUBLIC servants from three State Goverment departments will be the first to relocate to a new 11-story office tower in Townsville's CBD.

About 700 staff from the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the Department of Environment and Resource Management and the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation will move from their existing Townsville offices to the centralised hub when it is finished in mid-2013.

Demolition works at the vacated arcade and office space on the Flinders St site will begin early next month, with building works due to start in March.

It comes after the State Government last month signed a major lease agreement with developer Flinders Street Tower Pty Ltd, which will build the new office building at 435-453 Flinders St. The Government will lease 10,000sq m of office space for a decade.

Building Industry Minister Simon Finn, who will inspect the site this morning, said the project would be the largest office building project in the region in 20 years.

"The building will draw around 700 staff from three government agencies together into one central location," he said.

It is the second office project in the CBD, following the announcement that Ergon Energy would lease 6800sq m of space in another new CBD tower to be built on the corner of Flinders and Stanley streets.

Townsville MP Mandy Johnstone said the Government building was one of seven project "turbochargers" announced last July to boost the Townsville region's economic revitalisation.

"The turbochargers announcement included an initiative to locate all public servants within the Townsville region in the CBD," she said.

"This project is also a significant boost for the local building and construction industry, stimulating growth and creating construction jobs."

About 350 full-time jobs will be supported during the 18-month building phase.

Mr Finn said the building would be designed to meet environmental sustainability benchmarks, with features incorporated to maximise energy and water efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and "create a healthy environment".

5Zp71vU4VmA

So what is happening with the old government buildings then? If there's no other department growth to move into them then will they be left empty?!? There are some businesses around town that could do with some CBD office space, but that's an awfully huge amount of office space to try and fill.

Title change, demolition has well and truly begun. Heavy machinery now on site.

The original building is now on its last legs, a few cranes buzzing around, the site was a real pit, so much happening! Something I havent seen in years yay!! :banana:

Cant wait to see a nice tower crane, refreshing my memory shows a nice sized core like Dalgety.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/IMG_0937.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/IMG_0942.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/IMG_0938-1.jpg

A better picture from today!

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P2200057.jpg

Building almost now completely demolished:

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P2230081.jpg

New website is up - was working for me now it stopped, but here is a much bigger render, not that we already didn't no what it looked like and what's to grow from the site.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/CENT0001_Flinders-St-Perpective-1.jpg

Verde today.. pretty self explanatory - nothing much to say except maybe the traffic officer was pretty lazy on his phone :dunno:

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P3070082.jpg

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http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P3070086.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P3070087.jpg

Verde today.. Demolition complete, ground works and foundation work appear to be happening.

Looks like Hutchinson picked up the contact for 420 on Flinders aswell as Verde, see here (http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CEAQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hutchinsonbuilders.com.au%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F02%2FHB_CS_FEB2012_slim.pdf&ei=JlN5T4-uGsG1iQeG-fTdBA&usg=AFQjCNHp2zpfREQUxXJjiLrAONBXT6iTsA&sig2=weScukTeH3qNkMcLaCSQvA).


http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P4020441.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P4020506.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P4020524.jpg

*Demolition well and truly complete* - Pretty impressive Piling rig now on site doin' its thanng. Very dominating! Looks like there working on a core in the centre of the site there, next couple weeks should see big changes

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P4230086.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P4230057.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P4230060.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P4230059.jpg

Awesome! Thanks for the pis Burden. With the pile driver working I think we can now say this is officially under construction, which means Verde is the first highrise to begin construction in Townsville in four and a half years (I think Hotel M was the last one to commence, in October 2007). Now who wants to bet the Verde building will be completed before the Verde website (http://www.verdetownsville.com/) is :)

^Thanks for the pis?? No problems, Great news - a Favco crane base is now on site. A foundation pad for it is being constructed towards the top right of the site. Haven't seen a crane of this size since Dalgety (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=17227111&postcount=297) back in 2007.

I wish work would hurry up and commence on 420 on Flinders.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P42601312.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P4260131.jpg

There were doing surveying on 420 Flinders today, my investigating says work should be underway within 4 weeks.

^Yeah you can see the site in the backround in the top left with a few workers on site. Can't wait for both to be underway.

i whish everyone would use photobucket like you, only site that displays on work computers - thanks for updates.

Construction update from the slopes of Castle Hill yesterday afternoon. There is now a second rig on site, think one is a drilling rig and the other a pile driver? By far my favourite part of this photo though is that bus giving me the evil eye from behind Trustee House :lol: Click the link for a bigger version of the photo.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7181613832_d3219f98c4_c.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29289211@N05/7181613832/sizes/l/in/photostream/

^^ They both look the same to me, certainly not a bad thing having two! :)

Those damn sunbuses watching everything you do!

I think they are both piling rigs, in fact they were the same rig's that done work on both Stockland (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=66364799&postcount=92) and Castletown (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f2/Castownexpansion2.JPG) :). Would leave me to believe its a local.

I've been frequently visiting the city lately for various reasons and each time I travel over the foot hills opposite the Townsville Bulletin print house on Sturt Street I get anxious and have this weird quirky exciting sensation that a big crane is going to greet me... hasn't happened yet :(! (Hmm is that normal to feel that way, and why is there hair growing where there never use to be hair.. I kid ;) )

I think they are both piling rigs, in fact they were the same rig's that done work on both Stockland (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=66364799&postcount=92) and Castletown (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f2/Castownexpansion2.JPG) :). Would leave me to believe its a local.


Well it's at least a local to this half of the state. Both of those piling rigs (along with a third) were being used at the Cairns Base Hospital site about 6 months ago.

Crane pad now done :3 not long of a wait now :)

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P5170022.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P5170028.jpg

Snippet taken from today's 'CBD office towers to rise soon (http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2012/05/23/331981_news.html)', exciting times :cheers: cant wait for the glass!

Just having a think about this development, it would be the first sort of highrise of its kind in northern Australia that is to be almost fully sheeted in glass? pretty cool given the climate which is why most highrises are concrete.


Ergon Energy announced late last year it would lease 6800sq m of space in a CBD tower on the corner of Flinders and Stanley streets. The State Government will lease 10,000sq m of space in the 11-storey Verde building to accommodate 700 workers from various departments. Hutchinson Builders Townsville manager Mark Phillips said piling was nearly finished on the site, with the crane expected to go up next week. "We're pushing along as quick as we can," he said. Construction on both buildings is expected to be completed in late 2013.

Crane is up, looks great. I have some pics on my phone, but I bet Burden beats me to it.

Yip, its a massive Liebherr EC-series hammerhead crane. Not sure if it was the same one from the hospital back in 2010 and T1 back in 2006 (I don't think so because the cabs different, but See here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29289211@N05/4428310453/) and here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29289211@N05/2742060891/in/photostream))

I couldnt tell, but wow it dominates with its massive boom and height.

Click for larger (Shitter) pictures.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P5260014.jpg?t=1338028464 (http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P5260014-1.jpg)

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/photo1-1.jpg?t=1338028473 (http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/photo1-2.jpg?t=1338028529)

Burden, sometimes they use a lease crane and place advertising/billboards on the cab for a different operator so could well be the same crane but in disguise.

Burden, sometimes they use a lease crane and place advertising/billboards on the cab for a different operator so could well be the same crane but in disguise.
Yeh I know what you mean but I had a look today and this one is a newbie from Morrow cranes (http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CHMQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.morrow.com%2F&ei=R7vBT7W4A6eOiAex84zECg&usg=AFQjCNFBNgG4npOqEG0SCNSrSdq_xh1xVg&sig2=9oUT08Qu0zEZZs93cA6g0Q) in SEQ.

Here are some pictures from a busy yet beautiful cool Sunday afternoon. Looks like it has a collar on site for it to grow later on in the build too.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P5270018.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P5270021-1.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P5270022.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P5270042.jpg

Well that sucks, does anyone get "Look who's popular, this image exceeds bandwidth with too many views?".

Time to upgrade to a paid photobucket account. ;)

Saw the crane being errected on Saturday afternoon. Nice to have a decent size crane back on the skyline.

Time to upgrade to a paid photobucket account. ;)
I will kindly take donations :) Until then its back to Flickr :(

A select collection of site and crane pics from the last couple of days..

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/7293107612_d2ba346ac7_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7293104016_554997bdfa_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7293102992_b7dc8fbce2_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7293173922_aa9bb4f459_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/7293099772_6794e1564a_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/7293171106_db6f60c3a1_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7293172050_6357df47ff_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/7293172892_0c65363a8d_c.jpg

Quite exciting for all you Townsvillians :) I wonder when i'll see a crane like that on Toowoombas skyline?

Love that second photo! Can't wait to see a bigger skyline in front of that backdrop! Will look amazing.

Thanks for the photos Burden, so great to have a proper big crane in the CBD again (wimpy Potains excluded). Hopefully the the crane for 420 on Flinders will be equally impressive, the pair of them will be a awesome sight. I think the last time we had a crane from Morrow up here was for construction of Abode in South Townsville (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29289211@N05/2989740755/).

Today..

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7333272014_5dfcccfed2_c.jpg

Hey Burden, Is there 3 cranes in your CBD now 1 verde 1 420 flinders st and that white Favco type in the background of your last picture.

Hey man, not yet x1 at Central (Potain) x1 at Verde (Liebherr) and will be 2 upcoming x1 at JCU (Potain) and x1 at 420 on Flinders.

What looks like a base for a Favco crane on this site must act as support for the rest of the tower crane I assume.

Hopefully Centrals tower crane is up long enough for when 420 on Flinders is up. The 3 will look pretty impressive all clustered together.

Here are a couple pics from today, looks like there working on a core in the centre of the shot.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8013/7445911100_66c37227a9_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/7445908640_51f3a3be86_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7138/7445909936_63a1fddf43_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/7445906784_47f67db0af_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/7445908076_a186af7611_c.jpg

Construction photo of Verde from this afternoon. Its a nice view from up there (reservoir adjacent to Hilliside Cres). I almost couldn't be bothered walking up there, but then I thought of the PM you sent me the other day Burden, and I hauled my arse up the hill :) Damn those streets are steep!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7107/7560567732_4b16bd3fb3_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29289211@N05/7560567732/)
Verde - 13th July 2012 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29289211@N05/7560567732/) by Oriolus84 (http://www.flickr.com/people/29289211@N05/), on Flickr

I almost couldn't be bothered walking up there, but then I thought of the PM you sent me the other day Burden, and I hauled my arse up the hill :) Damn those streets are steep!

Haha they sure are!! Luckily for me though, some days I drive because i'am lazy.

Verde today, abit of a core going on:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7137/7682216196_b30c42063e_c.jpg

There is now a fully boxed and enclosed core on site. Looks very impressive and about twice the size of Dalgety.

How long is the construction supposed to take?

Should be fully completed by the end of next year, but given the long construction builds and how they always drag out in Townsville i'd say 2014.

And here it is, Great to see a big Rapid form core - soon to dominate the skyline. Level two in core also I thought they were extending the core to the boundary but didn't happen aha.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P8110060.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P8110056.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P8110054.jpg

Interesting article "New hub still on the cards despite cuts (http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2012/08/15/353391_news.html)" in today's Townsville Bulletin regarding the leasing of Verde.

What i'am still yet to understand, the whole idea of this development was to move government sectors from the SEQ corner and redirect them to Townsville to help centralize Queensland... Am I missing something?? because this and many articles posted in recent months suggest the opposite and that they are only moving departments from Townsville into this development which seems silly.

Meanwhile here is shot of the "brother and sister" from today

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P8150088.jpg

Am I missing something??

Did it even begin under the LNP or was it a Labor thing? A different gov would easily explain it.

Even so there might still be responsibilities moved to Townsville from SEQ, but numbers wise everywhere is facing cuts which is the real issue at stake.

Extra office space in the CBD never hurt. There are plenty of small businesses that wouldn't mind moving into the city but costs/suitable space can be an issue. A bit more competition could help that.

Nice article in the Bulletin on Saturday about the Verde crane driver. The other part of the feature was basically a full page article on how scared the journalist was to climb up the tower. (Accessed through PressDisplay, article not online)

In the office and flying with eagles

http://i49.tinypic.com/dykjdw.jpg

IF you work, live or drive through the city, you’ve probably noticed Paul Ross’s office – atop the big yellow tower crane on Flinders St. With a view like no other and an intense way to enter it, the cab of the 50m machine is not a typical workplace. It is just the way Paul likes it.

He’s been driving cranes for more than 25 years. Construction workers leave a legacy, and he is a proud part of it. ‘‘ You walk in and it’s a hole in the ground, but we walk away and there’s a monument behind us,’’ he said.‘‘ You can drive past, years later with the kids, and say ‘ I was on that job’.’’

Paul is fond of birds, particularly raptors, and appreciates visits from the local kestrels that swoop by from time to time. From his air- conditioned cabin, Paul has got to know the regulars – a man who jogs below at the same time each day, an old lady who walks to the shops and back – he can tell when the workers below are having a laugh. He sees pretty much everything.

Hutchinson Builders – who celebrate their centenary this year – are building the new State Government building, and also the nearby Ergon Energy office. This crane is set to receive another four sections of tower to allow it to work on the 11- storey building . Then it will be ‘‘ goodbye ladder’’ and ‘‘ hello lift’’.

Paul doesn’t get too many visitors to his office – it’s not a matter of just popping by – and it was thirsty work getting in to see him. He kindly offers me a juice box. On the subject of liquids, Paul says one of the first things people ask about his job is how he goes to the toilet. After more than two decades he reckons he has trained his body to wait until the end of the day – but he does carry a bottle, just in case. Driving a crane is ‘‘ the bestpaid job in construction’’ and it also has the longest hours.

Paul spins the cab around and our view pans from Castle Hill across Ross Creek and sparkling Cleveland Bay to Magnetic Island. We are level with the upper floors of the Sugar Shaker and swaying slowly in the breeze.

^There was also another really interesting article regarding CBD land availability that I wanted to post, was really interesting because it mentioned from the top of my head that Townsville had some 7 hectares, Cairns I think 2 hectares and Mackay 1.5 hectares of remaining land.

With that land in Cairns it'll be saturated up in 10-20 years id imagine and with the Airport they wouldn't be able to build up... anyway /rant some unique angles from today

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P8220126.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/SEanll/P8220107.jpg

Very cool to see 2 big cranes in Townsville, so close together as well!

Also I agree with the Cairns CBD thing, I can bet (hope) that Edmonton (just south for those not familiar) will get the town centre under way soon, and in a few years time I could definetly see a new tallest in Edmonton. A few high rises are propsed in the plan for it so hopefully they go ahead still.

Anyways Townsvills skyline is going to start looking a lot more like a proper city, and not just a few tall buildings sprinkled around. One more thing, what are the height limits in Townsville?

Also I agree with the Cairns CBD thing, I can bet (hope) that Edmonton (just south for those not familiar) will get the town centre under way soon, and in a few years time I could definetly see a new tallest in Edmonton. A few high rises are propsed in the plan for it so hopefully they go ahead still.


Interesting you should say that actually, I read a report about a month ago (not sure who it was from, economist? town planner? no idea) and it said that they anticipate that within 20 years there will be many taller highrises in Edmonton than in the Cairns City. They mentioned the 'saturation point' of the Cairns City and it is anticipated that things will spread to the Edmonton town centre. Will be great to see a 'satellite city' develop out there over the years.

The best news of all.... NO HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS IN EDMONTON! :banana:

Hmmmm being an economist sounds easy ;)

Still many surface carparks and 1 story shops in the Cairns CBD to build up on. I'd say that figure is just for actual grass lots with no use currently.

One of the core boxes jumped up a level today.

Thanks for the info Wezza and more importantly for getting the topic back to the Verde construction thread. I was sitting here for a minute thinking I'd clicked on the Edmonton town centre/Cairns CBD/Who really cares thread by mistake. Lol.

Construction photo taken yesterday afternoon:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8179/7988236670_b7ef1857d6_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29289211@N05/7988236670/)
Verde - 14th Sept 2012 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29289211@N05/7988236670/) by Oriolus84 (http://www.flickr.com/people/29289211@N05/), on Flickr

Weird to see a proper core outside of brisbane, sydney etc.! That must be level 5 in core already?

Another shot of Verde from about 250 or so meters up.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/8065956870_3a7a95868f_c.jpg

Verde today, level 3 n level 5 in core.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8180/8065953430_8f2ca3fd50_c.jpg

Another shot of Verde from about 250 or so meters up.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/8065956870_3a7a95868f_c.jpg

I didn't realize it was right next door to 420 Flinders until I saw this pic. Is it just me or are they having a race?

I didn't realize it was right next door to 420 Flinders until I saw this pic. Is it just me or are they having a race?
Hutchinson are building both so my bets with Tomwaterhouse (http://www.tomwaterhouse.com/) are that they're keeping pace to reduce onset costs.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8331/8118328242_34325a6ab5_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8187/8118318747_af488c4b69_c.jpg

Verde's crane has now been risen, now significantly taller. Looks great!

Verde today, Click here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=97155216&postcount=1515) to see how much the tower crane has risen.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8168687711_930c4d6d49_c.jpg

It's presence is already being felt on that side of town. Looking pretty good!

Wednesday:

http://i.imgur.com/Kkr1i.jpg

Just noticed, has the building envelope been reduced on Verde? Great shots Jesse, didn't no you were in Townsville.

EDIT wrong thread haha :/

Just noticed, has the building envelope been reduced on Verde? Great shots Jesse, didn't no you were in Townsville.

EDIT wrong thread haha :/I moved it to the Verde thread. The podium is 4 storeys (or 3 storeys + mezzanine), so that looks about right. The tower floorplate has a setback on both sides and the back, but not at the front. Looks like level 7 in the corebox at the moment. Thanks for the pic Jesse

http://i46.tinypic.com/8yau1j.jpg

^ Yeah I went and had a look at the plans after I posted it :cheers:

Anyway, Verde today!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8222335507_4114d907f9_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8223408354_536ee3fb4d_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8223408932_6b8a9b94b1_c.jpg

Verde now visible from Charter Towers road. It's creating some very impressive density in the inner city.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8308951623_6b7bf08520_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8310002302_393bb6f09b_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8362/8308952677_6b7c20063e_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8502/8310001254_383bf6dbbb_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8310000890_8de21e1e4e_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8358/8310000502_97cc83fbd2_c.jpg

Impressive visual bulk next to the Police station.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8362820517_bf14528338_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8363886416_8d4b40288b_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8336/8362819787_6ffc887ce5_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8084/8362819569_42ab948b55_c.jpg

I love that guys pose as he walks across the road in that last shot lol.

Anyway, a unique angle from today - almost halfway;

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8093/8446109211_52e89453f0_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8514/8446109097_8949dc7939_c.jpg

Here is a photo of Verde from Friday. Looks like the floor plates are at level 11, and the core probably only has one more rise to go.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8523353615_194ffa4f9c_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29289211@N05/8523353615/)
Verde - 1st March 2013 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29289211@N05/8523353615/) by Oriolus84 (http://www.flickr.com/people/29289211@N05/), on Flickr

Here is another pic from last week showing Verde, plus 420, on the skyline, taken from Melton Hill.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8094/8534544639_3c9fbc1348_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29289211@N05/8534544639/)
420 and Verde on the skyline - 1st March 2013 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29289211@N05/8534544639/) by Oriolus84 (http://www.flickr.com/people/29289211@N05/), on Flickr

Saw them both yesterday for the first time since early December. They are a lot more imposing in person than in the photos. :cool:

Saw them both yesterday for the first time since early December. They are a lot more imposing in person than in the photos. :cool:
They do look quite impressive, here are a few shots from today, removal of the core is underway.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8089/8546985897_95f26946d1_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8546985215_de981c4ea6_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8097/8546985463_63fbacb1da_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8548088028_e4d1050a4f_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8526/8548088302_bfc470c1fe_c.jpg

A couple of very quick snaps from today:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10/wezza/20130404_151727_zpse3e1a6c5.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10/wezza/20130404_151754_zps4036504e.jpg

Another quick update:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10/wezza/20130417_151858_zpse9a1977f.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/wezza/media/20130417_151858_zpse9a1977f.jpg.html)

From Flinders St West:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10/wezza/20130418_100636_zpsa63d10ae.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7333/8724285743_6c32162e13_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/8724281495_07dc65e8c3_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7394/8725403458_fab30e0f5f_c.jpg

Nice angles on those shots Burden.

Article from the Bulletin yesterday. I thought the State Government were occupying the whole building, but some of it is for lease. Verde due for completion in August.

Verde tower gains green rating (http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2013/05/15/381421_business.html)

TONY RAGGATT | May 15th, 2013

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2013/05/14/verde-wide.jpg

LOOKING for a new lease of life or just a new lease? If you are, it will be hard to go past this view. It comes with the penthouse floor of a new office tower being built at 445 Flinders St in Townsville. Called Verde Townsville, the state-of-the-art office complex is being developed by a joint venture involving Flight Centre co-founder Jim Goldburg and developer Stephen Gosling of Sterling Securities.

Knight Frank Townsville agent Michael Quinlan, who is marketing the 1363sq m penthouse level 11 for lease, said the 12-storey tower would be among the most sustainable green-star rated buildings in the North. He said a leasing rate was subject to negotiation.

According to Herron Todd White's latest Townsville in Focus report, demand for office space has weakened over the past six months. The report quoted a vacancy rate of 14 per cent for A-grade space as of January. New buildings, particularly those built to the higher green-star ratings, are understood to be commanding gross rents of $450 and $580 per square metre per year.

Level 11 offers panoramic views over the CBD, the coastline to the north and south and the city's western suburbs and hinterland. The lower floors will be leased by the State Government which will establish a disaster recovery centre for North Queensland in the building.

Mr Quinlan said Verde Townsville represented a blue-chip investment opportunity in North Queensland's economic heart. He said it was superbly located, only metres from a rejuvenated Flinders St. "Featuring over 11,000sq m of premium office space, the complex rises 12 levels over the CBD with uninterrupted views in all directions," Mr Quinlan said.

(snip)

Hutchinson Builders are due to have completed Verde Townsville in August.