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This is the story of UpTown
Uptown Townsville began with a growing feeling among local business owners that the city centre needed fresh energy and a new approach.
A group of concerned traders, property owners and community leaders had been talking for some time about the future of the CBD. They all shared the same view. The city still had great businesses, great buildings and a great location, but it needed activity, creativity and reasons for people to come back into the centre.
Those conversations led to the Townsville Chamber of Commerce working with local stakeholders to bring internationally recognised placemaker David Engwicht to Townsville. David ran a series of workshops exploring how cities can be revitalised through small-scale activations, creative thinking and community-led placemaking. The sessions brought together business owners, landlords and local organisations to explore practical ways to re-energise the CBD.
What emerged from those workshops was a shared sense that change did not need to start with large projects or long-term plans. It could start with people working together and creating experiences that bring the city to life.
From that momentum the Uptown Committee was formed, bringing together businesses, property owners and community partners committed to activating the CBD and supporting local traders.
Early activations began to appear across the city centre. Community gatherings, cultural celebrations, street activities and collaborations between local businesses. Each event created new reasons for people to return to the city and rediscover what makes Townsville special.
What started as a conversation between a handful of people has grown into a collective effort to celebrate and revitalise the heart of Townsville. Uptown continues to bring people together, support local businesses and create experiences that make the CBD a place people want to explore again..
