Commonwealth Offices

This three-storey masonry building was erected in 1884 for the British wholesale drapery firm Scott, Dawson and Stewart. Their nearest business rivals at the time, Hollis Hopkins and Co (established in 1881), built new stores opposite in 1887. The sub-floor of the building originally consisted of display and storage space, with a large packing room to the rear and a large bulk store. The first level contained the manager’s office and counting house. White cedars were planted as shade trees at the front of the building. In August 1899, Townsville architects WG Smith and Sons called for tenders for additions to the premises. These extensions included a further two storeys and a dray entrance. The Townsville City Seal was installed above the pediment. D and W Murray Ltd, a wholesale importing firm, leased the premises from 1899. In 1928, Townsville builders, timber merchants and furniture manufacturers, Rooneys Ltd, occupied the building as a store and furniture showroom. They purchased the property in 1933. Rooneys’ vacated in 1938 and in 1941, the Commonwealth purchased the building for use as the Australian Defence Headquarters, North Eastern Area. The Commonwealth sold the building in 1987 and it is currently leased by various private businesses.