Townsville Technical College (former)(Block A, City Campus, Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE)

The Townsville Technical College is located opposite the School of Arts. Both buildings reflect the educational aspirations of Townsville residents. The Townsville Technical College committee sought to construct a building on the School of Arts site in 1908, but the government refused permission. Consequently, the Technical College used the School of Arts until a new building was designed and built. Site surveys began in 1915 and the Department of Public Works’ Architectural Branch designed the building. Construction was delayed for many years and the building was completed in April 1921. From July 1924, the building also accommodated classes for the Townsville State High School. This was the first public high school in Townsville. This joint use was commonplace at the time, as schools operated during the day and Technical Colleges at night. As demand increased, a new wing was constructed along Stanley Street in 1939, in the same architectural style. After the establishment of a new state high school in 1964, the complex reverted to technical education as the Townsville TAFE College. After a new TAFE campus opened on Pimlico Road in the 1980s, this building became known as the City Campus of the Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE.