Townsville Customs House

With its distinctive entrance portico and domed roof, the former Townsville Customs House makes an outstanding contribution to this historic streetscape incorporating the former Queen's Hotel, the State Government Offices, Tattersall's Hotel, the former Bank of New South Wales (Australian Meat Industry Employees Union building) and Anzac Park. The former Customs House was commissioned by the Queensland government prior to Federation, during the period of planning for the handover of government departments to the new federal government. It was designed by George Payne of the Queensland Government Architect’s Office in the Department of Public Works. Tenders were called in February 1900 and Messrs Crawford and Cameron of Kangaroo Point Brisbane were the successful tenderers. The building was built of brick and stone, with granite from Cockle Bay on Magnetic Island. When the cellar was converted into an air raid shelter in 1942, the builders noted the excellent condition of the granite in the foundations and in the steps throughout the building. In 1943, extensions were built above the long room. During the 1970s other Commonwealth Government departments occupied the building. It was entered into the Register of the National Estate in 1978.