Dalgety Offices and former Warehouse frontage

On the corner of Denham and Sturt Streets are the former offices of Dalgety and Co. It was one of Australia’s most successful pastoral companies which played a significant role in the development of the wool industry in Queensland. The company leased offices in Townsville from 1896 before commissioning prominent local architect Walter Hunt to design this building. It was built in two stages by contractor W H Turner. The building on Sturt Street was completed in 1924 and the single storeyed warehouse facing Denham Street constructed in 1925. This is one of the largest reinforced concrete structures to survive from this era. The office building gives the impression of a three storey building, due to the first floor being well above street level. This building made an imposing contribution to Denham and Sturt Streets, and in 1924 was described as one of the most modern buildings in North Queensland. Dalgety sold the site in 1978. Subsequently, the two-storeyed section was converted into three storeys of shops and offices, including restaurants in the basement. The single-storeyed warehouse was converted into a shopping arcade. A multi-story apartment complex has been built behind the Denham Street facade.