As you approach St James' Cathedral, look to your right and spot the large red-brick building standing proudly atop Melton Hill. What you'll see is a striking structure with a prominent central tower and pointed arches-a classic piece of Gothic Revival architecture.
Now, let's dive into the history. St James' Cathedral, a landmark since the late 19th century, was designed by Arthur Blacket for the Anglican Diocese of North Queensland. This beauty was constructed in stages, beginning in 1887. Imagine the scene back then: services were initially held at the courthouse, and the transportation of construction materials was more "horsepower" than high-tech!
Originally planned with sandstone and granite, budget constraints meant the cathedral ended up being built with red brick and concrete facings. You could say it was a classic case of "creative budgeting"! Although never completed according to the original grand design, it remains a staple of Townsville's skyline
