Urban centres around the world are grappling with how to adapt and respond to the interconnected challenges of climate change, economic development and social inclusion. Fundamental to the solution is the ability of citizens to move around cities to access places of employment, education, healthcare and recreation. Design responses for new centres and urban renewal projects require collaboration and cocreation across governance levels and involving partnerships across multiple parties spanning designers and developers through to end-users. In 2016, the federal government launched City Deals as a new partnership mechanism to create productive and liveable cities, with Townsville being the first 15-year commitment involving planning, reform and investment for the city.