By 1870, Townsville had become a major port in North Queensland with permanent infrastructure to support the needs of increasing population.

According to a report written by Stanley for the Under Secretary of Public Works on 8 May 1875:"The object in view has been to provide a complete establishment which would be sufficient for the gaol requirements of the North, for say the next ten or twelve years without material alteration.

"The accommodation of the gaol when completed was:[1] The prison wards buildings were designed in blocks, two storeys in height, because it was cheaper than one storey buildings and occupied less ground area within the boundary wall, so leaving more yard space for exercise and work sheds.

[1] Tenders were called for the erection of a new gaol at Townsville in 1875 and the successful tenderer was contractor, J Rooney who was a major timber miller, builder and furniture maker in Queensland from the late 1860s-1938.These buildings were designed in blocks, two storeys in height, as being in the first place more economical in cost than one storey buildings and secondly as occupying less ground area within the boundary wall, so leaving more yard space for exercise, work sheds etc.

In 1896 the old gaol was reallocated to the Police Department and underwent many alterations until 1955 when the Central State School was relocated to the site.

At Townsville Central State School, existing buildings and a strong planning arrangement were also taken into account.

Works to the exterior included the removal of the roof vents, replacing of double-hung sashes, the addition of a balcony to the eastern elevation and brick flower boxes, to either side of the entrance.

Lawns were developed along the entire frontage of the school and numerous trees were planted in accordance with a plan prepared by the curator of the Botanical Gardens adjacent.

[1] The new library was opened in 1978 and the school residence was removed in 1981 from the site adjacent facing Gregory Street where residential units are now located.

[1] The school is located on Warburton Street at North Ward on a 3.405 ha flat site facing east at the foot of Castle Hill.

The brick fence with iron balustrade to Warburton street is covered by a hedge and lined with mature shade trees.

Both buildings are connected at first floor level to "A" block by means of a covered suspended concrete walkway.

[1] 'A' Block is the former Gaoler's and Turnkey's quarters that was later adapted for the Police Superintendent's use before becoming the administration building for the school.

The building, of modest scale, has a symmetrical plan form with large entrance foyer which was once the check gate.

French doors, sidelights and fanlights have been fitted to the recessed basket arch openings at each end of this foyer.

Both buildings are constructed of brick with expressed horizontal mortar joints, gabled roofs of corrugated asbestos cement sheeting with concrete fin walls to support the verandahs.

[1] Both buildings have classrooms with timber hopper windows from sill to ceiling to the long elevation facing west and with louvres fitted to the inside verandah wall to the east.

The ground floor of each building houses toilet facilities with the remainder used for undercover play and lunch areas.

[1] The library, completed in 1980, is a single storey brick building with a skillion roof and rectangular plan form is located at the rear of the quadrangle adjacent to the former gaol wall.

[1] Townsville Central State School was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 1 October 2003 having satisfied the following criteria.