Eclipse on Little, Townsville
When the owners of Eclipse on Little – a premium apartment complex perched on the slopes of Townsville’s iconic Castle Hill – sought a complete exterior repaint, they turned to Grant Painters.
Known for our expertise in tackling challenging access jobs and our specialised spider lift fleet, we believe we were a natural choice for this high-profile project.
With uninterrupted views stretching to Pallarenda and Magnetic Island, the 12 luxury apartments at Eclipse on Little are perfectly positioned to capture the beauty of the Coral Sea and views to Magnetic Island.
The repaint was not just a maintenance job — it was about preserving and enhancing the aesthetic of the 16-year-old landmark coastal property.
Living the high life: Getting a daily dose of glorious views is one of the benefits of being part of the painting crew.
The challenges and the solutions:
Specialised access: Two spider lifts from Grant Painters’ large fleet in action.
Repainting the complex was far from a standard job.
Positioned on a steep 10-degree slope, the site’s terrain may offer residents panoramic views, but it also presented unique logistical and safety challenges that demanded specialist capability.
The height of the building posed one of the biggest obstacles. On its highest side, the complex equated to a seven-storey elevation, requiring Grant Painters’ Falcon FS320Z spider lift to operate at its full 32-metre reach – a testament to the scale and complexity of the access work involved.
Tight sections of the structure, especially along the building’s rear, meant the team had to engineer a solution involving scaffolding stretching 10 metres high (equivalent to three storeys) and securely clamped to the facade.
According to Branch Manager James Pike: “This was the kind of project that felt tailor-made for our team.
“Our experience with difficult access work is something we’re well known for in the region, and it’s exactly why we were approached for Eclipse on Little.
“Projects like this are incredibly rewarding because they push us to apply our full skill set – from managing tough terrain to working at serious heights in tight conditions.”
At the street frontage, traffic management protocols were implemented, including a dedicated “spotter” with a “stop-go” sign to safely direct traffic during peak work hours.
“We worked closely with the Body Corporate and apartment owners to ensure the pressure washing and painting schedule was clearly communicated and executed safely,” said James.
“Every stage of the process was carefully planned, with at least 24 hours’ notice given to residents—through letter drops, doorknocking, and direct updates.
“By keeping everyone informed and engaged, we were able to minimise disruption and keep the project running smoothly from start to finish.”
Tricky terrain: We love a challenge.
Access challenges the norm: Site foreman Jacob Wilson.
Site foreman Jacob Wilson, who began his career with Grant Painters as an apprentice eight years ago, says: “Access challenges are part of the job – they’re tough, but pretty much the norm for the sort of work we take on.
“It definitely gives you a sense of achievement when you can work through all the complications.
“Aside from that, the communication with residents was also key in this job.”
Despite the demanding conditions, the team completed the project in just eight weeks, totalling over 1100 hours of work and using 600 litres of premium Dulux paint.
Preparation was meticulous. Following a full pressure wash of the exterior, the team applied a two-coat Dulux paint system, including AcraShield for enhanced durability and protection of the concrete surfaces.
In addition, the team reinforced every window in the apartment block with a polyurethane sealant to ensure long-term waterproofing.
Throughout the project, Grant Painters remained in close consultation with Dulux representatives in Townsville, ensuring product performance and finish were optimised for the coastal environment.
Teamwork: The crew from Grant Painters on this project.
Above and below: The high quality finish is evident in all aspects of the job.
The results:
“It looks a million dollars,” says Body Corporate chairman Bob Chad. “James (Grant Painters Townsville manager) was a pleasure to deal with – nothing was too much trouble.
“He was always cool-headed whatever the challenge, as were the Grant Painters staff. They really are a good crew.
“And it’s also refreshing to see an organisation that employs apprentices – which seems to becoming a rarity today. “
The Project at a Glance
Project Name: Eclipse on Little – Exterior Repaint
Location: Little Street, Townsville, QLD
Client: Eclipse on Little
Building: 12 luxury apartments | equivalent to seven storeys high in some sections due to sloping terrain
Contractor: Grant Painters
Duration: Eight weeks (2025)
Scope: Full exterior repaint and waterproofing of landmark coastal apartment complex
Project Snapshot:
- Positioned on Castle Hill’s slopes with commanding views to Magnetic Island
- Repaint aimed at restoring the aesthetic and extending the life of the 16-year-old building
- Full pressure clean, two-coat Dulux Solarscreen system, and polyurethane resealing of windows and concrete render joints
- Over 1100 hours of labour and 600 litres of premium coating used
Key Challenges and Solutions:
- Difficult terrain: Site located on a steep 10-degree incline requiring stabilised equipment and careful manoeuvring
- Vertical access: Rear elevation equated to seven storeys; tackled with Grant Painters’ 38m Falcon spider lift operating at full reach
- Confined areas: Custom-engineered scaffolding built and fixed 10 metres high in tight rear sections
- Traffic management: Spotters and safety signage implemented at the busy street frontage
- Resident coordination: Proactive communication through letter drops, doorknocking, and scheduling updates ensured minimal disruption
- Environmental resilience: Close collaboration with Dulux to ensure product selection and application suited Townsville’s coastal climate
Results:
- Project delivered on time and to specification, despite challenging terrain and height
- Façade rejuvenated with a crisp, durable finish designed to withstand sun, salt, and seasonal extremes
- Long-term waterproofing measures applied to every apartment window
- Strong collaboration between contractor, supplier, and client ensured a high-quality outcome
- Body Corporate praised the professionalism, planning, and community-focused approach of the Grant Painters team