10 Toowoomba developments, projects likely to be finished in 2022

Toowoomba is booming for major commercial and community developments right now. These are the significant projects set to be finished within the next 12 months.

Development across the Toowoomba region is booming, with a number of key projects in the works.

From historical revamps to shopping centres, fast-food chains and service stations, here are 10 developments to be completed in 2022.

Note: Completion dates for projects depend on weather, supply chain and other factors.

1. RSL SOLDIERS MEMORIAL HALL

The Toowoomba Regional Council approved plans to restore and revitalise the historic Ruthven Street building last year.

It will be the culmination of several years of advocacy from the Toowoomba RSL Sub-Branch, which has urged the council to fix the building’s numerous structural issues.

Lead contractor Northbuild has started work on the project, which will include demolishing partition walls, reconstructing new spaces within the building to reconfigure the layout and renovating areas of the original hall.

Construction is expected to be completed in late June 2022.

(From left) Amanda Hinds, Sandra Jenner and Sally Boardman. The historic Salt's Antiques building in Crows Nest to be converted into a modern day emporium. Picture: Nev Madsen.

2. NOLAN’S BLOCK, CROWS NEST

One of the Toowoomba region’s most recognisable buildings will be restored to its former glory as a multi-tenancy emporium, in a move that could deliver millions in tourism dollars to a small town.

The 105-year-old Nolan’s Block in Crows Nest, which was the home of popular store Salt Antiques until 2020, has been bought by three local couples.

The consortium includes award-winning restaurateurs Amanda and Larry Hinds, best known for boutique foodie haven Emeraude.

Originally planned to be open by the end of last year, it is now expected to launch in the first half of 2022.

3. WILSONTON SHOPPING CENTRE REVAMP

New centre owners Consolidated Properties Group was approved for the $20m second stage of the major shopping precinct’s redevelopment.

It comes two-and-half years after CPG bought the maligned centre for $50m before completing a major renovation over much of the facility.

The revamp will include a new fast-food restaurant, service station, retail showrooms and car wash.

The tenants are expected to include 7-Eleven and Starbucks.

4. PEARL ENERGY SERVICE STATION

A project that has been in the works for several years, ex-Maccas king Keith Beer is hoping to start construction on a new service station on the corner of Taylor and Tor Streets in Newtown.

Pearl Energy, which opened its first location in Toowoomba last year, is expected to be the operator of the $2.2m servo.

Mr Beer said smaller market players like Pearl put price pressure on major fuel brands.

5. MCDONALD’S NORTH TOOWOOMBA

Fast food giant McDonald’s, not content with its current coverage of Toowoomba locations, lodged plans last year to build a new stand-alone restaurant opposite Northpoint Shopping Centre in Harlaxton.

The $5m project will create more than 200 jobs during construction and operation.

Landowner and noted developer Ian Knox removed several residential properties last year from the site where the eatery would go.

The matter has yet to be approved by the council, but work could be well under way by the end of the year if give the green light soon.

6. AVIS TOOWOOMBA

The sale of the old Sizzler restaurant on James Street was among the most discussed Toowoomba property stories of 2021 — along with what would replace it.

Plans submitted to the Toowoomba Regional Council showed Avis would be the new occupant of the site on the corner of Hume and James Streets.

The proposal by the new owner was approved a few months later, with the new depot to be completed and opened this year.

(From left) John Wagner, Deputy Premier Steven Miles, Neill Wagner and Denis Wagner tour the quarantine hub at Wellcamp Airport. Picture: Nev Madsen.

7. QUARANTINE HUB (SECOND STAGE)

With the first stage of the Wellcamp Quarantine Hub now finished and soon ready to take overseas travellers, Wagner Corporation has been busy completing the second section.

The whole hub comprises 1000 beds across hundreds of modules, which include television and airconditioning.

Wagner Corp chairman John Wagner said the company was on track to finish the whole project by April.

Progress of Russell Street Refresh as Toowoomba Regional Council undertakes work to revitalise the historic street. Picture: Kevin Farmer

8. RUSSELL STREET REFRESH (SECOND STAGE)

The Toowoomba Regional Council’s teams breathed new life into one of the CBD’s oldest streets in 2021.

The Russell Street Refresh, easily one of the most significant city centre infrastructure projects in years, will cost $7.5m once fully completed.

The first section between Victoria and Ruthven Streets was completed in November.

Work will start soon on the second phase, which plans to revitalise section between Ruthven and Neil Streets.

Oporto to be built on the corner of Devine St and Anzac Ave. Picture: Nev Madsen.

9. OPORTO DRIVE-THROUGH RESTAURANT

Oporto will open its second Toowoomba location on the corner of Anzac Avenue and Devine Street in Harristown.

Work will start soon at the site after a number of houses were cleared to make way for the development.

The project was originally conceived as an “eat street” fast food precinct, but developer Campbell Knox said just the one tenancy would be built at this stage.

Hutchinson Builders has been named the lead contractor and will use more than 100 workers during the construction phase.

Mr Knox said he was hoping to open the drive-through restaurant by April next year.

10. HIGHFIELDS LIBRARY

A long-awaited project for the Toowoomba Regional Council will finally be completed this year.

Toowoomba-based construction company McNab Developments was awarded the tender to construct the new Highfields library, with work kicking off in October.

The project also includes upgrades to the road network and carparking infrastructure in the vicinity.

Construction of the $8.79 million project is expected to be completed in mid-2022.

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Originally published as 10 Toowoomba developments, projects likely to be finished in 2022