People First Bank lodges plans for new headquarters with Toowoomba council

Australia's biggest mutual bank is set to transform Toowoomba's skyline with a 31m-commercial precinct in the heart of the city.

A proposal for the headquarters of Australia’s largest mutual bank in the heart of Toowoomba has finally been put forward for approval, more than two years after the project was first mooted.

Local developer FKG Group has lodged plans with the Toowoomba Regional Council for a new seven-storey, 31m-tall commercial precinct on Ruthven Street in the CBD.

The 7300 sqm mixed-use development will be anchored by People First Bank, previously known as Heritage in Toowoomba before its 2023 merger with Adelaide’s People’s Choice.

In the planning report by Property Projects Australia, the project would also include a retail shop and food and drink outlet on the ground floors for different tenants.

Concept art and overhead designs for People First Bank's new headquarters on Ruthven Street in Toowoomba City, which have been lodged with the council. Designs by Gray Puksand.

More than 200 car parks will be provided across four levels to cater for the expected 400 employees at the site, with electric vehicle charging stations and nearly 50 bicycle spaces also proposed.

“People First Bank is a leading Australian customer-owned bank formed through the merger of People’s Choice and Heritage Bank in March 2023,” the report said.

“As a customer-owned bank, it combines the strength to challenge major banks with the personal touch of a smaller institution.

“Supporting the community is also at the heart of People First Bank’s mission, actively engaging in community initiatives through the People First Bank Foundation and Community Lottery.”

Concept art and overhead designs for People First Bank's new headquarters on Ruthven Street in Toowoomba City, which have been lodged with the council. Designs by Gray Puksand.

People First Bank announced the new headquarters, based on the land of the old Shrine Catholic Church, shortly after the merger was revealed in 2023.

The church was demolished earlier this year to produce a flat surface.

FKG Group’s design methodology report shows the bank making good on its promise of a “campus-style” office that would aid in collaboration.

“The office quality is expected to set new standards for the Toowoomba commercial office market,” the report said.

“The building will feature high-quality amenity, services, and architectural appearance; being designed generally in accordance with ‘A-Grade’ per the PCA Guide to Office Building Quality; and targeting 5+ stars NABERS energy rating.

“The ground floor has been designed to be (an) impressive welcoming entry statement, with high ceilings to the lobby and tall glazing shopfronts, quality finishes

Concept art and overhead designs for People First Bank's new headquarters on Ruthven Street in Toowoomba City, which have been lodged with the council. Designs by Gray Puksand.

FKG Group said the building’s setbacks would also allow for the development of a green space, while the precinct would also encourage more active transport.

Given the proposal is appropriate for the zoning within the CBD, the application has been lodged as code-assessable and won’t require a public notification period.

People First has yet to disclose the future of its existing headquarters further down on Ruthven Street.

People First chief executive Steve Laidlaw called the project “exciting” for Toowoomba.

“This project will create a thriving workplace for hundreds of local employees, helping us attract and retain top talent to support our customers, while driving regional economic activity and contributing to the growth and vitality of Toowoomba’s CBD,” he said.

Originally published as People First Bank lodges plans for new headquarters with Toowoomba council