Toombul rebuilding timeline pushed back, public feedback opening soon
Development giant Mirvac has significantly pushed back its timeline to rebuild at the flood-ravaged Toombul shopping centre site. But the public will get their chance for input.
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Development giant Mirvac will not lodge formal plans for a reimagined Toombul Shopping Centre until the second half of next year to allow time for it to review public feedback.
The company was expected to launch a website in coming days where northsiders could offer their views on what they loved about the flood-wrecked centre, which Mirvac confirmed in May would never reopen due to mould damage from February’s flood.
Residents would also be given their chance to say what they wanted included in any redevelopment at the massive site.
Mirvac had previously indicated it would lodge development plans with Council before Christmas and has held talks with Council officers, local state MP Leanne Linard and local federal MP Anika Wells.
“We know this site is important for the local community,’’ a spokeswoman said.
“We’re now at the beginning of the planning journey and we want to understand what the community most liked about Toombul and their ideas for the future of the site.
“We will be launching a website for people to submit their thoughts and ideas very soon.
“We remain committed to providing retail, other amenity and green open space and we’re looking forward to hearing from the community on what they would like to see take shape at Toombul.
“We are working through the planning process, taking into account feedback and consultation with the community and we hope to submit plans in the second half of next year.’’
Ms Linard, who met with company CEO Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz and other executives this afternoon (October 19), said she was pleased about the community input.
She said it was a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the area and must be done correctly.
“It does need to be done right and the community needs to have confidence in the plans,’’ she said.
“There was a loss of confidence in how it (the closure of Toombul and impacts on the 170 small retailers) was originally handled, so the community needs to be taken along with them (Mirvac).
“They (Mirvac) have an opportunity to create a great community asset.’’
Ms Linard and Ms Wells have rallied residents and organised help for devastated Toombul tenants, many of whom were unable to get flood insurance and lost their life savings.
Ms Linard said it was vital whatever was rebuilt at the site was much more flood resilient to protect future residential, commercial or retail tenants.
Redevelopment should also not worsen flood impacts for surrounding properties, she said.
Quest Newspapers revealed in September that Mirvac would rebuild at the site, including public green space and some form of retail offering.
Local MPs, retail and town planning experts have since offered their views on what should be included, with options from an airport hotel to rooftop dining, an eco-friendly landscaped strip of small retailers and a mixed-use development with health services, units, offices and a smaller shopping centre.
And only a fortnight ago, northside planning and architectural firm PRAX Studio released its own concept for a mixed-use community hub.
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