Redevelopment will invest $18m into local economy
THE second stage in a Toowoomba shopping centre’s redevelopment will invest more than $18 million into the economy, according to the owners.
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THE second stage in the Wilsonton Shopping Centre redevelopment will invest more than $18 million into the Toowoomba economy, according to the owners.
Consolidated Properties Group unveiled its plans this week for final phase in the transformation of the shopping centre, which includes a 24-hour Taco Bell restaurant, 7-Eleven service station and retail shops.
All buildings on the western corner of the complex, bordering Bridge St and Richmond Dr, will be demolished to make way for the new development.
The plans have been submitted to the Toowoomba Regional Council for approval.
It comes a year after CPG finished the first phase, a $20 million renovation of the main centre, and two years after it bought the embattled property for $50 million.
Executive director Craig O'Donnell said Hutchinson Builders would return to complete the second stage.
"It will be all locally contracted by that Hutchie's team and all the consultants will be local," he said.
"Hopefully we get an approval prior to Christmas and then about eight or nine months of construction will mean an opening in late 2021.
"We love Toowoomba, it's a strong economy so we're happy to invest the money.
"We're long-term owners and we'll continue to improve the environment, and this is another step in that process."
Taco Bell will become the seventh fast food restaurant in the Bridge St intersection precinct, joining McDonald's, Hungry Jack's, KFC, Red Rooster, Subway and Super Rooster.
The longstanding Carwash Express will be moved to the northwestern corner of the site from its original position.
"Taco Bell is really the missing piece - everyone else is out there, you can take your pick of cuisine," Mr O'Donnell said.
"We have a relationship with them from some of our other properties (and) 7-Eleven is a great tenant and a great brand too.
"The whole thing is complementary to the existing centre.
" (Carwash Express) are an existing tenant, and they've been there a long time."
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