Inside the push to revitalise the Toowoomba’s CBD and make it a space for the future

A recent survey found most businesses agreed there was a need to increase foot traffic in the CBD and invest in public assets.

Ruthven Street, Toowoomba. Toowoomba CBD, Toowoomba City,

The Toowoomba Chamber has taken up the fight to revitalise the Toowoomba CBD and push it into new and exciting directions.

Consultation undertaken by the CBD Revitalisation Advisory Committee found those surveyed – which included retail, industry, hospitality, accommodation and professional services sectors – all saw the need to increase foot traffic in the CBD, to promote the CBD as a destination, and the need for investment and renewal of public assets.

The CBD-RAC was formed to develop a clear course of action with CBD landowners, businesses and residents to advocate for the renewal of the CBD.

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl said the outcomes being sought by the chamber are all about investing in people’s CBD experience and incentivising small business, thus supporting business growth.

“It is about rebranding the CBD as the home of food, art, culture and boutique retail supported by day-to-day services like hairdressers, nestled among inner city living,” he said.

“It calls for government to commit to increase and bring forward investment in public assets like carparking, laneways, major infrastructure projects like a convention centre and 25,000 seat stadium while creating better public and active transport connections to the CBD.”

With the new CBD priorities submitted to Toowoomba Regional Council, Mr Rohl said the chamber looked forward to working collaboratively on the issue.