Bar Wunder landlord Barry Bernoth hopes to fill former Toowoomba CBD venue with new business

The site of a controversial former Toowoomba CBD bar is being eyed off by potential businesses. But the building’s landlord says a key step needs to be completed first.

The landlord of the site that housed controversial former Toowoomba CBD venue Bar Wunder has revealed what it could potentially become.

Prominent developer Barry Bernoth said he was currently undertaking renovations and repairs at the Ruthven Street site to prepare it for a new tenant.

It comes six months after previous owners Fiona Leigh Usher (also known as Fiona Davis) and Mark Kenneth McElligott announced Bar Wunder’s closure in April after the pair had opposed the state government’s now discontinued vaccine mandate for businesses.

The bar became a focal point for mandates in Toowoomba in late 2021 as its vocal defiance of public health orders drew both derision and support.

Both were charged with failing to comply with a Covid-19 direction in January and their matter is still before the courts.

Mr Bernoth said he’d received a number of inquiries from new business owners about occupying the space, including for ventures similar to Bar Wunder.

“They’re not there now, we have had interest from some other operators to do a wine bar or something like that, so there are still one or two others to talk to.

“We’ve had a few repairs to do, there’s been some renovation work done so far.

“It was quite a popular place, it did appeal (to patrons) with its laid back atmosphere.

“It’s more than just casual interest, so once we’ve done the renovations we’ll be able to move ahead.”