Calls for CBD strategy as national brand moves out

ANOTHER national retailer has left the streets of the Toowoomba CBD, after Rivers pulled all stock from its previous location and moved it to Grand Central.

Rivers opens in Grand Central in Toowoomba. Picture: Contributed

ANOTHER national retailer has left the streets of the Toowoomba CBD, after Rivers pulled all stock from its previous location and moved it to Grand Central Shopping Centre.

The clothing chain has joined fellow retailer Cotton On and other businesses in relocating to the massive shopping precinct, leaving another tenancy gap along Ruthven St.

Rivers officially opened in Grand Central yesterday, having previously sat next to Cotton On just up from Walton Stores.

Outgoing Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Jo Sheppard said the move highlighted the need for a comprehensive plan between the business community and the council to deliver a busy CBD area.

"I think we're going to have to work hard to make sure we have a vibrant CBD, and that means we'll need to work on strategies like parking and traffic flow for customers and staff," she said.

"There are various ways that we can work together for activation strategies.

"For a strong and interesting CBD, we want a diverse mix of cafes and eateries, but also service providers.

"It's important we make sure the CBD is an attractive place for the lawyers and the service sector."

However, Ms Sheppard said Grand Central's location within the city centre should be considered a positive.

"I think that there will be some natural ebb and flow and I think Grand Central is a positive asset in our city," she said.

"The fact that Grand Central is located in the CBD is a really good thing."

Walton Stores, which owns the space now vacated by Rivers, will now search for a replacement tenant.

Rivers moving out of Ruthven St. . Picture: 4350tv

"Walton's is the favoured place in Toowoomba's city centre to eat, shop and work and we will be making an exciting new announcement soon about our food and drink precinct," director Barry O'Sullivan said.

"We are also looking forward to reinvigorating the large 687sq m space vacated by Rivers to complement Walton Stores' current look and feel.

"This space may appeal to businesses wanting a large street presence close to banks, restaurants and cafes."

The move from the main strip of the Toowoomba CBD comes amid a massive debate between the Toowoomba Regional Council, business owners and shoppers over how to manage the city's centre.

This discussion has been punctuated by duelling petitions over whether to shorten the length of parking in the CBD.

The council will limit parking in the centre strip of Ruthven and Margaret Sts to just one hour this month.

Rivers was contacted for comment.

Originally published as Calls for CBD strategy as national brand moves out