FKG Group starts work on new CBD office building that will house People First Bank headquarters

Visitors to downtown Toowoomba would have noticed some significant construction work under way on Ruthven St. This is what’s happening.

Workers have started knocking down CatholicCare’s former office at 504 Ruthven St to make way for the new People First Bank building.

It is a significant milestone for the bank as it plans to move out of its current building on the southern side of Margaret St.

People First Bank’s chief financial officer, Vince Pace, said the progress was an exciting step forward.

“It’s great to see the demolition works advancing, and we appreciate the support of surrounding businesses during this phase,” he said.

Demolition work on the site of the new Toowoomba head office of People First Bank (formerly Heritage Bank) at 502 Ruthven St. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Under their agreement, FKG Group will own and operate the five-storey building, with People First Bank signing an initial 15-year lease as the anchor tenant with naming rights.

“We continue working closely with our development partner, FKG Group, as the design of our new head office takes shape,” Mr Pace said.

The demolition work will run until late March. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“This project is not only a major investment in the Toowoomba CBD but also an opportunity to create a modern, flexible and collaborative workplace for our staff.”

When complete the new building will house about 400 bank employees and will feature large open floors, communal working spaces, meeting rooms, and a communal rooftop space.

A mock up the new People First Bank headquarters that will be built at 504 Ruthven Street, in downtown Toowoomba.

The ground floor will host space for three retail tenancies, and second office space that could house about 200 employees.

The bank is yet to confirm what will happen to its current building.