Council lays out plans for new library in growth area

THE development of a new regional library has taken an important step, with the council submitting plans to its own planning department.

The Toowoomba Regional Council has endorsed the facade for the upcoming Highfields Library, following an overwhelming vote from the public.

THE development of the new Highfields Library has taken an important step, with the Toowoomba Regional Council submitting plans for the building to its own planning department.

The council put forward the proposal for the new purpose-built library on O'Brien Rd last week, with the new building expected to service more than 52,000 visitors every year.

According to the planning report by GHD, the development would be mainly single-storey, partially built into the ground and feature plenty of landscaping.

"The current Highfields Library is a demountable structure that does not have the facilities or space required to accommodate the growing number of library users in Highfields," the report said.

"The proposed development will provide a new, purpose-built library that facilitates current and future service delivery to the growing locality.

"The library will play an important role in the community as a central hub, also serving as a customer service centre and community meeting facility to support approximately 52,600 visitors annually."

GHD said a civic space will be established between the new library and the nearby Charles and Motee Rogers Bushland reserve.

"The proposed landscaping is intended to integrate and enhance the visual aesthetic of the building with the adjacent natural setting of Charles and Motee Rivers Reserve, forming a functional relationship between the two," the report said.

The development, which located in the community facilities zone, is code-assessable, meaning public consultation is not necessarily required.

Originally published as