New NAB Toowoomba CBD branch set to be approved by Toowoomba Regional Council

Following a six-month approval process, a new CBD branch for on of the country’s largest banks appears set to be approved by council. Find out where it’s going, and when it could be open.

PROPOSED: Architectural designs and layouts for the proposed new National Australia Bank branch on Ruthven Street in Toowoomba City.

A new CBD branch for one of Australia’s largest banks looks set to be approved by Toowoomba Regional Council, following a longer-than-normal application process.

National Australia Bank is likely to get the green light from the council to start construction of a new two-storey location on land fronting Ruthven, Little and Duggan streets in the Toowoomba CBD.

It follows a six-month approval process that included two rounds of information requests from council officers, highlighting issues with the proposal’s plan for transport, parking, earthworks, waste and architecture.

PROPOSED: Architectural designs and layouts for the proposed new National Australia Bank branch on Ruthven Street in Toowoomba City.

The only significant changes made to the design related to the direction of entry into and out of the car park at the rear of the property.

In letters available publicly, council officer Tamara Katai wrote to town planner Paul Kelly on Monday, indicating the project was likely to be approved but would require more time to finalise.

“We are currently finalising the conditions for this development application (recommended

approval subject to conditions),” she wrote.

“I note that the decision making period ends today. Would the applicant be agreeable to a 10-business day extension?”

In response, Mr Kelly wrote that NAB would only agree to a five-day extension to finalise the conditions.

“I have spoken with the applicant and they have strong concerns about the financial implications on this project the longer it takes to have an approval issued.”

PROPOSED: Architectural designs and layouts for the proposed new National Australia Bank branch on Ruthven Street in Toowoomba City.

In a statement back in August, NAB network property executive David Johnson said the new branch would be better fit for the company’s current strategy.

“We’re excited by the opportunity to invest in a new retail and business banking centre in Toowoomba,” he said.

“This investment forms part on NAB’s transformation program that will improve the banking experience for both customers and our team.

“Our proposal will provide customers in the region with one convenient location for all their banking needs.”