Toowoomba council CBD admin building could cost $10m per level, details revealed on project

It’s a major project that will unify the council’s hundreds of CBD workers together and even create public assets like art galleries — but it won’t be cheap if rumours are correct.

Toowoomba Regional Council. Civic Square.

The Toowoomba Regional Council’s new civic administration building on Herries Street would reunite its 600-strong workforce, give workers childcare options, potentially host public art galleries — and possibly cost $10m per level.

Further details have been revealed about the massive new site that would replace the ageing structure next door to the RSL Soldiers Hall.

The full costings of the project, which has been in the works for years, will be one of the subjects of a council meeting later this year.

While the council has remained tight-lipped on the budget, it’s understood some CBD business owners operating have been told it could cost $10m per level.

This would be in line and possibly cheaper than other civic and administration buildings by other local governments across Queensland in recent years.

The Ipswich City Council last year opened its new $125m admin building to host its 750 office staff, while the Sunshine Coast Regional Council’s upcoming 10-storey civic headquarters will now cost $100m.

In a statement, environment and community chair Councillor James O’Shea said staff deserved a modern workplace to not only improve productivity but invest funds into the civic precinct.

“Council is also committed to family friendly workplace initiatives such as childcare options for staff in parallel with this project,” he said.

“The new building will be within the existing civic precinct and will provide a modern and flexible work environment to cater for our workforce and help to better support the community.

“This project will help to create a positive and productive work environment that brings our staff together.

“Council’s existing CBD offices are not fit-for-purpose and do not support our modern workforce.”

Mr O’Shea said the new building would unite the council’s 600 CBD staff, currently located at several separate owned and leased sites.

“This supported workplace will significantly improve how council serves its community,” he said.

“The project will integrate with the existing Toowoomba City Library, Toowoomba City Hall, Soldiers Memorial Hall, and the civic square.”