Developer wants 'neglected' Toowoomba CBD revitalised

DEVELOPER Barry Bernoth has called for businesses to refocus on revitalising and repopulating the neglected city centre.

Barry Bernoth's refurb of Ruthven St business buildings including Shingle Inn, House Real Estate Agents and the former Owen's Camera House building.

DEVELOPER Barry Bernoth has called for businesses to refocus on revitalising and repopulating the neglected city centre.

His recent overhaul of a Ruthven St business facade has breathed new life into the run-down structure and helped Mr Bernoth's business interests.

Since the renovation, the Shingle Inn and House Real Estate Agents have taken up tenancy in the building.

Developer Barry Bernoth. Picture: Dave Noonan

He has pushed for more city-centre property owners to follow suit.

Mayor Paul Antonio said council was working on a scheme to encourage businesses to do just that.

Presumably, the scheme would be similar to council's recently launched incentive scheme which slashes infrastructure fees for new unit developments.

"It is very much a conceptual plan that I have ... but I hope that within the next six months we will see some real incentives to encourage investment in the CBD," he said.

"It's fair to say the CBD has been neglected for 20 to 30 years, while things like satellite shopping centres have been built.

"Now we need a period of getting people back working and living in the CBD."

Originally published as Developer wants 'neglected' Toowoomba CBD revitalised