Australian sporting legends Benny Elias, Mick Doohan plan Toowoomba mixed-use precinct on Warrego Highway in Charlton

Two of Australia’s biggest sporting names have revealed plans for a massive Toowoomba commercial precinct, which will replace a notable eyesore.

Two of Australia’s sporting legends have joined forces to plan a massive mixed-use commercial precinct in Toowoomba’s western suburbs.

Rugby league State of Origin icon Benny Elias and five-time motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan will lodge plans with the Toowoomba Regional Council for a 6900sq m project on the Warrego Highway in Charlton.

Elias and Doohan have owned the 2.6ha site since 2007, having bought it for just under $4m, with the pair discussing a proposal in Toowoomba as recently as 2012.

The parcel of land next to the BP service station (which the pair also built before selling in 2014) is currently occupied by the Bronco Motor Inn, which was closed years ago and has become an eyesore along the highway.

According to the designs prepared by Aspect Architects and obtained exclusively by News Corp, the new “local centre” would feature a shopping centre and retail shops, motel, tavern and drive-through food and drink outlet.

The report by Precinct Urban Planning’s Andrew Bullen said the entire precinct would be “developed in a predominantly single level rectangular courtyard format” and supported by an incredible 269 car parks.

Designs by Aspect Architects of Benny Elias and Mick Doohan's proposed mixed-use development on the Warrego Highway in Charlton.

“The proposed centre will be anchored by a mini-supermarket and associated specialty shops located on the western side of the property and orientated towards the central parking area,” Mr Bullen wrote.

“A short-term accommodation facility (motel) will define the northern extent of built form in the integrated precinct and will comprise three separate buildings adjacent to the northern rear boundary of the site.

“A tavern and liquor barn will be situated proximate to the eastern boundary and will also be orientated towards the central parking area.

“A single fast-food tenancy including a drive-through facility will be situated in the southeast corner of the site visible and easily accessible from the Warrego Highway frontage.”

Designs by Aspect Architects of Benny Elias and Mick Doohan's proposed mixed-use development on the Warrego Highway in Charlton.

Mr Bullen’s report said landscaping around and throughout the project would account for 22 per cent of the total land.

“The design and layout of the premises allows potential sources of nuisance and impact to be appropriately managed to ensure the development will not adversely affect surrounding amenity or cause environmental harm,” he wrote.

“In addition, the development will not contribute to access, safety or circulation problems in the locality.”

The proposed development, which is located within the Charlton Wellcamp enterprise area and zoned as a local centre, is impact-assessable and will require community consultation.

Mick Doohan.

Rugby league legend Benny Elias. Picture: Christian Gilles

Balmain legend Elias is considered one of NSW’s greatest hookers, playing 19 games for the Blues between 1985 and 1994.

Doohan, widely regarded as one of Queensland’s finest sportsmen, won an extraordinary five consecutive 500cc World Championships (renamed MotoGP) between 1994 and 1998 – placing him fourth on the all-time rankings.

The pair have been known as good mates for many years.

It is unknown when the plans will be lodged with council.