Concerns raised over impacts of planned 11-storey Toowoomba CBD tower as developer requests extension to respond to issues
The proposal for a major residential and parking tower in the Toowoomba CBD has raised concerns about its impacts on a heritage-listed property next door.
Development
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THE developer behind a massive tower planned for the Toowoomba CBD has asked for more time to respond to issues raised by the council and the State Government, amid concerns of its impact on a nearby heritage-listed property.
Bernside Pty Ltd, which is owned by Toowoomba developer Barry Bernoth, put forward plans in April last year for an 11-storey residential and parking building on the corner of the Bell St mall and Neil St.
The tower would include eight storeys of parking, 30 units on the top three floors, as well as a commercial space on the ground level opening up on the mall.
The applicant has requested multiple time extensions after it received information requests from both the TRC and the State Assessment and Referral Agency about six months ago.
The issues raised related to the tower’s built form, landscaping, vehicular access, stormwater drainage and earthworks.
“Given the scale and size of the facades, the opportunity to express creativity in the design through artistic means, that might include referencing our Garden City, is to be considered,” the council request said.
Russell Mineral Equipment, the owner of the neighbouring state heritage-listed building on 2 Russell St, has also made a submission raising concerns about the development’s impacts on its property.
The submission included an attached report by architect Stephanie Keays, which made several suggestions to change the design, including larger setbacks, reducing the building’s height and incorporating more historical features to “reflect the city’s distinctive setting, culture, heritage and character”.
For its part, Bernside Pty Ltd submitted its own heritage impact report by architect Andrew Ladlay, who found the design met the criteria laid out by the council and the State Government.
Other reports have also been lodged with the council.
Based on the current timelines, the development could take several months before it receives a decision from the council.
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