Drayton Medical Centre owner plans expansion at new site with cafe on Brisbane Street in Toowoomba

Increased demand for GP services in one of Toowoomba’s future growth corridors has led to plans for a clinic expansion, which also includes a new cafe.

The owner of a medical centre in one of Toowoomba’s future growth areas has laid out expansion plans in response to increased demand for services.

AK Medical has put forward a proposal to the Toowoomba Regional Council to relocate the Drayton Medical Centre from the nearby shopping centre to a 2400 sqm parcel on Brisbane Street in Drayton.

A cafe and allied health tenancy has also been slated for the new site, which used to be the headquarters for the Toowoomba chapter of the God’s Squad Christian Motorcycle Club.

According to the report by Precinct Urban Planning’s Jess Garratt, the new premises will be large enough to host 10 GPs and 18 staff in total, catering for potentially hundreds of patients every day.

The Drayton Medical Centre has lodged plans with the Toowoomba Regional Council to build an expanded clinic and attached cafe along Brisbane Street in Drayton.

“Due to the demand for medical services in the growing southwestern corridor, the current operators have acquired the subject site with a view to constructing a purpose-built larger premises,” the report said.

“(It) will accommodate general practitioners, as well a dental or X-ray tenancy and a cafe to provide food and drink conveniences to both customers and workers in the area.

“The health care services component of the proposal will include a maximum of 10 full-time equivalent practitioners and eight staff.”

Along with the clinic, the developer plans to build dozens of new parking spots, as well as sealing and adding parking to the cornering Lynch Street.

“The proposal will include the provision 60 on-site parking spaces, plus eight on-street spaces within the new Lynch Street road reserve,” the report said.

“It is noted that the proposed street parking is being provided to improve the convenience and amenity of the Drayton Centre and is intended as short-stay parking.

“It is not required to service the proposed use and is provided over and above the number of on-site spaces required.”

The Drayton-Harristown, Darling Heights, Cambooya-Wyreema and Westbrook areas now hold more than 37,000 people according to the 2021 census, up nearly 3000 people since 2016.

Drayton has also enjoyed more economic development, including a new shopping centre and eateries.