Eight major development projects that were completed in Toowoomba in 2020

Toowoomba is a growing city in a blossoming region, and that has been marked by some major developments that were completed in 2020. Here are the best of the year’s biggest projects.

Exterior shots of Inspire South Central. Friday, 19th Jun, 2020.

Even in the shadow of an unprecedented pandemic and significant economy downturn, Toowoomba simply couldn’t stop growing.

The year 2020 was marked by the completion of several major development projects that have changed the city’s landscape and make-up to varying degrees.

Whether it was a new supermarket, the redevelopment of an old icon or a massive council project, here are the eight that stood out in a difficult year.

1. COLES SUPERMARKET, GLENVALE

Opened: July

Taking more than 12 months to build, Coles launched its latest supermarket in July to cater for the growing western Toowoomba market.

The new location on the intersection of Glenvale Rd and Greenwattle St now employs more than 100 workers and includes all the latest features of modern supermarkets.

The construction was not without controversy, with neighbouring residents complaining about the length of time roads were shut to complete key infrastructure.

2. MET HOTEL, TOOWOOMBA CITY

Opened: March

Kosta and Jasmine Theodosis‘ transformation of the old Metropole Hotel on Ruthven St was a labour of love that took years of planning and six months of construction to complete.

Unfortunately, its doors were only open for a short while before the COVID-19 pandemic hit and licensed venues were shut across the country.

Since reopening in June under government restrictions, the pub has quickly become a hot spot for live music and a trendy place to enjoy a drink.

The couple take pride in the fact the venue has no pokies, instead choosing to find revenue streams through bands, booze and good food.

3. SPOTTED COW HOTEL, TOOWOOMBA CITY

Opened: December

When the doors shut on the famous Spotted Cow during COVID-19, many wondered whether it would be the last people would see of the pub this year.

But Hallmark Group came to the rescue towards the end of the year, buying the property on Campbell St for millions from the Coorey family before investing in a $1.5 million renovation.

While touring bands won’t be coming back to the Cow, the new owners have invested in gaming and dining as major drawcards, leaning heavily on its floating grill and dry-ageing cabinet.

Reviews so far have been extremely positive.

KFC opens in Highfields. KFC mascot, Colonel Sanders, with store manager Amber Harding-Dolan and area manager Trent Brigginshaw.

4. KFC RESTAURANT, HIGHFIELDS

Opened: November

One of the most recognisable brands in the world joined the growing community of Highfields this year, employing dozens of young people during an economy downturn that has produced 25 per cent youth unemployment.

The $4.5 million restaurant, which took five months to build, will be seen by more than 14,000 vehicles every day.

Developer and co-owner Rob Weymouth, who created the project with fellow investor Scott DPI, said he expected the site to trade well considering the enormous market potential.

The restaurant was well-received by Highfields residents, who said it was another string in the burgeoning area’s bow.

5. INSPIRE SOUTH CENTRAL, SOUTH TOOWOOMBA

Opened: September

Toowoomba has been crying out for more inner-city living, and this six-storey mixed-use residential tower on Ruthven St is hoping to capitalise on that.

Local developer Barry Bernoth invested millions into the project near his namesake shopping centre, with the tower featuring 25 units and a lower level of office space, retail and hospitality.

Hutchinson Builders took more than a year to complete the massive project, which has altered the skyline of the city.

A tenancy for a pharmacy was added to the plans in October, shortly after it held its grand opening.

6. OAKS HOTEL, TOOWOOMBA CITY

Opened: July

It was a project several years in the making, and one that has fundamentally transformed the Toowoomba CBD’s skyline.

The redevelopment of the old Gladstone Hotel on Ruthven St began in 2016 when Kenneth Wagner bought the property, demolishing the original building several years later.

Following several stoushes with the Toowoomba Regional Council, where he obtained a $1 million discount on infrastructure charges, construction began last year on the new Oaks Hotel.

Featuring 102 short-stay rooms, the hotel includes major function room space and also features The Rock restaurant and bar.

7. ALDI SUPERMARKET, HIGHFIELDS

Opened: December

In another major addition to Highfields, Aldi officially opened its new location on Highfields Rd earlier this month.

It concludes a process taking several years to complete and involving several disagreements with the Toowoomba Regional Council.

But works began in June, with local firm Newlands Group completing the construction.

Aldi now has four supermarkets in the Toowoomba region.

Aerial view of the Principal Depot at Nass Road in Charlton (artist's impression)

8. CHARLTON DEPOT, CHARLTON

Opened: August

The Toowoomba Regional Council invested the majority of the $67 million into the new principal depot at Charlton, where a huge chunk of its massive workforce will be housed.

The project took about 18 months to complete.

Several sites across the region were consolidated in the depot, which was opened in August.

Mayor Paul Antonio said the depot’s construction was a significant investment into the local economy during a challenging time.

It was revealed in this year’s annual report the depot was a significant reason for the council missing a key target it had been set on asset sustainability.