National Australia Bank lodges plans for new Toowoomba branch in CBD, lender explains need for new location

One of the nation’s top banks has lodged plans for a new branch in the Toowoomba CBD, and the lender has explained why a fresh location was needed. Take a look inside here.

PROPOSED: Architectural designs and layouts for the proposed new National Australia Bank branch on Ruthven Street in Toowoomba City.

UPDATE: Top Australian lender National Australia Bank has lifted the lid on why it needs to build a new Toowoomba branch in the CBD.

The “big four” bank lodged plans this week for a two-storey location on land front Ruthven, Little and Duggan Streets in Toowoomba City.

It comes several months after it was reported NAB had bought the two properties for a combined $2.5m, just a few hundred metres up from their current location.

In a statement, NAB network property executive David Johnson said the new branch would be better fit for the company’s current strategy.

PROPOSED: Architectural designs and layouts for the proposed new National Australia Bank branch on Ruthven Street in Toowoomba City.

“We’re excited by the opportunity to invest in a new retail and business banking centre in Toowoomba,” he said.

“This investment forms part on NAB’s transformation program that will improve the banking experience for both customers and our team.

“Our proposal will provide customers in the region with one convenient location for all their banking needs.”

Mr Johnson said the building would employ about 100 people, while also clarifying what business might move into the separate ground-floor tenancy slated for construction.

“The proposal that’s before council is to develop a five-star green star sustainability rated building that demonstrates Australian excellence with net zero in operations,” he said.

“On completion, the building will house approximately 100 people, with capacity to further expand in line with future growth in the region.

“As part of our plans, we also propose creating a retail courtyard, offering local businesses the opportunity to secure tenancy in this prime location that will feature indigenous artwork and a dedicated entrance to our new business banking centre.

“Local trades will also be used as much as possible throughout the build, further strengthening the local economy.”

The application still needs to be approved by the council.

EARLIER: One of Australia’s largest lenders has put forward plans for a massive new Toowoomba branch in the heart of the city.

National Australia Bank this week lodged a proposal with the Toowoomba Regional Council to build its new headquarters over a large parcel of land that borders Ruthven, Little and Duggan Streets in the CBD.

According to plans designed by Sims White Architects and lodged by Precinct Urban Planning, the new branch will cover two storeys and a floor area of nearly 1000 sqm.

The proposal has also included space for a separate retail shop.

PROPOSED: Architectural designs and layouts for the proposed new National Australia Bank branch on Ruthven Street in Toowoomba City.

“The double storey building will address the primary frontage to Ruthven Street and secondary frontage to Little Street,” the report said.

“The building has been architecturally designed to a high standard and gives rise to structure with a modern appearance that complements and enhances the streetscape on each frontage.

“The ground floor will include the retail banking section and the first floor will include the business banking section.

“The ground floor also makes provision for a separate retail tenancy with a gross floor area of 91.3 sqm. The nature of this tenancy is currently unknown.

“The building includes extensive areas of glazing at both levels as well as skylights in the skillion roofline to further improve natural light.”

Space has also been allocated for 20 car parks at the rear, with entry via Duggan Street and exit onto Little Street.

It comes several months after it was reported NAB had bought the two properties for a combined $2.5m.

Plans were also lodged relating to engineering and stormwater management.