Rugby league legend Benny Elias reveals decision to invest in new Toowoomba mixed-use precinct with motorcycle icon Mick Doohan

One of rugby league’s most popular characters has revealed why he and a fellow sporting champion are investing millions into the Darling Downs.

A chance meeting with Toowoomba’s former mayor more than 15 years ago was enough for Benny Elias to see the potential of the Garden City.

“I was playing a celebrity game up there raising money, and I sat next to Di Thorley and she asked me on my thoughts on Toowoomba,” the New South Wales legend said.

“She offered to pick me up and show me around, and I ended up buying a couple of buildings in Ruthven Street.”

The Balmain Tigers icon is now preparing to step up his investment in Toowoomba, after teaming up with five-time motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan to build a massive mixed-use commercial precinct in Charlton.

The pair have lodged plans with the Toowoomba Regional Council for a 6900 sqm project on land next to the Warrego Highway that they bought back in 2007 for just under $4m.

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

According to the designs prepared by Aspect Architects, the new “local centre” would feature a new mini-supermarket 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 269 car parks.

Elias, who has developed an impressive property portfolio over the years, said he had been impressed by Toowoomba’s growth.

Rugby league legend Benny Elias. Picture: Christian Gilles

Mick Doohan. Picture: Josie Hayden

“It’s probably one of the prettiest regional towns, and the opportunities are unlimited,” he told News Corp.

“It’s a place of growth and I love driving into Toowoomba, it’s got the beautiful trees in the streets, so it ticks all the boxes.

“A lot of people up there are very clever, a lot of farmers who have done very well, and Toowoomba seems to be a place to invest.

“Every time I go up there, there’s something on the horizon happening — in Charlton you’ve got the Wagner group who built the airport and a lot of infrastructure.”

Elias said the Toowoomba Regional Council had been “a pleasure” to work with, paying particular tribute to former mayor Paul Antonio.

“You ask the people what they want, what is the demand and what does the council want (and) they said the mix we’re proposing is exactly what’s required for that area,” he said.

“Paul was terrific as a mayor, he was instrumental in helping us invest in a place in Toowoomba.

“Council has been a pleasure to deal with in getting meetings and telling us what they need.”

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

While he wouldn’t put a final price tag on it, Elias suggested it could cost upwards of $2000 per square metre to do it — putting the potential bill at more than $10m.

“We’re still waiting for the approval from council, and then I’ll meet up with Mick in October,” he said.

“It will be done in stages more than likely, based on what’s most in demand.”