Toowoomba ex-Ford dealership approved for variation request by council

A proposal to transform a major parcel of land that used to feature a prominent city dealership has been given the green light.

A plan to transform an old dealership on a major Toowoomba intersection has reached a key milestone after the council approved its owners’ plans.

Site owners Savatore and Santo Pennisi and real estate agency LJ Hooker Commercial were given the green light last week for a variation request over the former Ford dealership on the corner of James Street and Anzac Avenue in Harristown.

The property features a collection of tenancies spread over nearly two hectares and has been left mostly vacant since Ford vacated in 2021.

Currently zoned as low-impact industry under the planning scheme, the approval allows future proposals to be assessed against that of a mixed-use commercial space for a variety of industries.

PLANS LODGED: The former Ford dealership site on James Street in Harristown will soon host a range of retail shops, after plans were lodged with the council for a variation request to the site.

Precinct Urban Planning’s James Williams wrote that the intent of the proposal was to allow for a range of potential tenants to move into the site.

According to an economic need and impact assessment report by Foresight Partners, the future tenants could include offices, agricultural supplies stores, showrooms, car washes, food and drink outlets, health care services, education, outdoor sales, sport and recreation and garden centres.

No submissions were received during the public notification period, which was required to be carried out due to the assessment level of the application.

Senior council planner Richard Green recommended for its approval, agreeing with the developers that the site’s development would not impact the nearby Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre.

PLANS LODGED: The former Ford dealership site on James Street in Harristown will soon host a range of retail shops, after plans were lodged with the council for a variation request to the site.

“The proposed variation scheme document (VSD) is not considered to create a new centre, however, does provide for an expansion of a limited range of centre activities,” he wrote.

“The range of uses provided for under the VSD, and limitation placed on the total GFA of various uses, ensures that the vibrancy and focus on Clifford Gardens as the major activity centre in the locality will continue.

“An economic need and impact assessment (and subsequent peer review) confirmed that the proposed mix of uses satisfied could be supported and will service the needs of the catchment.”