Toowoomba Regional Council approves demolition of heritage buildings on Fanny Street in Newtown

The Toowoomba Regional Council has approved the demolition of a set of World War 2-era properties on a quiet suburban street. The plan was actually supported by several residents.

A set of heritage-listed properties in Fanny Street in Newtown have been approved for demolition by the Toowoomba Regional Council.

A set of “heritage-listed” buildings in Toowoomba dating back to World War II have been slated for demolition, after the council approved the plan that had the support of residents.

Applicant Oobagooma Pty Ltd submitted the proposal back in early 2020 to level the 29 lowset unit dwellings on Fanny Street in Newtown.

The buildings were originally placed at Newtown Park to house US military personnel during the war, before being relocated to the current site to house pensioners.

While a council-commissioned heritage report found the properties had some historical significance, it said they were in such bad condition that restoration wouldn’t be feasible.

“The physical condition of the buildings has been demonstrated to be poor in the supporting materials and the conservation of the duplex structures is evidently not prudent or viable in economic terms,” the report by Extent Heritage Advisors said.

“The loss of the former WWII camp huts converted into duplexes would constitute a minor adverse heritage impact on structures that narrowly meet the threshold for historical significance at the local level.

“An archival record of the place will enable this information to be retained into the future, thereby conserving this aspect of the cultural significance.”

Council principal planner Krys den Hertog approved the proposal to knock down the buildings, despite it not technically complying with heritage codes.

Residents who made submissions to the application unanimously endorsed it, with many saying the buildings could hardly be considered historically relevant.

Others asserted the site had been a hotbed for criminal activity.

“I cannot tell you the number of times the police are at the property over the years — literally dozens and dozens of times,” Jason Piggford wrote.

“I know that at least three buildings have been set on fire by tenants – one has been left derelict for a number of years.

“There is no historic importance about these buildings and removal should be approved. I and all the neighbours would welcome this with open arms.”