Grand Central build nears major milestone
THE retail bridge which will connect Grand Central to a new development is progressing as the $500 million project edges closer to completion.
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THE retail bridge which will connect Grand Central to a new development is progressing as the $500 million shopping centre redevelopment edges closer to completion.
Grand Central retail manager, Kathleen Hart, confirmed works on Grand Central's transformation were progressing well.
"To date, about 90 per cent of the building foundations have been completed and Probuild is continuing to progress with the retail structure over Dent St and against Margaret St," Ms Hart said.
Once completed the two-level retail galleria - linking to the former Gardentown Shopping Centre - will be packed full of retailers.
Ms Hart said works on the structure of the multi-level car park at the corner of Duggan and Little Sts were also progressing well.
"Precast concrete panels and other elements of the Margaret St façade have also recently been installed.
"We are very excited about stage one of the project which is on track to be launched later this year, and we will have more information about that launch very soon," Ms Hart said.
Once complete, the development will double the size of Grand Central to a total of about 90,000 square metres.
The Chronicle understands developer QIC is preparing to announce major retailers planning to set up shop in the centre, some of which are not currently in Toowoomba.
The redevelopment will include a new dining precinct, new discount department stores, new supermarkets, and close to 160 new specialty retailers, including global high street and iconic Australian fashion brands.
The partnership between Grand Central and TAFE Queensland South West is also proving to be popular with the local community following its announcement last week.
TAFE South West Queensland Director, Corporate Solutions, Michele Berkhout, said that there had been a very positive response to the program, which will provide up to 550 retail and hospitality training places.
"Our phones have been ringing off the hook," Ms Berkhout said.
"We already have full classes in both our retail and hospitality courses, and we're working on adding extra classes in the near future to suit the availability of interested participants from the community."
Originally published as Grand Central build nears major milestone
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