Construction set to begin on new library and community space

The council says construction will soon begin on a new library and community facility in the Toowoomba region.

WORK on the road network and carparking infrastructure for a new library, customer service centre and community facility on the corner of O'Brien Road in the Highfields Cultural Precinct will start this month.

Toowoomba Regional Council environment and community committee chair James O'Shea said the facility was being constructed to meet the current and future needs of the Highfields community.

"The new facility will provide a dedicated junior reading area, community meeting rooms, community spaces between the library and the Charles and Motee Rogers Bushland Reserve, computer facilities including free wi-fi access and photocopy facilities," Cr O'Shea said.

"The location will offer safe pedestrian connections between community facilities in the precinct, namely the Highfields Cultural Centre and Highfields Fitness and Recreation Centre.

"The road network and carparking infrastructure works will include creating a new road to join Lauder Drive and intersect with O'Brien Road through the construction of a new roundabout, upgrading carparking in the area and pedestrianising a section of Sean McCarthy Way north-east of O'Brien Road.

"These works are expected to be completed in late 2020, weather permitting."

Tenders will be called for the design and construction of the building in 2020.

Building construction is expected to be completed in 2021.

Cr O'Shea said the council would seek to minimise disruptions where possible and thanks the community for its patience and co-operation during construction.