Rowes building renovation: The Chronicle first tenant in historic makeover

The Chronicle has moved to a new location after more than a decade, and is the first tenant in a dramatic renovation of an iconic piece of Toowoomba history. Take a look inside our new office.

The new Chronicle office space in the Rowes building Toowoomba. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The Chronicle’s new office is situated inside a piece of Toowoomba history, and general manager Erika Brayshaw says it feels like moving home.

Staff this week moved into a new office on the second level of the Rowes Building, which has been standing in the Garden City for 130 years.

The new Chronicle office space in the Rowes building. Pictures: Nev Madsen.

Rowes Furniture Store opened in Russell St in 1892 and is still operating from the same location below the new Chronicle office.

Stalwart businessman Treg Rowe previously owned a half share in Toowoomba Newspapers following the merger of The Chronicle and the former Downs Star newspaper in the 1970s.

Staff in the new Chronicle office.

“Our history with Rowes, it feels like we’re moving home,” Ms Brayshaw said.

Project manager Michael White and the team from Northbuild are putting the finishing touches on a $10 million renovation to the Rowes site.

The building has taken its fair share of hits over its 130-year history including fire damage, termite infestation and the catastrophic 2011 floods that washed through its lower level.

The builders have gutted the top floor, replacing it with a series of modern, open-plan offices, a cafe, a kitchen and a shared relaxation space.

The new Chronicle office space in the Rowes building.

The Chronicle moved from its previous premises at 109 Neil Street, where the team had been situated for more than a decade.

The new office is located at Level 1, 5 Keefe Street.

The outside of the new Chronicle office.