Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) will proceed to detailed design for a new Civic Administration Building in 2023.
Mayor Paul Antonio said the new building would be located within the existing Civic Precinct and would provide a modern and flexible work environment to cater for its CBD-based workforce and help to better support the community.
"This is a building for our staff and our community which is why we have been investigating different options over the past year," he said.
"Following these investigations, we're now at a point where we have a general agreement on what the new building's inclusions and key features will be, ensuring we are also being financially responsible with the new design.
"By constructing a new office there will be significant cost savings in the long run by bringing our workforce together within the one building.
"At present, our staff are located in multiple locations across the CBD in buildings which are either being leased or within Council-owned facilities that require substantial financial investment into ongoing maintenance and compliance upgrades.
"It's envisaged we will be able to create further efficiencies through the project which will improve how Council serves our community.
"Importantly, the new facility will support a positive and productive work environment for our staff which will lead to greater collaboration between teams and an improved workplace culture.
"This will help with talent attraction and retention, helping bring and keep skilled professionals to our Region in a safe and compliant work environment.
"There will also be purpose built facilities, such as a Local Disaster Coordination Centre, which is crucial for the community in times of disaster events.
"Additionally, it will generate further economic benefit to local businesses and suppliers throughout the delivery of the project, with Council intending to shop local wherever possible.
"The project will deliver a better-connected Civic Precinct which will integrate with the existing Toowoomba City Library, Toowoomba City Hall, Soldiers Memorial Hall, and the Civic Square."
Council will soon invite expressions of interest before inviting written tenders for the package of works associated with the detailed design of the Civic Administration Building.
