Work has started on a new Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) library and community facility at 32 O'Brien Road in Highfields that will replace the existing library which supports over 50,000 visitors annually.
Turning the first sod on the new site today, Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio said this project is a pivotal part of the Highfields Master Plan and will be a catalyst for future investment.
"This is a major project for the Region which will create local jobs during construction and encourage economic growth within the Highfields area for years to come," Mayor Antonio said.
"The $14.8 million project was partly funded through Council's Pandemic Response Investment Program and is one of the projects being accelerated to stimulate economic activity across the Toowoomba Region.
"Toowoomba-based construction company McNab Developments (QLD) has been awarded the design and construction tender and local subcontractors and suppliers will be engaged where possible."
TRC Environment and Community Committee Chair Councillor James O'Shea said the project would deliver a modern, purpose-built facility to meet the current and future needs of the Highfields community.
"The current library is a demountable structure and does not have the space or facilities required to accommodate the growing number of library users in Highfields and its surrounding communities," Cr O'Shea said.
"The project will deliver a customer service centre, community meeting rooms, a dedicated junior reading area, computer facilities including free Wi-Fi access, and photocopy services.
"Construction is expected to be completed in mid-2022, weather permitting."
Council will seek to minimise disruptions where possible and thanks the community for its patience and co-operation during construction.
The library and community facility was jointly funded by the Australian Government and Toowoomba Regional Council. Australian Government funding of $5 million was provided through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program. This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
