Toowoomba Regional Council has recommended to adopt the Central Highfields Masterplan which will cater to future growth of the area for decades to come.
At today's Planning and Development Committee Meeting, Councillors supported the updated Central Highfields Masterplan which also has the backing of Highfields Chamber of Commerce.
TRC Planning (Place) portfolio spokesperson Councillor Tim McMahon said the updated plan would secure the future of the Central Highfields site.
"Council's intent with this site has never changed. We want Highfields to have a vibrant heart with a large commercial precinct, including the potential for medical services, parklands, town centre and civic spaces as well as low-density residential areas and that's exactly what the updated Central Highfields Masterplan will deliver.
"The Masterplan is a vision and Council's intent is to bring that vision to life in the near future.
"The Central Highfields Masterplan will provide a focal point for retail, office, mixed-use and centre-based development as well as providing important residential opportunities into the future.
"I'm delighted our plan for the future of Highfields also has the backing of the Highfields Chamber of Commerce and I thank the committee and all members of the Highfields community for their input as Council made important and necessary updates to the plan while considering the community's feedback," Cr McMahon said.
Highfields Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Deeth said the Chamber welcomed TRC's endorsement of the Central Highfields Masterplan, noting that it reflects the community's vision and priorities for the future of the town centre.
"The Highfields Chamber of Commerce fully supports the Central Highfields Masterplan adopted by Council.
"This plan takes into account the needs and wishes of our community and provides a clear pathway for managing the strong growth Highfields is expected to experience in the years ahead.
"We appreciate the constructive engagement from Council and its officers throughout this process and look forward to seeing the Masterplan progress from vision to reality," Ms Deeth said.
"The Highfields Chamber remains committed to working collaboratively with Council, local businesses and the wider community to ensure the vision outlined in the Masterplan delivers long-term benefits for Highfields and its residents," she said.
The Central Highfields Masterplan is expected to be formally adopted at next Tuesday's November Ordinary Meeting of Council.
