CBD restaurant wins approval
DEVELOPERS have received the green light to dramatically transform one of Toowoomba’s most historic buildings.
Killea Investments Pty Ltd was granted planning permission to transform the heritage-listed former Westpac Bank on the corner of Ruthven and Margaret Sts into a glass-enclosed rooftop restaurant.
To take advantage of the unique location above the centre of the Toowoomba CBD, the developer plans to install a large retractable roof.
The glass will allow for the casual dining area to be exposed during pleasant weather and if the weather turns bad a retractable roof will be extended and the bi-fold doors and windows shut to protect customers from the weather.
The developer also plans to build offices and a food and drink outline next to Lamb Ln.
The restaurant will be built on the existing rooftop and will have a total floor area of 430sq m.
It will include a combination of indoor and outdoor formal and casual dining areas that will have views north/south and
east/west along Ruthven and Margaret Sts.
Customer access will be through a new stairwell which will connect the lobby to the rooftop.
The proposal involves “limited demolition work” to the external structure in order to improve access at the Margaret St interface and for better access to the planned rooftop extension.
The developers commissioned a report from architect Stephanie Keays to examine the heritage impact on the historic bank, which was built in 1941 for the then Bank of New South Wales,
now the Westpac Bank.
Ms Keays found the building was important in Toowoomba because of its aesthetic significance.
“The building is important in exhibiting aesthetic characteristics valued by the community, in particular the use of the neo-classical design in stone and brick, for a 20th century financial institution reflecting the dignity and solidity of such institutions.
“The proposed uses and floor plan for the building respect the significant elements of the original building design and layout.”