Freedom returns to Toowoomba

NATIONAL retailer Freedom Furniture is returning to Toowoomba after a near-decade hiatus, with well-known local business specialist Colin Mackay steering the return.

Freedom will be opening in Ruthven St’s Bernoth Centre, taking up a 1300sq m space vacated by BBQs Galore which has relocated to a new showroom space within the centre.

Mr Mackay – well-known for his 15 years managing Toowoomba’s Good Guys outlet – will mark his return to ‘big box’ retailing when Freedom opens in July in a move that he said would fill “a gap” in the city’s retail offering.

“I’ve always admired the vision and consumer following which Freedom has developed and I took little convincing to join once discovering the brand was keen to re-establish its presence in Toowoomba,” said Mr Mackay.

“There was a real gap left in Toowoomba when Freedom departed – and they only left because of the limited retail space available to suit their needs. The Bernoth Centre has now made Freedom’s return viable.”

Mr Mackay said Freedom “treated furniture as fashion” and was excited to think living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and even offices from the Lockyer Valley to western Queensland would soon be housing the brand’s unique line of products.

LJ Hooker Commercial Toowoomba facilitated a long-term lease for Freedom in the Bernoth Centre as well as BBQs Galore’s relocation.

LJ Hooker commercial director Julie Stewart said the Bernoth Centre was continuing to evolve.

In a short period, the Bernoth Centre has established itself as one of the city’s most popular retail facilities, with the addition of Freedom underpinning its appeal to tenants, she said.

“The mix of tenancies spans homewares to fitness and medical and with over 200 on-site car spaces its accessibility has helped patronage to rise steadily. It’s a very active centre and one which will continue to evolve,” Mrs Stewart said.

“Barry Bernoth has made a significant investment in the contemporary facility which has been exceptionally well-received by customers and tenants alike.”

For more information on retail opportunities, contact LJ Hooker Commercial on 4688 2266.