Wagner to TRC: We want a waiver

Council to enter lease agreement

HOTEL developer Kenneth Wagner won’t build his massive 103-room building in the Toowoomba CBD unless he receives a $1 million infrastructure charges waiver from the Toowoomba Regional Council.

Mr Wagner is a step closer to realising his vision for the Glad on Ruthven St, after the council voted to enter into a lease agreement with him over part of the neighbouring TRC-owned Kwong Sang Walk.

From there, his company KPAT Property Pty Ltd would continue discussions with the planning department to finalise the design and conditions.

“I see that we will be a couple of weeks finalising this lease, then a couple of weeks in the planning department,” Mr Wagner told The Chronicle.

“We’ve drawn up our final set of plans, but we don’t want to submit them prior to this lease being squared away.

“The reality is we are on the right track.”

But Mr Wagner said he wanted the council to make good on its incentive offer to waive up to $1 million for developments in the CBD.

“We will not progress with our development until the council has committed to giving us a $1 million infrastructure charge rebate,” he said.

“It is at council’s discretion, but the added costs of adding a new basement level and other conditions have meant the project is not viable without that rebate.”

Planning and development chair Cr Chris Tait confirmed the TRC would enter into an agreement with KPAT Property.

“This activation will be achieved through the ability to access tenancies within the adjoining development directly from Kwong Sang Walk,” he said.

“Council’s Chief Executive Officer has been authorised to commence the relevant lease negotiations.

“The lessee will be responsible for obtaining any relevant development approvals required to facilitate the lease.”