New highway shopping centre planned in Highfields

Council to consider new building

HIGHFIELDS could soon get another shopping centre, after plans were submitted to the Toowoomba Regional Council this week.

The new centre on the New England Highway, planned for a lot just down the road from the Chocolate Cottage, would feature four shops and a food and drink outlet.

The developer is businessman Harold Crane.

THE thriving community of Highfields could get another shopping centre, after plans were submitted to the Toowoomba Regional Council this week.

Applicant Geham Pty Ltd, run by businessman Harold Crane, wants to build a series of shops on the New England Highway to cater for five tenancies.

The new centre would be built just down the road from the Chocolate Cottage, on a site already occupied by commercial buildings.

In his report to the council, Alpha Planning Applications’ Andrew Hill wrote the impact assessable development would feature 24 car parks and its own effluent disposal system in lieu of reticulated sewerage.

“The proposed development comprises two new commercial/retail buildings and an extension to the existing retail building; to accommodate a total of five tenancies in accordance with the Planning

‘‘ IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE PROPOSAL WILL ACCOMMODATE FOUR “SHOPS” AND ONE “FOOD AND DRINK OUTLET” USE.

ANDREW HILL

Scheme’s definition of a ‘shopping centre’ use,” he wrote.

“It is expected that the proposal, when fully tenanted, will accommodate four ‘shop’ uses and one ‘food and drink outlet’ use.”

“The subject site is situated in an essentially commercial/ non-residential area containing a mixture of commercial and community uses, and along a busy arterial road.

“Therefore, the proposed buildings will have minimal impact upon, and will positively contribute to the existing streetscape.”

The new centre is expected to cover about 600sq m and operate seven days a week from 7am to 6pm.