Starbucks to open first city location

AN INTERNATIONAL coffee chain will open its first store in Toowoomba as part of the next stage of a shopping centre’s $40m revitalisation.

American franchise Starbucks is understood to be establishing a drive-through site at the Wilsonton Shopping Centre, making it one of two major tenants in the $18m second stage.

The plans for the latest phase in the southwest corner of the site, which includes the drive-through and a 7-Eleven service station, were approved by Toowoomba Regional Council in June.

It was initially believed Taco Bell would take the drivethrough slot, with the company’s logo adorning the concept artwork for the second stage.

But sources within the development industry indicate Starbucks will become the tenant for the site.

The store would become the franchise’s 19th store in Queensland and its 59th in Australia.

Centre owner Consolidated Properties Group wouldn’t confirm or deny the revelation, but executive director of retail Craig O’Donnell said it was working to fill a number of vacant tenancies within both the first and second stages.

“We’re working with Toowoomba Regional Council to finalise the development approval, which has been a very constructive process thus far,” he said.

“We are well progressed on a number of exciting leasing deals which will be announced in the coming months and anticipate works to commence prior to Christmas this year.”

It is understood Taco Bell will still be coming to Toowoomba but at a different location.