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Community consultations are moving forward on a proposed redevelopment of a 1.4-km, former Woolworths site in Central Toowong.

Public Sessions Confirmed for Redevelopment Proposal

Residents in Toowong will have the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed redevelopment of the Toowong Central site during a series of in-person information sessions scheduled for 11 June 2025. The sessions will be held at Wests Bulldogs Rugby Club on Sylvan Road.

Toowong Central community feedback — *Photo Credit: CrPennyWolff/Facebook*

Organised by project leads Verso Developments and facilitated by engagement firm Three Plus, four 45-minute sessions will run consecutively between 4:00 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Each session will allow residents to speak one-on-one with members of the project team, including representatives from architecture firm KHA, Urbis, and traffic consultants involved in the site design.

Residents can view concept posters, ask questions, and share their feedback on the plans. Registration is required to attend, and newsletters containing session details will be distributed throughout the area.

Toowong Central site — *Photo Credit: CrPennyWolff/Facebook*

Targeted Group Engagement Also Planned

In addition to public sessions, a focus group discussion will also take place on the morning of the same day. This session will include local organisations such as the Toowong State School P&C, Toowong Residents Association, and the Toowong and District Historical Society. These groups provided early input into the planning process and are being invited to continue contributing feedback during this phase.

Toowong Central Redevelopment — *Photo Credit: CrPennyWolff/Facebook*

Context and Ongoing Community Involvement

The 1.4-hectare site, previously occupied by a Woolworths supermarket, is being redeveloped into a mixed-use precinct. Community input has shaped the early design concepts since early 2024, with hundreds of residents participating through surveys and previous engagement efforts. The upcoming sessions are intended to provide further opportunity for residents to influence planning outcomes before finalisation.

Summary of Next Steps

The consultation on 11 June marks the next formal step in public engagement for the Toowong Central project. Residents are encouraged to register, attend, and provide feedback directly to the project team. Feedback can also be sent via email to info@theheartoftoowong.org.

Published 27-May-2025

A major redevelopment at the former Woolworths site in Toowong is progressing, with updated plans incorporating community input on public space, design, and facilities.

New Ownership and Ongoing Planning at Toowong Central

Toowong’s former Woolworths supermarket site—spanning 1.4 hectares and bordered by High Street, Sherwood Road and Jephson Street—is undergoing significant transformation.

Since acquiring the site in late 2023, the new private owners have initiated early planning to convert the area into a mixed-use commercial, retail and residential precinct. This follows earlier challenges, including non-compliance with prior approval conditions related to site upkeep and fencing.

BCC has confirmed that the current owners were not responsible for conditions before their acquisition. A change application (A006427990) submitted in December 2023 is currently under assessment, with BCC emphasising that any amendments must deliver improved safety and visual amenity.

Toowong Central plans — *Photo Credit: DA/A006427990*

Community Engagement and Design Concepts

Community involvement has played a central role in shaping the future of the Toowong Central site. Since early 2024, hundreds of residents have contributed via surveys and local events. Feedback focused on character, open spaces and facilities.

Preliminary concepts include a 2,800m² public space featuring an activated retail zone and a subtropical landscape design. One feature under consideration is an interactive “water veil” with night-time lighting. Plans also suggest fewer, taller buildings, creating space for a central town square accessible from High and Jephson Streets.

Public vs Private: Ownership and Access

The proposed public space within the redevelopment is privately owned, despite being publicly accessible. This has raised questions among locals about long-term access rights and maintenance responsibilities.

Comparisons have been drawn to other Brisbane sites such as West Village in West End (2,118m² of public space) and Gasworks Plaza in Newstead (2,230m²), both of which operate under similar public-private arrangements.

commercial plans — *Photo Credit: DA/A006427990*

Local Sentiment and Feedback

Online community discussions have reflected a mix of enthusiasm and concern. Some residents have questioned whether the greenery will feel authentic and spacious compared to existing developments.

Others are eager for construction to begin, citing the need for new housing. In response to community queries, city official Penny Wolff confirmed that the number of storeys in the new buildings is yet to be determined.

BCC has stated that community input opportunities will continue once design and planning advance. Residents are encouraged to have their say. Feedback can be sent to info@theheartoftoowong.org.

Next Steps for Toowong Central

While the current design is still in development, further updates are expected as the planning application progresses. The project aims to strike a balance between housing growth, accessibility and lifestyle quality in the Toowong area.

Published 28-Mar-2025

Tag: community consultation

Community Sessions Announced for Toowong Central Redevelopment