Tenders invited for Highfields library, community facility design and construction

Tenders have been invited for the design and construction of a Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) library, customer service centre and community meeting facility at 32 and 38 O’Brien Road in Highfields.

TRC Environment and Community Services Committee chair Cr James O’Shea said the new facility would provide a modern, purpose-built design to meet the current and future needs of the Highfields community.

“The new facility will replace the existing library which supports around 52,600 visitors each year,” Cr O’Shea said.

“The current library doesn’t have the space or facilities required to accommodate the growing number of library users in Highfields and its surrounding communities.

“The new facility will provide a customer service centre, community meeting rooms, a dedicated junior reading area, computer facilities, including free Wi-Fi access, and photocopy services.”

Cr O’Shea said the project also included upgrading nearby road network and car parking infrastructure.

“Council has completed service upgrades along O’Brien Road and within the Highfields Cultural Precinct and constructed a new road between O’Brien Road and Lauder Drive,” Cr O’Shea said.

“The new road opened on October 6, 2020 and is providing additional vehicle access, while sections of Sean McCarthy Way and Balmoral Street are closed for critical infrastructure works during October and November 2020.

“The next stage of construction involves building a roundabout along O’Brien Road, upgrading car parking and turning a section of Sean McCarthy Way into a pedestrian thoroughfare.

“These works are expected to be completed in early 2021, weather permitting.”

Cr O’Shea said the project would support long-term development and economic growth.

“This is a major project for the Toowoomba Region, which will create local jobs during construction and encourage economic growth within the Highfields area for years to come,” Cr O’Shea said.

"I encourage construction businesses based in the Toowoomba Region to submit a tender application.”

Tenders close at 2pm AEST on Friday, November 20, 2020. Tenders can be lodged electronically via the LG Tender Box or in hard copy via the Tender Box, Toowoomba Regional Council, 4 Little Street, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350.

Construction is expected to start in early 2021 and the new facility is expected to open in late 2021.

For more information on the Highfields library and community facility project, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/newhighfieldslibrary call Council on 131 872 and quote Highfields library and community facility or email [email protected]