Carnival Lane opens, celebrating Region's signature event

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Mayor Paul Antonio has officially opened the new $1.1 million Carnival Lane.

Mayor Paul Antonio said the new laneway celebrates our Region's signature event, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

"Toowoomba City Centre is a good news story, and the opening of Carnival Lane adds another chapter," Mayor Antonio said.

"Council's investment of $1.1 million towards the project’s construction costs during the COVID-19 pandemic has provided a boost to our local economy.

"Projects like these keep money flowing through the economy and into local jobs and businesses during this challenging time.”

In opening the project, Mayor Antonio paid tribute to Council staff, designers, engineers and the contractors for their support in building the new laneway.

"The Carnival Lane project engaged more than 25 local suppliers as part of the construction," Mayor Antonio said.

"Council worked closely with a range of contractors including local firm Taddio Construction who managed construction.

"The artworks in Carnival Lane were produced by local artist Katie Whyte, who created a mural and motif art representing the colour and vibrancy of Carnival.

"I would like to thank all involved in this project and the community for their co-operation and patience."

Mayor Antonio said the benefits of Carnival Lane go beyond construction.

"Council's investment in these facilities gives businesses and industry the confidence to invest," Mayor Antonio said.

"I'm optimistic that the addition of this new laneway will encourage private investors to review their plans positively for this part of the CBD."

TRC Environment and Community Services Chair, Cr James O'Shea said the opening of this laneway provides our city heart with a new safe, vibrant and welcoming pedestrian connection and community meeting place.

"The new laneway provides an important connection from Margaret Street through to Jessie Street, Annand Street businesses and public car parks," Cr O'Shea said.

"By incorporating good urban design ideas, Carnival Lane becomes an attractive, safe open space for city workers and the public to enjoy.

"Additionally, the design incorporates green space and includes weather protection, space for community markets and events, opportunities to integrate public art, wayfinding information and green, leafy areas to stop and sit.

"The project had its challenges, with different height levels between Jessie Street and Margaret Street.

"The laneway also needed to slope gently for accessibility, and the design team overcame this.”

Cr O'Shea said the project uses a lot of re-purposed materials for construction.

"The timber roof framing was re-used for fencing, original bricks used for planter boxes and the steel beam spanning the laneway was incorporated in the design," Cr O'Shea said.

"The overall project complements other work which has been performed to refresh the CBD."