A more than two-year project to revitalise one of Toowoomba’s oldest and most iconic streets is now complete with the official opening of a newly upgraded Russell Street earlier this month.
Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Cr Paul Antonio said the streetscape project has revitalised the section of Russell Street between Victoria and Neil Streets.
“Council is extremely proud of what’s been achieved in Russell Street,” Mayor Antonio said.
“Reinvigorating Russell Street as a social, cultural and economic hub for the whole community is a major focus for council.
“The project will help boost future economic development in our CBD and provide a key connection to the emerging Railway Parklands precinct and Queens Park.
“It also links the Outer Circulating Road with the upgraded northern section of Ruthven Street.
“Council welcomes the community to come down and see the completed project and support Russell Street businesses.”
TRC Infrastructure Committee Portfolio Chair Cr Carol Taylor said construction of the project commenced in February 2021 and has been delivered in two stages.
“Russell Street from Victoria to Ruthven streets was upgraded in 2021 and Ruthven to Neil streets was upgraded in 2022,” Cr Taylor said.
“Council has constructed new road pavement and footpaths, a tree-lined centre median between Victoria and Ruthven streets, pedestrian crossing points, entry and exit thresholds, lighting and CCTV, green spaces, street furniture and public art.
“In addition to streetscape works, the project has also upgraded essential stormwater, water main and communications infrastructure, including moving powerlines underground.”
Cr Taylor said council has worked closely with Russell Street traders and property owners to deliver this project.
“The streetscape design was developed in consultation with Russell Street traders, property owners and the broader community from 2017 to 2020,” Cr Taylor said.
“Council’s goal was to give the community an active role in the design process to deliver a design that reflected the current and future needs of the community and council.
“We felt that a co-design approach with the local community was the best way to ensure positive, long-term change for Russell Street.”
Cr Taylor said the project aimed to preserve the street’s heritage features including the reinstatement of bluestone kerb.
“When the crew began demolishing the existing concrete kerb between Victoria and Ruthven Streets in 2021, large sections of the original bluestone kerb and channel were unearthed.
“The new bluestone kerb between Victoria and Ruthven Streets was constructed by council’s bricklayers with portions comprising some of the original bluestone from the street.
“Russell Street is renowned for its collection of Victorian Era buildings and upgrading the street has been a special project for Council. It is wonderful to see bluestone kerb back in place.”
Cr Carol Taylor said she would like to thank the whole community, especially Russell Street traders and property owners for their co-operation and patience during construction.
“Council appreciates the impacts that major projects can have on businesses and the wider community and we thank you for working with us.”
Planning and Development Committee Chair Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan said delivery of the project is a key outcome of the Toowoomba City Centre Master Plan.
“The master plan guides development and change of the city centre to 2031 and beyond,” Cr O’Hara Sullivan said.
“This project has helped transform Russell Street into a vibrant people-friendly destination.
“It has been designed to slow traffic and help create a more pedestrian-friendly environment which makes it safer and easier to cross the street, and creates more space for pedestrians, outdoor dining, green spaces and trees.
“I’m pleased to say that the project has also introduced more public art by local artists into our CBD.”
The project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program in association with Toowoomba Regional Council.
Assistant Minister for Local Government Nikki Boyd said the Palaszczuk Government was investing in Toowoomba.
“This is a great project which we’re proud to support, creating good local jobs and improving Toowoomba’s already world-class lifestyle,” Assistant Minister Boyd said.
“Russel Street is a critical part of the Toowoomba CBD and by investing in the streetscape we’re helping to create a more walkable town.
“This reinvigoration will be a boon for local businesses and will help cement Toowoomba as a regional tourism destination.”
For more information on the Russell Street Refresh Project, visit tr.qld.gov.au/russellstreetrefresh, call council on 131 872 or email russellstrefresh@tr.qld.gov.au
