The rehabilitation of Toowoomba’s State Heritage-listed Soldiers’ Memorial Hall is progressing, with the installation of a new lift, along with a new Herries Street entry underway.
Toowoomba Region Mayor, Paul Antonio said scheduled demolition and preparatory works were finishing ahead of the next stage of the internal refurbishment.
“This milestone is a great achievement. I am looking forward to seeing the refreshed interior being completed,” Mayor Antonio said.
“The work completed by Toowoomba’s Northbuild Construction has carefully preserved the important military history of this building.
“It isn’t an easy job, especially when a building has different construction components extending over 100 years like this hall, but the team has been doing a great job.
“The focus of these works is to preserve its historical elements while improving access for people of all abilities, installing internal air conditioning and data connectivity.
“The project also includes replacing the ageing electrical and plumbing services. The maintenance will make the facility far more functional and ensure it serves our community into the future.”
Toowoomba Regional Council Environment and Community Services Committee chair, Councillor James O’Shea said he was pleased with the progress made on the project, particularly the improvements to internal spaces.
“There were several items that needed to be addressed to create a safe environment for the future, and now the team is moving on with the relocation of the stairs and installation of the lift to create the new Herries Street entry way,” Cr O’Shea said.
“The new Herries Street entry will return the Hall of Memories fronting Ruthven Street to an historic place of reflection and minimise unnecessary daily movement through the hall.
“Council is appreciative of the funding provided by the Australian Government.”
Construction is expected to be completed in late June 2022, weather permitting. The $4.4 million upgrade is being jointly funded by the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund and Toowoomba Regional Council.
