Grand Central opens its doors to new regional job opportunities

Treasurer Curtis Pitt has welcomed the opening of the next stage of QIC’s $500 million Toowoomba Grand Central shopping centre transformation as another boost for regional jobs.

Mr Pitt said today’s opening would bring some of the biggest names in retail together in one location for the first time in Toowoomba’s history.

“This is a new era in retail for Toowoomba with major retailers Kmart, Big W, Best & Less and Woolworths opening their doors in Toowoomba’s CBD, joining Myer, Target and Coles,” Mr Pitt said.

“In terms of planning and vibrancy it’s exciting to see some of the nation’s biggest brands together in one location, but I’m most excited by the jobs they will bring to Toowoomba.

“Construction of this impressive $500 million complex provided 1,500 jobs and an additional 1,000 ongoing jobs are now coming online in retail, hospitality and other services.”

Mr Pitt said the centre would today also welcome the first group of more than 100 specialty retailers as well as many new features and amenities, including additional car parking.

"This is another example of Queensland investing in Queensland,” Mr Pitt said.

“QIC is a State Government owned investment corporation, so it’s great to see QIC investing at home and creating opportunities for Queenslanders.

“In fact, QIC owns or is the largest shareholder in Queensland assets valued at over $17 billion and employing more than 35,000 Queenslanders.

“The Toowoomba Grand Central transformation is a big vote of confidence in the region.”

QIC’s Grand Central transformation project is ongoing with plenty more still to come this year.

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