Toowoomba Development Site Listed for First Time in Almost 50 Years

The landmark White Oaks Motel in East Toowoomba has been brought to market for the first time in almost 50 years as part of a development opportunity topping 11,000sqm in the city’s blue-chip neighbourhood.

The White Oaks was operated by a legend of the Darling Downs’ hospitality industry, Mrs Elsie Gladys White. For almost 50 years, her country-style service attracted parents of boarders at nearby Toowoomba Grammar, visitors of patients at St Vincents Hospital and other travellers. The hotel and adjoining vacant land are being sold following her passing, at 102 years of age, last year.

In total, 11,043sqm at 12-18 Margaret Street is being offered through an EOI campaign managed by LJ Hooker Commercial Toowoomba’s Chris Stewart, Mike Stewart and Nicole McEwan.

Chris Stewart said the low-medium residential zoning – up to three levels is permitted – along with its premium location in sought-after East Toowoomba had already attracting solid enquiry from developers.

“Rarely do sites that carry such upside and proximity to facilities come to market in Toowoomba,” he said.

“The site allows for low and medium residential development. There’s a scarcity of premium apartment living in the city and there’s scope for a developer to deliver a unique residential concept that complements East Toowoomba’s character-filled streets and amenities.

“The site is also suited to aged care which is a booming sector as demand from an aging community increases. St Vincent’s Hospital is around the corner from the Margaret Street site adding further value to an aged-care concept.”

Mike Stewart said the White Oaks had been a landmark in Toowoomba.

“For almost 50 years, Mrs White committed herself to providing outstanding service to her travellers,” he said.

“She always ensured her visitors had a jug of milk for a cuppa and home-made malt biscuits in their rooms to replenish themselves after their drive, and the restaurant menu always included the homestyle classics.”

Mike Stewart said the sales campaign represented a new era for the site.

“The sales campaign marks a new era for the hotel and East Toowoomba, with the development upside of the site providing a milestone opportunity for the city’s growth,” he said.

“When Elsie left farm-life and bought the motel in 1977 – with no previous motel experience, it should be known – Toowoomba was a very different place.

“Since then, the city’s welcomed an airport that has direct flights to major capitals, the Second Range Crossing has reduced traffic on our roads, more than 20,000 students attend USQ’s campus, and we’ve seen the transformation of the CBD with Grand Central doubling in size and a host of contemporary bar, cafe and pub experiences.

“The Margaret Street site offers a developer the chance to deliver a low to medium density development that adds to the rising appeal and transformation of the city.”

The EOI closes on August 31. Visit toowoomba.ljhcommercial.com.au for more information.