Toowoomba Large Format Retail

The site is located in James St, Toowoomba Darling Downs, 1.5 hours west of Brisbane. The Toowoomba Large Format Retail development consists of a large format retail building tenanted by BCF, Supercheap Auto, and Road Tech Marine, each with their own requirements.

i2C was engaged by MOTIF Properties for the concept and DA stages of the project and then the construction stages by the Hutchinson Builders.

The James St, Toowoomba Large Format Retail site adjoins a public park and contains significant heritage-listed Bunya Pine trees. Consideration was given to how to achieve the client’s requirements while retaining and protecting the Bunya Pines and addressing the park frontage.  This included root surveys and vacuuming, increased setbacks, voids and ventilation under floors and permeable paving to enable the trees to breathe.  The floor levels of the building were based on the root depths of the trees to protect them from any damage.

Motif Property wanted to add visual interest to a substantial blank wall that interfaced with Groom Park.  At the same time, it was important that the work tied into the natural setting/elements of the park and complimented the setting rather than overwhelming it.

Local artist Katie Whyte was engaged to hand-paint a mural called “Over the hill” on two walls of the development.

“As a visual artist it’s an exciting challenge to create something of this scale. The mural acts as a backdrop to the neighbouring park, and features large organic shapes and bold colours. 

The playful design creates a rhythmic motion along the wall – much like the wind is behind you and the sky’s the limit. It is a celebration of wide-open spaces, childhood and the joy of play. Artworks in urban settings such as this are a testament to the power of art to inspire, to welcome visitors, create safe spaces and evoke a sense of wonder.  As an artist, I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the community in this way, and I hope this mural serves as a source of inspiration for generations to come.” Katie Whyte.

i2C Team: Daniel Phillips

Client: Motif Properties

Builder and photography: Hutchinson Builders

Artist: Katie Whyte

Location: Barunggam Country | Toowoomba, QLD

Status: Complete