Demolition work starts on People First Bank new Toowoomba head office site

9 September 2024

Demolition work is now underway on the inner-city Ruthven Street site where the new Toowoomba head office of People First Bank (formerly Heritage Bank) will be built.

Contractors Burke Industries are now on site at 502 Ruthven Street, the former Shrine Catholic Church location, carrying out initial works. Demolition is due to be completed in mid-November.

While contractors are currently on site, the only works being undertaken during the Carnival of Flowers will be internal with minimal noise and no heavy machinery.

Once the site is cleared, the intention is to start construction work next year, with completion of the new head office expected by 2027.

People First Bank CEO Steve Laidlaw said the start of demolition was an important milestone for this project. 

“We’re excited to be moving forward with the start to demolition,” he said.

“Our new head office building will cement our long-term commitment to Toowoomba and add a dynamic new presence to the city’s CBD.

“There may be a little bit of disruption around the site during the next few weeks and we’ll communicating closely with nearby property owners to keep them up to date as the work progresses.”