Council seeks expressions of interest from cinema operators for CBD site
15 February 2021
Ipswich City Council is seeking expressions of interest from cinema operators for a prime location in the $250 million Ipswich CBD redevelopment.
The EOI will be launched from 16 February to 2 March 2021.
Deputy Mayor Marnie Doyle, chair of the Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee, said it was an exciting opportunity to see what the market has to offer and secure a modern-day cinema operator for the purpose-built complex.
“The Nicholas Street Precinct has commenced re-establishing itself as the dominant city centre in the region anchored by key cultural, business and soon-to-be leisure and food orientated retail premises,” Cr Doyle said.
“The city centre has been reborn and with an additional leisure offer such as a cinema it will continue to go from strength to strength.
“It is also a great time to provide the best value for ratepayers. The offer needs to be innovative and consider changes in the market and new entertainment opportunities that could align with a cinema’s brand while reflecting new technologies and directions.”
Cr Doyle said the cinema complex is anticipated to be one of the anchor tenants in the Nicholas Street Precinct redevelopment.
“An EOI process will allow council to gather information to help define the most appropriate operating model and prove best value for the cinema complex.”
A report to council last week said a cinema operator is being sought for the former cinema and commercial building located on the corner of Brisbane and Ellenborough Streets, Ipswich. The complex will be one of the anchor tenants and provide film screenings, food and beverage, screen advertising, and other services including hire and alternative content screenings.
The report said the engagement of a suitably experienced cinema complex operator will ensure cinema facilities will provide the Ipswich community with a positive experience which will promote and develop the Nicholas Street Precinct as the recreation destination in the Ipswich CBD.
Despite the obvious challenges and delays experienced due to COVID-19, leasing negotiations have been well advanced with a number of quality food and beverage businesses keen to lease space in Eats, Metro B and the Commonwealth Hotel premises within the Nicholas Street Precinct.
Following official launches in late 2020, the Ipswich Central Library and Tulmur Place have both continued to enjoy considerable patronage, with the water play zone a popular spot for locals to gather. Approximately 13,000 people attended the official launch of Tulmur Place.
A comprehensive events and activation calendar has been created for the Nicholas Street Precinct going forward, with the new council administration building completed and occupied by mid-2021.
For more details contact Darrell Giles, Ipswich City Council media unit, 3810 7351 or 0408 997 965