Block party building a better Ipswich Central
02 August 2022
A unique hands-on placemaking event featuring international experts and a community block party on Friday 12 August will ignite imaginations of what Ipswich Central could become for the community.
Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Chairperson Councillor Marnie Doyle said the Building Better Blocks and Neighbourhoods event will showcase innovative ways to activate the city’s public spaces.
“Placemaking is a collaborative process that brings together people of all ages, backgrounds and experiences to create positive changes to public spaces,” Cr Doyle said.
“Featuring a strong line up of international and Australian experts in partnership with the Better Block Foundation, the event aims to inspire and empower the Ipswich community to think outside the box about how our city’s centre can look, feel and function.
“Starting at council’s 1 Nicholas Street Administration Building before moving to d’Arcy Doyle Place, the day-long event will include networking opportunities and a panel discussion followed by hands-on placemaking activities to put principles learnt into action.
“Attendees will be provided with the materials to transform d’Arcy Doyle Place with guidance from international expert and keynote speaker, Krista Nightengale.
“Aspiring placemakers can sign up to be involved in the day’s ‘hands-on’ activities between 1pm and 3pm that include painting signs and building seats and furniture.”
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Fechner said he was pleased Ipswich had been selected to benefit from the innovative placemaking model that encourages the shift from dreaming to doing.
“Building on the significant Ipswich Central Revitalisation already underway, this exciting first-of-its-kind event in Queensland will connect local businesses and residents who want to work together to achieve common social and economic goals,” Cr Fechner said.
The Better Block Foundation specialises in hands-on demonstrations and training in placemaking, and their thought leadership will build on Ipswich Central Revitalisation projects that have drawn people into the city centre.
Councillor Fechner said recent placemaking activities such as pet-friendly facilities in Top of Town and Bell Street’s transformation have been coordinated by the Ipswich Central Partnership.
“A collaborative Ipswich City Council initiative, the Ipswich Central Partnership is a volunteer group of passionate local businesses and community members working together to improve the cultural hub and beating heart of our community,” Cr Fechner said.
“After the Building Better Blocks and Neighbourhoods professional event, Ipswich Central Partnership will take over d’Arcy Doyle Place to showcase what the community can achieve for Unlock the Block.”
Unlock the Block will feature a local food trail for bites and beverages around Ipswich Central, projections and street art, talent competition plus plenty of family-friendly activities.
Building Better Blocks and Neighbourhoods will feature city-shaping experts including:
- Better Block Foundation Executive Director, Krista Nightengale – has worked with more than 75 cities to promote healthy and vibrant neighbourhoods.
- Town Team Movement Co-Founder, Dean Cracknell – a positive change maker coach.
- Complete Streets Director, Steven Burgess – a leading contributor to the planning, design and development of liveable cities, who has worked on village and city transformation projects around the world.
- FourFold Studio Director Brooke Williams – an urban designer and placemaking advisor who has worked on urban renewal and place-based economic regeneration strategies in Queensland and New South Wales.
For more information about the Building Better Blocks and Neighbourhoods event visit https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/explore/whats-on/building-better-blocks-and-neighbourhoods