Ipswich CBD revitalisation gets $41.5 million boost
30 June 2022
Ipswich City Council has committed $41.5 million in its 2022-2023 Budget to the next phase of work in the Nicholas Street Precinct redevelopment.
Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Chairperson Councillor Marnie Doyle said a significant proportion of the funds will be spent on the delivery of leisure, entertainment, food and beverage areas.
“This exciting stage of the Nicholas Street Precinct will see construction of the food and beverage and entertainment aspects,” Cr Doyle said.
“Council has taken a derelict mall and delivered a revitalised, inclusive space for the local community to not only enjoy but be proud of, in the heart of Ipswich.
“With the opening of council’s 1 Nicholas Street administration building, Ipswich Children’s Library, Ipswich Central Library and Tulmur Place, this is a great time to visit the Nicholas Street Precinct.
“While council has faced many challenges to deliver this project with the coronavirus pandemic, flooding, inflation and supply chain issues, we continue to open new venues and provide the platform for services to operate centrally for the Ipswich community.”
Another piece of the Nicholas Street Precinct puzzle has come together following practical completion of restoration works to the Commonwealth Hotel and a new operator, AusHotels.
Councillor Doyle said work will start shortly on the extension of the Commonwealth Hotel to the rear to increase its footprint (funding included in the 2021-22 annual budget).
“Once completed the hotel will draw more people to the precinct, bolster local trade and help reactivate the night-time economy complement the precinct’s other new offerings,” Cr Doyle said.
Bringing people back to Ipswich Central and the Nicholas Street Precinct development aligns with one of the key concepts of council’s iFuture document, a 20-year community vision and five-year corporate plan: vibrant and growing.
“One of our outcomes for 2026 is that Ipswich is known as a sought-after location for business, industry and visitors. The continued redevelopment of the Nicholas Street Precinct and reactivation of Ipswich Central is a beacon, sending a message loud and clear that our city centre is open for business and ready for investment,” Cr Doyle said.
For more information about Ipswich City Council’s 2022-2023 Budget, visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/budget