Here’s what’s been happening on the Ipswich business scene during the month.
Fly-through video of new CBD released
The Ipswich City Council has released a simulation video of the plans for the Ipswich CBD. The video, which can be accessed via the Council’s Ipswich First website, ‘flies’ down Nicholas Street through to Brisbane Street and features the Ipswich City Council administration building, new library and civic space as well as locations for dining, retail and health and shopping hubs. The video brings virtual reality to the refurbishment of the CBD.
Ipswich Post Office remains open
Australia Post has confirmed that the Ipswich Post Office will remain open for a further six months despite preparing to close in September. Australia Post has since released a statement that said it had been “overwhelmed by community feedback and the passion the community has for retaining an Australian Post presence within the CBD”.
For PO Box holders the Post Office has advised that they are able to retain their service and address for another six months and they will continue to keep communication open about any upcoming changes.
While this is a reprieve for now, there’s no guarantee of the PO’s future.
New CEO, Ipswich Hospital Foundation
The Ipswich Hospital Fund now has a new Chief Executive Officer in James Sturges, formerly General Manager at Llewellyn Motors for nearly 18 years.
Sturges moved into the new CEO role in mid August replacing Phillip Bell. The Foundation ushered in his new leadership role with an event titled ‘Innovation through Collaboration’, with guest speaker Queensland Chief Entrepreneur Leanne Kemp. The event also launched the Ipswich Hospital Foundation’s latest innovation, the ‘Innovation Circle.’ This works as a platform where businesses and individuals around Ipswich and Queensland can share ideas and information in order to expand, collaborate on and support projects.
Businesses that have an idea are able to use the Innovation Circle platform to launch it and grow the circle, strengthen the network and support the Ipswich Hospital Foundation.
Taco Bell to Replace Sizzler
The Ipswich Sizzler building at 70 Brisbane Road East Ipswich has been demolished and an application for the construction of Taco Bell lodged in February this year has been approved.
The change is cited as a reflection of the community’s wants. The new restaurant will provide a 12-car drive through, space for 50 car parks, a 58 square dining area and run seven days a week / 24 hours.
Franchisee giant Collins Food previously made two failed attempts to open Taco Bell in Australia before opening its first store in Annerley in 2017. The response to the store has been less than overwhelming with reviewers giving it a 2.1/5 on Zomato and a 3.7/5 on Facebook reviews. There has been local backlash to the development, with many declaring their loyalty to Sizzler. The Ipswich Taco Bell is the sixth Queensland franchise.