Ipswich City Properties and major developer epc.Pacific have reached agreement to relocate the council’s administration offices and city library into a new landmark 15,600sqm nine-storey building within a redeveloped Ipswich Mall.

Included in the plans is to open the Mall to one-way traffic. The $150 million urban regeneration project will also feature leisure and entertainment venues, restaurants and specialty stores in a three-level retail and mixed-use centre.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said there would also be a strong focus on a new town square, in line with council’s vision of restoring the heart and soul of the Ipswich CBD.

“Ipswich is no different from any other Australian city, where the CBDs have been under pressure from regional shopping centres.

“But today is a day about the city moving forward; this is about opening up the Mall to the river and creating a destination place for people to come and enjoy their city. It’s all about bringing people back into the CBD.”

It’s almost 30 years since the CBD was open to the river, and the plan is to create a new outdoor terrace overlooking River Heart Parklands. A major objective is to connect the CBD across the river with Riverlink, to create a city centre that combines mostly retail at Riverlink with the cultural, entertainment and business precinct of Ipswich Central.

Ipswich City Properties Chairman Paul Tully said the agreement with epc.Pacifc puts aside any doubts about the future viability of the entire long term project.

“Having epc.Pacific on board with their vast experience in property and development, places the city in the best position to get world class results,” he said.

Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said that the Woolworths supermarket and shops between the rotunda and Bremer Street would be removed, and the Mall would be opened to one way traffic from Brisbane Street down the Mall and into Union Place to Bell Street.

A new 3,800sqm Woolworths will likely be built at a site adjoining Union Place.

Cr Antoniolli said this will help transform Ipswich into a true 24/7 city replacing the Mall concept, which is outdated and hasn’t work anywhere in Australia, except Queen Street Mall in Brisbane.

“A relocated library and administration centre will bring activity to the city centre,” he said. The library has about 8,000 people visiting each week.”

epc.Pacific Managing Director Patrick Smith said that before detailed plans are finalised the company would consult widely with the business community, residents and key stakeholders and custodians of the city centre.

The Ipswich project will be the company’s largest undertaking in Queensland.