With many amendments made to the original plans since the announcement of the Ipswich Central project, Ipswich City Council have revealed a refined master plan. The new heart of the city is now one step closer to reality as the most extensive redevelopment of the city centre in more than 30 years is underway, as demolition crews tear down the old Woolworths Mall.
The Ipswich Central $150 million project will feature a promenade of water fountains, an outdoor events space with a stage, a riverfront bar and a dining area.
The eight-hectare space will also include a collection of fresh and vibrant urban precincts for retail, dining, entertainment and open spaces, creating an active and dynamic 24/7 destination.
Footpath and al fresco bars, cafés and restaurants are being planned for Union Place, offering a variety of food and wine options, from take away burgers to upmarket fine diners.
The former Murphy’s Pub will be restored to its former 1910 glory, adopting its original moniker – The Commonwealth Hotel.
A modern, glass-fronted 3,400m2 new city library will front the main civic promenade offering a range of free and family-friendly services and activities.
More than 10,000m2 has been devoted to open, public space in Ipswich Central with shaded seating areas and cooling features including a water curtain and sculptural water steps, providing residents, workers and visitors with an outdoor area for relaxation, events and activities.
A raft of new fashion stores and retail outlets will be housed throughout the new city centre, offering an extension to what is already on offer at Riverlink Shopping Centre, and a riverside bar and covered timber deck area will be located on the northern end of the site.
Ipswich City Properties Chair Paul Tully said more than 19,000m2 of leasable commercial, retail, entertainment, food and beverage space had been created in Ipswich Central to service the population surge expected to exceed 400,000 by 2031.
“Ipswich Central also includes plans for a new Ipswich City Council administration building that will bring 800 workers into the city centre every day by 2020, creating a ready-made customer base for surrounding businesses.
“Once again, we will have a view towards the Bremer River from Brisbane Street, creating a more connected city centre where people can move seamlessly between the train station, Ipswich Central and River Heart Parklands.”
Cr Tully remained tight lipped on potential candidates they’ve been negotiating with – but promised there will be a fair few “big name” brands coming to the central hub.
The existing car park in Ipswich CBD, which hosts 1,100 spaces will remain, allowing ease of access to the updated Ipswich Central.
Construction for Ipswich Central will begin in June once the demolition process has finished, and is tipped to be complete by the end of 2019.
