Bell Street in Ipswich Central has received a makeover after Ipswich Central Partnership, in collaboration with Clean Up Australia Day and Ipswich City Council, refreshed the street as part of council’s Ipswich Central Revitalisation project.
The community-led clean-up took place in late November and included the removal of graffiti, sanding of bench chairs, painting, high pressure washing of streets, picking up of rubbish and planting.
The Limestone Street green wall was also moved into Bell Street in response to community feedback, providing additional greening, and for a bit of Christmas cheer solar lighting was added to the green wall.
Three handmade planter boxes, which were created through a collaboration between Ipswich State High School and Council, were installed in front of the train station and decorated with lights and Christmas decorations.
Council provided the paint, graffiti remover, sandpaper and some extra hands with Mayor Teresa Harding, and Councillors Marnie Doyle, Andrew Fechner, and Kate Kunzelmann all rolling up their sleeves to help on the day.
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the Bell Street clean-up was a great success.
“As Bell Street is a key Ipswich Central thoroughfare and the entrance to our CBD for those arriving by train it was the ideal location for the Ipswich Central Partnership first initiative,” Cr Doyle said.
“Over 50 people spent their Sunday morning helping at the clean-up and I am proud to be part of a community ready to grab a sponge, brush, or some sandpaper to make a real difference in our city.”
Councillor Doyle said Bell Street maintenance was complicated by the mix of public and private property ownership.
“While council maintains Bell Street with regular cleaning and graffiti removal from footpaths and other council-owned property, the buildings on the east of the street are all state government assets or privately owned businesses,” Cr Doyle said.
“That’s why it’s vital that we work together to improve and maintain the streetscape.”
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Fechner said the community-led project is crucial to ensuring the sustainability of changes.
“This clean-up is a fabulous example of the Ipswich Central Revitalisation Project’s commitment to increased community participation and meaningful conversations with stakeholders,” Cr Fechner said.
“It was wonderful to spend a morning working alongside the passionate and enthusiastic residents, business owners, and community leaders who make up the Ipswich Central Partnership.
“In addition to the clean-up, the partnership was an instrumental voice in the development of precinct Place Plans for Ipswich Centre Core and Top of Town and I can’t wait to see their future contributions.”
