Thousands of people attended the recent opening event in Nicholas Street in what should be a sign of things to come for the CBD transformation.
It augurs well for the future of Ipswich Central.
The historic Ipswich City Council meeting in December clearly spelled out council’s Vision2020 plan and the decision on the retail precinct of the Nicholas Street redevelopment which will benefit the community for years to come.
The final council meeting for the year – and the last for then Interim Administrator Greg Chemello and the Interim Management Committee – outlined what was happening in the Ipswich CBD and why certain measures were being taken before the return of elected representatives after the 28 March local government elections.
Community commentary has continued about council’s direction with the $250 million redevelopment, including an amount of $44 million which will be spent establishing new stores, restaurants, cafes, entertainment areas, a cinema complex and an indoor go kart track as part of a council strategy to “redevelop, refurbish, lease and sell”.
>> Read more: Retail precinct will benefit Ipswich community for years to come <<
IMC member Steve Greenwood, who took over as Interim Administrator in January, has continued to guide council as work in the CBD, including the new council administration building, adult and children’s libraries, civic space and the retail precinct proceeds at full speed ahead.
Mr Greenwood said it was important for the community to understand why council was doing something, not just that what council was doing.
“A decade of poor decisions, false starts, and inactivity saw the stalled CBD redevelopment effectively incur an accumulated $78 million loss to Ipswich ratepayers,” he said.
“Under administration, council established a clear and focussed redevelopment strategy based on sound expert advice.”
The December council meeting heard the final piece of the CBD puzzle was in place and the business community was on board.
“All the major decisions regarding the redevelopment have been made and adopted. The ongoing challenge is to deliver on the strategy and decisions,” Mr Greenwood said.
“Community members can finally expect a bustling city heart after construction is completed in about 18 months’ time.
“They can expect a thriving food and beverage precinct with nationally-recognised brands, an active entertainment precinct, greater linkages with retail shopping at Riverlink, and restaurants and other businesses in Top of Town.
“Council staff can expect contemporary premises from which to better serve the residents and ratepayers of Ipswich. They will have new and modern ways of working which will lead to greater efficiency and productivity.
“The incoming mayor and councillors can expect a precinct – inclusive of the council chambers – which is publicly accessible, vibrant, and a true civic heart for Ipswich.”
Mr Greenwood said the Vision2020 document detailed the redevelopment, what happened before going into administration (pre August 2018), what council did as a result, and what is happening now.
>> Read: Vision2020: Interim Administrators report to the community of Ipswich, January 2020 <<
Mr Greenwood said council is currently working on a masterplan for Ipswich Central.
“The plan will set an agenda for economic and social prosperity, drive jobs growth within the city’s central hub, and provide significant opportunities for growth,” he said.
“In 2020, council will work with the community and key stakeholders to create the Ipswich Central Masterplan. It will initiate place-making and activation plans for the CBD across the river to North Ipswich, west to the industrial precinct in West Ipswich, south to the Ipswich Showgrounds and east to Queens Park.”
This year will also see the heavy lifting carried out in the CBD.
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“A decade of poor decisions, false starts, and inactivity saw the stalled CBD redevelopment effectively incur an accumulated $78 million loss to Ipswich ratepayers,” he said.
that’s great so why on earth are we following an obviously flawed system ?
forget the 1.5 to 2 million these people cost us and just get one good administrator in, they seem to be more problems than they are worth anyway
Why aren’t you/we repairing & updating Knight Avenue Silkstone?