Ipswich has secured funding for the design for a transformative hub in Ipswich Central sure to boost a renaissance for the local arts and culture scene.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said a core section of Ipswich Central will by transformed thanks to a $3.8 million investment from the Federal Government to fund detailed upgrade designs.
The Ipswich Central Heart: Arts, Commerce and Urban Greening project is being funded through Stream One of the Australian Government’s urban Precincts and Partnerships Program (uPPP).
“This is a significant step forward for the future of our rapidly growing city,” Mayor Harding said.
“Ipswich City Council has made significant investment in the heart of Ipswich to reinvigorate our economy and provide a modern place where families and friends can gather, eat and be entertained.
“These initiatives will further complement our economic development by creating new local job opportunities while supporting the momentum council’s investments in the Nicholas Street Precinct have made.
“These projects will further foster a vibrant arts and cultural scene that is thriving like never before.
“The funding will allow us to plan and develop designs for the expansion of the Ipswich Art Gallery and the redevelopment of the Ipswich Civic Centre, which celebrates a half century in 2025.
“For 50 years, Ipswich Civic Centre has been at the heart of the Ipswich performing arts community, hosting countless events, fostering connections and creating memories, and this opportunity to refresh this popular location will be most welcome.”
SHAPING IPSWICH CENTRAL
Mayor Harding said uPPP will also include planning for the redevelopment of d’Arcy Doyle Place, a streetscape refresh of Brisbane Street, the integration of the inner-city cycle network and urban greening initiatives.
“The project aims to enhance our city’s liveability by fostering a vibrant arts and cultural scene, making Ipswich Central a more appealing place to live and work,” Mayor Harding said.
“By creating a sense of belonging, the initiative will strengthen social cohesion, bringing the community together through shared spaces and activities.”
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said the planned precinct will enhance many aspects by creating new job opportunities, in addition to supporting the investment already underway in Ipswich Central.
“This will deliver jobs for local residents and reinvigorated locations for our community to visit,” Cr Augustine said.
“It will also be planning for a place for artists and performers to collectively work and create.
“We will work collaboratively alongside the Office of the Queensland Government Architect, Queensland Health, West Moreton Health, and the Department of Transport and Main Roads throughout this planning project.
“This revitalisation of Ipswich Central will boost economic activities and promote environmental sustainability through green initiatives and better connectivity.”
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the first stream of uPPP will fund the design of places that contribute to local economic growth and revitalise urban spaces to meet the needs of growing communities.
“Connecting our inner CBD cycle network and refreshing the Brisbane Street streetscape will have real benefits for our residents who will be able to reduce their carbon footprint by cycling into work, and enjoy a cooler, greener time having a coffee or going shopping at Ipswich shops and small businesses,” Cr Doyle said.
“The funding will allow for planning of a more attractive and functional urban environment, improving the overall amenity of Ipswich Central.”
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said the revitalisation work will contribute to employment and opportunities, and improve residents’ access to arts, culture and recreation.
“This $3.8 million investment in Ipswich will help us build on our modern and thriving city, and is a good example of what can be achieved through collaboration, in this instance between council, the Member for Blair the Honourable Shayne Neumann and the Federal Government,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“This much-needed money will enhance our nationally-recognised Ipswich Art Gallery, and take major steps toward a fully refreshed Civic Centre ready to serve Ipswich’s rapidly growing population for another 50 years.”
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King said uPPP is about reusing and reimagining our urban spaces to better serve the people who live in them.
“The Ipswich CBD has enormous potential and this funding is the first critical step in realising this project,” Ms King said.
Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm said the revitalised precinct in the heart of Ipswich would improve arts and cultural experiences for the local community and help secure Ipswich’s status as a cultural hub in the southeast.
“This is yet another demonstration of the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to back local priority infrastructure and community projects in our town centres,” Mr Chisholm said.
Member for Blair, the Honourable Shayne Neumann said the $3.8 million investment would boost local businesses and jobs, in addition to supporting the investment already underway in Ipswich Central to make our city more vibrant and liveable.
“Ipswich is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, and this funding will help drive a thriving arts and cultural zone in our city centre that can be used by our diverse arts and entertainment community,” Mr Neumann said.
