In a Queensland first, Ipswich has been chosen to host a unique thought leadership and hands-on event in partnership with international placemaking experts Better Block Foundation.
Better Block supports cities and their passionate stakeholders, like the Ipswich Central Partnership, to develop leadership, inspire citizen-led action and assist local governments to improve their enabling environment with the goal of creating prosperity.
Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Chairperson and Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said placemaking is a collaborative process that brings people of all ages and backgrounds together to create positive changes to public spaces.
“The placemaking movement is gaining momentum around the world as a communal process for creating public spaces that people enjoy and feel connected to,” Cr Doyle said.
“On 12 August, the Building Better Blocks and Neighbourhoods event in Ipswich Central will provide an opportunity for residents and local businesses to create a unique space in d’Arcy Doyle Place.
“I am looking forward to seeing this project support the development of a cultural destination for locals and visitors to enjoy, and further investment in our revitalised Ipswich Central and benefiting the local business community.”
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Fechner said the initiative would bring people together to imagine and ignite change.
“Building on the work already underway on the Ipswich Central Revitalisation, this opportunity involves hearing from those who want to work collaboratively to achieve common goals that succeed both economically and socially,” Cr Fechner said.
“This is an inspiring event, that is more than just a talk fest, it encourages people to stop dreaming and start doing and we are proud to see Ipswich hand-selected to benefit from this innovative model.”
Held on Friday 12 August 2022 starting at 1 Nicholas Street then moving to d’Arcy Doyle Place, the event is curated for local business owners and community members who want to understand more about placemaking initiatives.
Building Better Blocks and Neighbourhoods will feature discussions from Better Block Foundation Executive Director Krista Nightengale plus city-shaping experts including:
- Town Team Movement Co-Founder Dean Cracknell – known to inspire, guide and coach people to be positive change makers.
- Complete Streets Director Steven Burgess – a leading contributor to the planning, design and development of liveable cities, who has worked on village, town and city transformation projects around the world.
- FourFold Studio Director Brooke Williams – a highly experienced urban designer and placemaking advisor who has worked on urban renewal and place-based economic regeneration strategies throughout Queensland and New South Wales.
After Building Better Blocks and Neighbourhoods event concludes, the Ipswich Central Partnership will be taking over the space to showcase the day’s work at their event Unlock the Block.
For more information about the Building Better Blocks and Neighbourhoods event visit https://events.humanitix.com/ipswich-better-block
More information about Ipswich Central Partnership’s Unlock the Block event can be found on the group’s Facebook page.
For more information and to keep up to date with what’s happening in Ipswich Central visit Ipswichcentral.com.au
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