Twenty-one new businesses have opened their doors in Ipswich Central as the revitalised city heart goes from strength to strength.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the influx of new businesses moving to Ipswich Central indicates council’s focus on reactivating the city centre is already paying off.
“What we are seeing in Ipswich Central is a reignited community spirit built on the passion and capacity of local business, council and the community,” Mayor Harding said.
“Collaboration between Ipswich Central Partnership, business, council and the community to support the revitalisation of Ipswich Central has seen the streets and public spaces come alive over recent months with dozens of investor meetings, a working bee in Bell Street, public artwork, increased greenery and façade improvements.
“Businesses are also starting to open their doors in the recently completed stage of the Nicholas Street Precinct with council committing $41.5 million in its 2022-2023 Budget to the continued redevelopment of the previously derelict mall and it’s so exciting to see the heart of Ipswich coming back to life.”
Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Chairperson and Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the implementation of council’s Top of Town and Ipswich Centre Core Place Plans have been embraced by the community.
“The continued revitalisation of Ipswich Central is building on what really matters to our community and is putting Ipswich on the map as a sought-after location for business, industry and visitors,” Cr Doyle said.
“The revitalisation has an exciting and accelerating momentum which is clear to see.
“I look forward to the new opportunities we can deliver together in Ipswich Central over the next twelve months and beyond.”
New kid on the block Lost Vintage has moved into Top of Town, with owners Shauna and Gary Alexander choosing Ipswich Central for their shop front after falling in love with Ipswich’s unique architecture and vibe while visiting on holidays from Canberra.
“We came to Ipswich and feel like we have stumbled on this pot of gold, the perfectly maintained buildings make a such an interesting background for not only our Instagram page but also just when grabbing coffee or running errands,” Shauna Alexander said.
“We really feel like we have arrived just before everyone else is going to clue onto how great this place is.”
It is not only businesses that have seen the changes in Ipswich Central and jumped at the opportunity, but there has also been an increase in residents moving to Ipswich Central.
Mt Crosby resident Janet de Witt moved into Ipswich Central from Mt Crosby to be closer to Ipswich’s city centre.
“We bought an investment house to renovate and then lease, but we instead fell in love with the new home and its location, so we moved in and haven’t looked back,” Ms de Witt said.
“Every weekend there is something to do, our favourites are to go to dinner in Top of Town and then head to a show at the civic centre or catch up with friends for a drink at The Rusty Nail or Banshees.
“More and more activities are popping up around the city and it’s great to see all of the people showing up and supporting it.”
For more information on what is happening in Ipswich Central visit Shape Your Ipswich.
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