Ipswich City Council’s transformative Nicholas Street Precinct redevelopment has been recognised as an exemplar in urban design, winning the prestigious Minister’s Award for Urban Design and the Movement and Place Award 2024.
The awards recognise urban design projects of the highest quality across Queensland, highlighting the importance of good quality design in shaping communities and the integration of transport and movement to support social and economic outcomes.
Designs were judged on climate responsiveness, improvement to local character, enhancing natural systems, connectivity, creating a great place for people to live, diversity, adaptation, leadership, and effective engagement.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the award is further recognition of council’s efforts to bring a beating heart back to the city centre.
“The Nicholas Street Precinct is a once-in-a-generation redevelopment of our city centre,” Mayor Harding said.
“The Precinct continues to gain momentum as different elements are delivered, growing to over 1.2 million visitations per year and continuing to emerge as a dining, cultural and entertainment destination.
“These awards are a further testament that council is delivering on its promise to revitalise the city centre.”
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said council was thrilled to be recognised for the design of the Precinct.
“These awards reinforce how much meticulous planning went into bringing the Nicholas Street Precinct to life, from a rundown mall to a world-class civic heart,” Cr Augustine said.
“Nicholas Street Precinct has provided an inclusive space for Ipswich residents, a drawcard for visitors and has helped meet the needs of our rapidly growing community.”
Since the redevelopment began, 18 businesses have opened their doors in the Precinct, with more on the way.
HOYTS Cinemas and General Public ‘eatertainery’ will join the Precinct later this year, with the newly-renovated Hotel Commonwealth also set to open its doors.
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the redevelopment had breathed renewed life into the city heart, creating a space the entire community could be proud of.
“The Nicholas Street Precinct is one-of-a-kind. Seeing the council’s bold vision to turn a once derelict mall into an award-winning, community-friendly space is something we can all be proud of,” Cr Doyle said.
“This is a win for our entire community. Nicholas Street Precinct continues to emerge as a vibrant hub for entertainment, dining, and leisure, providing our residents with a place to gather for all kinds of events.”
The awards are the latest accolades for the Nicholas Street Precinct, which was also recognised in 2022 in the Landscape Architecture Awards for Landscape Planning, and in 2021 as Queensland’s top public space.
The Precinct is also home to Australia’s first standalone children’s library which has won awards for innovation.