IPSWICH is set for a glittering glow-up as an international hotel heavyweight plants its flag in the city centre – and insiders are calling it nothing short of a game-changer.
In a dramatic development for the booming Queensland city, Hilton and Ipswich Hotel Group Pty Ltd have struck a landmark deal to bring a brand-new 160-room Hilton Garden Inn to Ipswich, promising sleek modern comfort, “bright airy spaces” and the brand’s famous Brighthearted hospitality — all just in time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games frenzy.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding confirmed council has locked in a development agreement to build the hotel on vacant council-owned land on Ellenborough Street, right beside the award-winning Nicholas Street Precinct.
Construction is tipped to kick off in late 2026 with 150 workers on site, backed by a massive $53 million investment.
Doors are expected to open in late 2028.
And the Mayor didn’t hold back on the hype.
“With seven storeys and 160 rooms, the Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich will take our reputation as a must-visit destination for great experiences to the next level. This hotel is a game-changer for the city,” Mayor Harding said.
The economic ripple effect could be huge.
“This $53 million investment will bring a further 50 permanent jobs on completion,” she said.
“Those permanent jobs will bring $2.7 million into the city’s economy each year, based on productivity data from Economy.id.
“The accommodation and food services sector is worth $337 million to the city – and today’s announcement will boost that significantly, with permanent jobs, and business opportunities for industry suppliers.”
The move follows council’s Hotel and Short-Term Accommodation Action Plan — designed to tackle a looming room shortage before the Olympics.
“A recent audit identified 515 short-term accommodation rooms in Ipswich – about 310 less than will be required for the Games and beyond. This signing more than halves that gap,” Mayor Harding said.
“This will supercharge Ipswich’s tourism sector, ramping up the number of overnight stays by visitors drawn to the Hilton brand, and providing a boost for tourism operators and businesses particularly as we work collectively to maximise the opportunities on offer in 2032 and beyond.”
Hilton executives say Ipswich is the latest piece in a massive global expansion puzzle.
Paul Hutton, Area Vice President and Head of Australasia, Hilton, said: “With more than 1,100 Hilton Garden Inn hotels trading globally and a pipeline of over 450 worldwide, the brand continues to build strong momentum across Australasia – spanning major hubs like Brisbane as well as regional and provincial centres including Busselton, Albany, and Darwin”.
“Hilton Garden Inn hotels already operate in key regional markets and will open in Suva later this year, with Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich another strong example of how we’re bringing our trusted, value-driven hospitality to high-growth destinations.
“We’re proud to partner on a hotel that supports Ipswich’s continued transformation, offering business and leisure travellers a welcoming and convenient base in one of Queensland’s fastest-growing cities.”
Hilton’s development leadership agrees Ipswich is booming.
Tushar Raniga, Director Development Australasia, Hilton, said: “Ipswich is emerging as one of South East Queensland’s most dynamic cities, and Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich is ideally suited to support its continued evolution”.
“The Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich is designed to deliver high-quality, efficient accommodation that strengthens local room supply, supports tourism and business travel, and creates lasting benefits for growing communities.”
Ipswich Hotel Group says the partnership is a major moment for the city.
Rupert Yang, Director, Ipswich Hotel Group Pty Ltd, said: “We commend council for their proactive approach to addressing the current and growing need for more accommodation through their Hotel and Short-term Accommodation Plan.
“We value the opportunity to work with the council as the landlord of the site on which the hotel will be built, and we feel privileged to be delivering an important piece of infrastructure for the city.
“We are also thrilled to be again partnering with Hilton to deliver the Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich. This will be a sister property to our Hilton Garden Inn Brisbane City Centre North and is a clear demonstration of the mutual trust and confidence that Ipswich Hotel Group and the Hilton management team have in each other.”
Council leaders say the hotel will turbocharge tourism and events.
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said: “The Hilton Garden Inn, a brand known globally for its warm service, modern comfort and thoughtful design, will sit adjacent to our revived city heart, Nicholas Street Precinct, giving guests access to its many dining and entertainment offerings, as well as those throughout the city.”
“The Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich will further boost a strong local tourism industry that attracts two million visitors and brings $460 million into the local economy per year.
“It will help attract new events to Ipswich, adding to stellar offerings such as CMC Rocks Festival, Winternationals, Ipswich Cup and Ipswich Show which last year attracted a combined attendance of more than 100,000 people, while almost 52,000 fans attended the Supercars at Queensland Raceway.
“Despite these wonderful offerings, a recent audit showed a clear shortage of short-stay accommodation across our city currently, so the Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich is a huge step forward.”
Local councillors say the timing couldn’t be better.
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said: “Council’s transformation of North Ipswich Reserve into the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct – starting with a new $40 million western grandstand – will bring more top-tier events to Ipswich, making the construction of the Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich even more timely.”
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said: “We are bringing to life this long unused land next to the picturesque, jacaranda tree-lined Timothy Moloney Park, with hotel guests to enjoy views of our beautiful city including the majestic heritage-listed St Mary’s Catholic Church.”
