THE Nicholas Street Precinct has become more than just a destination in Ipswich—it has become a symbol of community, innovation, and world-class urban design.
The $311 million redevelopment has captured the attention of locals, visitors, and industry experts alike, and now it has earned international recognition with a Silver Award in the Better Future World Design Awards 2026 for excellence in wayfinding.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding described the award as a celebration of the city’s bold vision.
“This is such an honour for our city,” she said. “It recognises a triumph of urban renewal—bringing life back to the city centre with a design that can be held up as an exemplar for people-first public spaces.”
Since opening, the precinct has attracted more than two million visitors, drawn not only by its striking design but also by its intuitive wayfinding.
Councillor Pye Augustine said the accolade followed a string of prestigious awards, including the Queensland Minister’s Award for Urban Design and the Movement and Place Award in 2024.
“These awards reflect the meticulous planning that went into bringing Nicholas Street Precinct to life,” Cr Augustine said. “They are a testament that council is delivering on its promise to revitalise the city centre.”
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle described the precinct as “one-of-a-kind,” noting the transformation from a once-derelict mall to an award-winning, community-focused destination.
“Seeing the council’s bold vision come to life is something we can all be proud of,” she said.
The precinct’s design has consistently drawn acclaim from industry judges. In 2025 alone, it earned awards for Best Public Building or Social Infrastructure, Development of the Year in Urban Regeneration, a Gold Medal for Wayfinding, and recognition for its commercial refurbishment and hotel redevelopment. Past honours include awards for landscape architecture, innovation in library design, and community service delivery.
The Better Future World Design Awards recognise projects that demonstrate courage and innovation, sourcing entries from a global network of design programs. The Nicholas Street Precinct was commended for a wayfinding strategy that supports intuitive exploration, fosters a strong sense of place, and extends the experience of the surrounding urban environment.
With its blend of visionary planning, aesthetic appeal, and practical design, the Nicholas Street Precinct continues to set a benchmark for urban renewal—not just in Ipswich, but on the world stage.
