PHOTO:SUPPLIED – Cr Marnie Doyle in the Nicholas St precinct.
COUNCIL has committed $41.5 million in its Budget for the next phase of work in the Nicholas Street Precinct redevelopment.
Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee chairwoman Marnie Doyle said a sizeable part of that funding will be spent on leisure, entertainment, food and beverage.
“This exciting stage of the Nicholas Street Precinct will see construction of the food and beverage and entertainment aspects,” Cr Doyle said.
“Council has taken a derelict mall and delivered a revitalised, inclusive space for the local community to not only enjoy but be proud of, in the heart of Ipswich.
“With the opening of council’s 1 Nicholas Street administrationbuilding, Ipswich Children’s
Library, Ipswich Central Library and Tulmur Place, this is a great time to visit the Nicholas Street Precinct.
“While council has faced many challenges to deliver this project with the coronavirus pandemic, flooding, inflation and supply chain issues, we continue to open new venues and provide the platform for
services to operate centrally for the Ipswich community.”
Restoration work on the Commonwealth Hotel is also nearing completion. Councillor Doyle said work
will start shortly on extending the rear of the hotel to increase its footprint with funding from the 2021-22 budget.
“Once completed the hotel will draw more people to the precinct, bolster trade and help reactivate the night-time economy complement the precinct’s other new offerings,” she said.
“One of our outcomes for 2026 is that Ipswich is known as a sought-after location for business, industry and visitors.
The continued redevelopment of the Nicholas Street Precinct and reactivation of Ipswich Central is a beacon, sending a message loud and clear that our city centre is open for business and ready for investment,” Cr
Doyle said.
