THE sight of cranes over the skyline heralds a big year of major construction in Ipswich.
At Ipswich Hospital, you can’t miss the work site bordered by Warwick Rd, Chelmsford Ave and Churchill St. The hospital is being expanded to create a much-needed new emergency department, operating theatre and 200 new beds on Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul country.
Before the laying of foundations, Uncle Henry Thompson from Yugara Dancers blessed the grounds during a traditional smoking ceremony.
This $710 million project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Meanwhile, two of council’s former buildings, the Humanities Centre and administration building, now owned by Queensland Health, are in the process of being removed to make way for redevelopment.
This is part of a wider project between Roderick and South streets which will include the construction of a new multi-level carpark and ultimately a new eight storey Ipswich Wellness and Health Centre on the corner of Roderick and East streets.
In another sign of more housing development adjacent to the rail corridor, another crane has gone up opposite Booval station. Importantly, this site will feature social housing for people who are unable to secure a long-term affordable place to live.
On the commercial front the PA Hotel at Booval is expanding again. The Johnson family continues to back Ipswich in a big way.
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