The Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee has recommended a $33.6 million spend on CBD retail refurbishment works as part of the Nicholas Street project.
It will go before the full Ipswich City Council meeting on Thursday (27 August) for approval.
A report to the committee this week gave details of the proposed contract with Hutchinson Builders to design and construct the retail component of the overall project.
On 30 June 2020, council endorsed the Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee’s recommendation to adopt the Ipswich Central Redevelopment Retail and Commercial Property Strategy, which included development of the areas known as Venue and Eats, Metro A and B.
“It is very exciting to see this project progressing. The sooner we complete the development, the sooner we can support broader reactivation of our CBD,” Mayor Teresa Harding said.
This area was expected to include a new cinema complex and indoor go-karting track.
The report recommended to proceed with development of retail assets within the precinct.
The tender consideration plan determined it was appropriate for council to re-engage Hutchinson Builders, who have also constructed the council administration building, library and civic plaza.
The committee was told council’s ultimate goal of return on investment was possible if the retail precinct is successful. One of the key aspects was securing an anchor tenant, such as a major cinema group.
A KPMG report tabled at the meeting said it was in the best interests of this city to proceed with this retail development.
Committee Chair and Deputy Mayor Marnie Doyle asked whether there was any merit in delaying for a year or two the retail strategy.
Expert advice noted that the precinct – including the admin building, library and civic space – would be open but the area needed shops, cafes, food places, restaurants and the like to complement it and to attract families and workers to “play and stay” in the CBD.
Council was aiming for a September 2021 opening for the retail assets, including about 40 premises. There was significant interest from retail businesses wanting to come to the precinct.
“I do note this extra spend of $33 million will raise some concerns, but I can assure the community that the further cost at this stage of the redevelopment is line with expert advice from professional advisers to the CBD redevelopment, including KPMG, and is considered key to the success of the overall precinct,” Cr Doyle said.
“I agree that the top part of Nicholas Street is the gateway to the newly, nearly finished beautiful civic spaces. I think it would jeopardise the success of them if we don’t move forward.”
The committee voted unanimously on the recommendation to council.
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Please can this precinct focus on sustainability and have locations where skilled people can upcycle and repair old items and teach others their sjills. Op shops are great. So too are art and craft workshop locations for mental health. Yoga and well being locations would also be a benefit. This could be a hub for finding a way back to wellness. People don’t do retail anymore.
I don’t think we need more health options …we need a Department store like Myer or David Jones and of course a lot more parking. Can’t find a park as it is. Forget about go-karting ..give us some decent shops not dreary like Riverlink. Have to go to Indooroopilly to get anything decent. Leave the health businesses out of the CBD.
You may not do retail but a lot of older people still like to see what they are getting before they buy and of course a lot of them do not buy on-line. Some decent restaurants would be nice as well instead of having mostly Clubs to go to for a meal. Just my thoughts ….