Days numbered for former Woolworths building in Ipswich mall

The remnants of the former Woolworths supermarket building in the mall are being demolished as Ipswich’s CBD revival continues.

In recent weeks the interiors of the former 30-minute car park, former Woolworths supermarket and adjoining tenancies were cleared by Hutchinson Builders.

That made way for work to start this week on demolishing the roof, facade, remaining walls and frames of the building.

Ipswich City Properties Chairman Councillor Paul Tully said visitors to the mall in recent days would have noticed the crane removing large concrete panels.

“This is the biggest transformation of inner-city Ipswich in 30 years,” Cr Tully said.

“It’s about rejuvenating the heart of our city with new dining and retail precincts, vibrant public spaces, an entertainment stage and fresh retail outlets.

“Importantly, this redevelopment is also boosting the Ipswich economy and creating thousands of jobs.”

The activity at the bottom of the mall is not the only demolition and construction work that has been taking place recently.

Closer to the top of the mall, Ipswich City Mall Newsagency has given its store a makeover with a new front counter.

Pauline Williamson and Mikala White of Ipswich City Mall Newsagency.

Owner Pauline Williamson said it was the perfect time to spruce up the store.

“I thought it blended in perfectly with what is happening around us and I wanted to send a message that there are positive things happening and we’re here to stay,” she said.

“The mall is getting a fresh, new look and now our store has one as well. When the redevelopment is done it will be great for the city.”

Division 7 Councillor David Martin encouraged people to continue supporting CBD traders.

“Our mall traders are right behind the redevelopment but they also need the support of our community while the project takes shape,” he said.

“I encourage people to come down, have a look at the demolition works taking place for themselves and check out the businesses in the mall.

“There are also some cracking places to eat and great retail stores right across our CBD, including at the Top of Town, and plenty of fun to be had at Ipswich Art Gallery these school holidays.

“This is an exciting time for our city and the redevelopment will mean a first-class retail and business centre by day as well as an exciting dining and entertainment precinct by night.”

The current works will mean the short-term closure of the P3 car park entry point from April 16 to about April 22 to allow for heavy equipment to safely access the site.

During this period, car park users should use P5 entry and exit boom gates.