Ipswich City Council in partnership with property owners, stakeholders, local businesses, and the community is embarking on an innovative program to revitalise Ipswich Central.
Over the coming month, Ipswich residents are invited to have their say online or at one of the upcoming community engagement events, ahead of the delivery of a new framework to guide development and attract investment.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said council is committed to working closely with community groups, businesses and residents on the Ipswich Central Revitalisation project.
“With approximately 325,000 new community members set to join Ipswich by 2041, there is such a bright future ahead for our liveable and prosperous city,” Mayor Harding said.
“The challenge is to keep our economy in front of the upcoming growth.
“For council, this means listening to our valued stakeholders and connecting your needs with the investment agenda across government and the private sector.
“We have already heard a number of wonderful ideas from our passionate and proud community.”
The framework will be supported by action plans to drive change in the first of two core areas of Ipswich Central – Ipswich Centre Core and Top of Town – with other precincts to follow.
Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Chair Councillor Marnie Doyle encouraged all Ipswich residents to share their ideas on our city’s centre.
Cr Doyle’s Notice of Motion to council’s October 2020 ordinary meeting called for work to commence on an Ipswich Central Precinct Plan to set strategic policies for the precinct that would consider economic development, planning, community and culture issues and opportunities.
“Ipswich Central should be at the heart of civic, cultural and economic activity in our city,” Cr Doyle said.
“With the help of residents, and working with business owners and other stakeholders, we can develop an urban strategy that focuses on encouraging investments and partnerships.
“This is an opportunity to improve the quality of life and economic situation in the heart of Ipswich and rebuild our historic connection with our city centre.”
To share your ideas for the Ipswich Central revitalisation project or to apply to join one of the future Ipswich Central Partnership groups, visit www.ipswichcentral.com.au
Residents are also encouraged to attend a pop-up engagement hub or the main community event, SPARK Lounge, on Friday 9 July at the Nicholas Street Precinct, continuing onto the Bradfield Bridge, from 4pm to 8pm.
To find out more information on the locations and dates of the pop-up engagements, visit www.ipswichcentral.com.au
About Ipswich Central
Ipswich Central is about 840 hectares of land in the centre of Ipswich extending from Limestone and Queens Park, including the Ipswich Showgrounds and USQ, West Ipswich, over to the North Ipswich Railyards, back down to North Ipswich Reserve, including both the grammar schools, St Mary’s and St Edmunds.
A destination hub of local shops and food outlets. A central foody hub of worldclass cuisine and bars. Make it so good people drivw from far and wide! Include an outdoor theatre and cinema too.