The future home of new entertainment and recreation in Ipswich is one step closer with the official ‘topping-out’ ceremony celebrated at the latest building to be renovated as part of the Nicholas Street Precinct.
The building on the corner of Brisbane and Ellenborough Streets, will be the home of HOYTS Cinemas and a host of exciting entertainment and retail opportunities.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the extensive renovation work on the building was nearing completion, allowing attention to turn to the next phase of fit-out.
“The City of Ipswich is growing at a rapid pace, and we need a thriving CBD to support this growth. We want Ipswich residents to have access to quality restaurants and entertainment so they can stay and play in Ipswich,” Mayor Harding said.
“It was incredibly exciting to join Hutchinson Builders CEO Scott Hutchinson, and Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Chairperson Councillor Marnie Doyle, on-site to celebrate the last beam being lifted into place.
“The restoration of this site from an un-maintained, empty building to what will be a lively, attractive centrepiece to Ipswich’s re-emerging city heart is a major project.
“It has absolutely had its challenges, but we are so proud to see continued progression on the future home of HOYTS and other emerging entertainment options.”
Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Chairperson Cr Marnie Doyle, Mayor Teresa Harding, Hutchinson chairman Scott Hutchinson and HOYTS representative Luke Ormsby inspect a cinema.
Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Chairperson Councillor Marnie Doyle said the topping-out ceremony marked the end of one stage and the start of the next for the $71.9 million Venue project.
“This project is going to be an absolute game-changer for Ipswich and transform an entire block within the heart of our CBD,” Cr Doyle said.
“Over the past months of work, Hutchies have made incredible headway on Venue. From a dilapidated old building to the centrepiece of Nicholas Street, Venue is going to be the heart of entertainment for our city.
“This project has, to date, used more than 50 tonnes of structural steel, 500 m3 of concrete, 6,000 square metres of roof sheeting, and more than 35,000 square metres of plasterboard.
“Importantly, we have adaptively reused the existing structure of the building, providing a more sustainable outcome than many traditional new builds.
“As well as this, Hutchinson has employed 350 workers, many of whom call Ipswich home.
“Combined with exciting progress on the Commonwealth Hotel at the northern end of Nicholas Street, Ipswich residents will benefit from a remarkable, revitalised city heart before the end of 2024.
“In the coming months, focus will turn to the completion of the internal fit-out for Venue, as council continues working with leasing agents Colliers to secure an exciting range of tenants.
“Across all of Nicholas Street, we have 11 tenants secured out of 40 tenancies – and there are more on the way.
“Council is in the process of signing five new leases, including two major tenants for 2024.”
HOYTS Queensland Area Manager Graham Moss said it was an exciting project for the company and for Ipswich.
“HOYTS is proud to be bringing our world-class cinema offerings to Ipswich, and to join the Nicholas Street Precinct,” Mr Moss said.
“Ipswich is a growing city and we’re excited to be part of this rapid growth.”
Materials used on the Venue project to date: 35,000m2 of plasterboard, 10,000m2 of metal studwork, 20,000m2 of insulation, 6,000m2 of roof sheeting, 50 tonne of structural steel and 500m3 of concrete.
Leases secured across the Nicholas Street Precinct: Hoyts, Aus Hotels, Gelatissimo, Terry White Chemists, That Dumpling Place, Zambrero, Sushi Hyo, Sofia Nails, Stella Rossa, Bun Bun Bao, Austhetica.
Read more:
>> Lost theatres of Ipswich to be memorialised in new Venue design
>> Behind The Screens: Skylight in and outdoor paving begins at the Venue
I hope they get some more exciting tennants than what is listed because there is nothing much there to turn it into a great entertainment precinct.