The influx of workers required to service Rheinmetall’s new defence contract are set to reap the benefits of the $150 million redevelopment of Ipswich’s city heart.
Ipswich City Properties (ICP) chair Councillor Paul Tully said the jobs win for the region was perfectly timed for the arrival of Ipswich Central, a new city heart creating a vibrant retail, entertainment and dining hub for the region’s rising workforce.
“We are deliberately creating not a new CBD but a new CED – a central entertainment district which will be the perfect mix of business and leisure for Ipswich residents, including the 1000 or so extra workers who will be required for the Rheinmetall contract,” Cr Tully said.
“The Federal Government defence contract win reflects the important role Ipswich plays in the western corridor and is indicative of the growth expected in this region in the next 12 years with our population expected to more than double.
“The redeveloped Ipswich Central will provide this growing number of families and workers with exciting new dining and revitalised retail precincts, vibrant public spaces, a world-class library facility, an entertainment stage.”
Major demolition works started last week on Ipswich Central to make way for the redeveloped central district that has already created 350 jobs.
Cr Tully said the new city centre, along with the manufacturing sector boost provided by the Rheinmetall contract, would entice more new businesses to the city centre.
“These two significant developments will provide a huge boost for our local economy,” Cr Tully said.
“They have the potential to positively impact on property values, to be the catalyst for new businesses growth, to provide locals and retailers with a city centre they can be proud of.
“As our region enters a significant growth phase over the next decade, we need to make sure that we are ready and able to deliver the services and offer the public amenity that is required.”
