Restoring vehicle access to Nicholas Street is a step closer to reality this month with the arrival of ground-penetrating radars at the Ipswich Central redevelopment site.
“Since the start of 2018, progress to ready the site has been moving quickly as contractor Hutchinson’s Builders undertakes important demolition preparation works,” Ipswich City Properties Chair, Cr Tully said.
“We are also now making good progress on our plan to reintroduce the roadway through the existing Ipswich pedestrian mall. People will probably notice a series of spray painted line markings on pavers, grass and concrete areas to mark where we need to find out what’s going on underground.
“The radar images will provide us with detailed information on potential cracks and voids below the surface, which could impact how the area is used or built upon.”
Once the area is mapped, pot-holing will start at designated areas of the Mall to measure the distance to the former Nicholas Street road surface.
“The next big step is excavation to uncover the old road. When that’s brought to light, and we know what we’re dealing with, we’ll be able to make any necessary upgrades to deliver a new, user-friendly road surface that’s suitable for vehicles and pedestrians.”
Later this month, the project is scheduled to begin demolition of the former Woolworths site and neighbouring retail areas.
That’s meant some access changes – the former 30-minute car park has been closed to the public and you will need to use the former Bank of Queensland arcade for lift/stair access from the car park to the mall.
There’ll be plenty of activity on site but soon there will be a clean slate for a new Central Entertainment District to spring to life. Ipswich Central will be a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly, connected hub with distinct retail, entertainment, food and civic precincts.
- $150 million budget.
- An active, engaging space with a focus on entertainment, food, beverage, retail and community facilities.
- Reopening of Nicholas Street and Union Place to one-way traffic.
- Mid to high end retail fronting Bell Street.
- New Ipswich City Council administration building and Ipswich Central Library.
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