A ‘landmark’ six-storey commercial building has been proposed on the corner of Limestone and Ellenborough streets in the Ipswich CBD.
The proposal is to demolish the existing building – currently used by an auto products store and a tattoo shop – to create offices, a restaurant, shop and basement carpark.
The application lodged with Ipswich City Council argues that a new, modern commercial building on the site would allow for “the city centre to continue developing into the main administrative and cultural centre for the Western Corridor of South-East Queensland”.
“The proposal will contribute to the overall revitalisation of the Ipswich CBD,” the application notes.
“It aims to complement the existing professional services, courthouse and business uses in the vicinity and will increase the number of job opportunities for Ipswich as a Regional Activity Centre.”
Under the proposal, the ground floor of the new building would include a bistro and small retail outlet, with the remaining five storeys being office space.
Professionals in the legal, financial and medical fields are expected to take up the office space.
“Generally, the proposal will be an important part of the business hub developing in the precinct,” the application notes.
“In all, the 90 Limestone proposal will reinforce the Ellenborough/Limestone professional/restaurant hub which will also be frequented by the populace from other parts of the city and surrounds.
“The proposal provides a new type of restaurant in the form of a bistro, which will mostly serve professionals (from within and outside of the building) and casual diners during the day, and likely mostly casual diners in the evening.”
The application notes that design elements have been included in the proposal to ensure the building fits the existing character of the area.
The new building would be across the road from the iconic former technical college building at 88 Limestone Street which was restored in recent years and includes professional offices, retail stores, cafes and restaurants.
“The proposal is distinguishable from other buildings within the same zone, but does not dominate or overshadow the heritage elements from across the road at 88 Limestone Street,” the application notes.
Ipswich City Council is considering the application.