Designing the Cultural Heart of Ipswich

The Ipswich CBD will soon begin its transformation thanks to a $3.8 million investment from the Albanese Government to fund detailed upgrade designs.

The Ipswich Central Heart: Art, Commerce and Urban Greening project is being funded through Stream One of the Australian Government’s urban Precincts and Partnerships Program (uPPP). 

The project will develop designs for the expansion of the Ipswich Art Gallery and the redevelopment of the Ipswich Civic Centre. It will also include planning for a streetscape refresh of Brisbane Street, the integration of the Inner CBD Cycle Network and additional urban greening initiatives.

The planned precinct aims to enhance economic development by creating new local job opportunities, in addition to supporting the investment already underway in Ipswich Central. 

It will also deliver an arts and cultural precinct, providing a place for artists and performers to collectively work and create.

City of Ipswich will work collaboratively alongside the Office of the Queensland Government Architect, Queensland Health, West Moreton Health, and the Department of Transport and Main Roads throughout this planning project.  

Stream One of the uPPP funds the design of places that contribute to local economic growth and revitalise urban spaces to meet the needs of growing communities.

This funding demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to valuing local voices and developing partnerships that will help build Australia’s future in the long term. 

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King: 

“The Albanese Government’s urban Precincts and Partnerships Program is about reusing and reimagining our urban spaces to better serve the people who live in them.

“The Ipswich CBD has enormous potential and this funding is the first critical step in realising this project.”  

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm: 

“This new precinct, right in the heart of Ipswich, will improve arts and cultural experiences for the local community and help secure Ipswich’s status as a cultural hub in the south east.

“This is yet another demonstration of the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to back local priority infrastructure and community projects in our town centres.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann:

"This $3.8 million investment from the Albanese Government in Ipswich’s heart will boost local businesses and jobs, in addition to supporting the investment already underway in Ipswich Central to make our city more vibrant and liveable. 

"Ipswich is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, and this funding will help drive a thriving arts and cultural zone in our city centre that can be used by our diverse arts and entertainment community.”

Quotes attributable to Ipswich Deputy Mayor, Cr Nicole Jonic:

“We want to build an Ipswich that provides not only jobs and opportunities, but access to arts, culture and recreation. 

“The Ipswich Central Heart: Art, Commerce and Urban Greening project will help us create a modern city where people can work, play and have pride in where they live.

“This much-needed Federal funding will enhance the capacity of Ipswich Central cultural assets, like the Ipswich Art Gallery and Ipswich Civic Centre, and improve connectivity between these venues and our revitalised CBD.”