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Transformational Ipswich Central Heart project takes next step

2026-07-21 · Council · Featured · Now

Ipswich residents are being called on to help shape an exciting new chapter for the city centre, with consultation opening on a suite of transformational projects.

The Ipswich Central Heart; Arts, Commerce and Urban Greening project will deliver a revitalised, greener and more vibrant city heart, with consultation running until Sunday 2 August on concept designs for:

Streetscape refresh of Brisbane Street

Expansion of Ipswich Art Gallery

Redevelopment of Ipswich Civic Centre

Development of the Cultural Heart (d’Arcy Doyle Place and Nicholas Street)

Ipswich City Centre Bikeway

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said it was an important opportunity for the community to help shape Ipswich Central’s future.

“This is an important opportunity to help our city heart take its next step forward as we work to shape a vibrant, welcoming and future-focused city centre,” Mayor Harding said.

“We know Ipswich people care deeply about their city, and their input directly influences better outcomes, so I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to contribute ideas and feedback.”

The Ipswich Central Heart project aims to deliver a more connected, creative and green city centre with improved public spaces.

“The Ipswich Central Heart project also plays a key role in our ambition to become a nationally recognised city for arts and culture, delivering expanded gallery spaces, a revitalised Cultural Heart and new performance opportunities to elevate our city’s creative profile,” Mayor Harding said.

Mayor Harding said the project builds on the success of previous revitalisation efforts.

“Ipswich has demonstrated its ability to deliver city-shaping projects, such as the multi award-winning Nicholas Street Precinct,” Mayor Harding said.

“Feedback collected from initiatives like the Green Arbor on East Street and Street Patio trials have shown how thoughtful design can transform how residents and visitors experience our city centre.

“This next stage aims to build on that success, creating more inviting streets, improved active transport options, expanded arts and cultural facilities, and greener urban spaces that benefit everyone.

“Importantly, these projects will strengthen Ipswich’s reputation as a destination for arts and culture and ultimately help us to attract more visitors, events and investment.”

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann welcomed the opening of consultation on the Ipswich Central Heart; Arts, Commerce and Urban Greening project, and encouraged locals to provide feedback on the initiative.

“The Albanese Government is providing $3.8 million for this project to fund detailed designs for upgrades to the Ipswich’s cultural centre to make our city more vibrant and liveable,” Mr Neumann said.

“The planned precinct aims to boost local businesses and jobs, in addition to complementing the investment already underway in Ipswich Central to revitalise the CBD.

“This will be a catalyst for creating a vibrant arts and cultural zone in our city centre that can be used by Ipswich’s thriving and diverse arts community, as well as a better environment through more active travel and green space.

“We want our urban spaces to better serve the people who live in them. We all have a stake in this, so I urge everyone in our community to have their say and help shape this vital urban renewal project for our city.”

Feedback provided will help refine concept designs and ensure the final outcomes reflect community priorities and aspirations.

For more information and to have your say, visit Shapeyouripswich.com.au/ipswich-central-heart

The project is being delivered by council and funded by the Australian Government through its urban Precincts and Partnerships Program (uPPP).