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Plans progress on the multi-million dollar renewal of Ipswich CBD
Andrew Borger 27 June 2011
Plans for the multi-million dollar revitalisation of the Ipswich CBD are well underway, with the Leighton Properties and Ipswich City Properties Joint Venture today announcing they have lodged a Development Application (DA) to create a prominent office tower in the heart of the Ipswich CBD.
The DA proposes to develop a nine-storey, A-Grade commercial tower on the corner of Brisbane and Bell Streets in the Ipswich CBD. It is the initial stage of the $1 billon Ipswich City Heart development by Ipswich City Properties and Leighton Properties.
Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale welcomed the announcement as a sure sign Ipswich Central was „on track? to regain its former glory.
“Our city is at the centre of south east Queensland and is a major regional centre serving a vast area,” Cr Pisasale said. “This is a new beginning and flags the biggest change to Ipswich Central in a generation.”
Director Chairman of Ipswich City Properties, Paul Tully, said the landmark urban renewal project will create a vibrant, integrated mixed-use precinct comprising a 60,000 square metre shopping centre, speciality retail, restaurants, commercial office space and residential apartment living.
“The precinct will also be surrounded by significant new public space and amenities along the riverfront, including a public library and car parking,” Cr Tully said.
“This development will significantly transform the Ipswich CBD and return it to a thriving, vibrant city centre complete with leading commercial, retail and social amenities designed to stand the test of time.”
Andrew Borger, Executive Director and State Manager for Queensland at Leighton Properties, said the lodgement of the commercial office tower DA with Ipswich City Council signalled the beginning of an exciting transformation process for the Ipswich city centre.
“This first office tower is the kick-start needed for the Ipswich city centre and will provide A-Grade commercial office supply in the city and provide much needed incentives for businesses to relocate into the commercial tower, injecting new life and energy,” Mr Borger said.
“It will also be the first prime space quality building in Ipswich – incorporating innovative sustainability initiatives and targeting a 4.5 Star NABERS Energy rating and a 5 Star Green Star - Office Design v3 rating.”
“Set to be the largest commercial building in Ipswich CBD with approximately 18,000sqm NLA, this development will cement Brisbane and Bell Streets as the key commercial corner in Ipswich.”
Currently, the proportion of white collar workers in the Ipswich CBD represents over 48% of the workforce.
“According to research by Jones Lang LaSalle, the forecast population and employment growth in the region will require between 4,000 and 6,000 square metres in new commercial space every year to meet demand,” Mr Borger said.
The office tower is one of three planned within the Ipswich City Heart precinct and its location close to bus and rail transport, together with its location on the most prominent corner of the CBD, will make it an iconic local landmark.
Pending Council approval, Leighton Properties and Ipswich City Properties is programming to commence construction at the end of this year. It is anticipated that tenants will be able to move into the premises in late 2013.
The proposed office tower will feature large and efficient floor plates with the capacity to accommodate up to 1,200 staff. There will also be retail offerings on ground level.
Future stages of the Ipswich City Heart revitalisation project will include two additional commercial towers, two residential towers, a regional shopping centre with cinemas and community amenities.
The project will also improve public transport access and connection of the city centre with the rest of the Ipswich CBD.
For more information
Andrew Borger
Executive Director and State Manager Queensland
Phone+61 7 3370 4722
Email Andrew Borger
