The city of Ipswich, west of Brisbane, will be the site of a $53 million Hilton hotel complex, to be completed in 2028.
The project is a result of an agreement between Hilton and Ipswich Hotel Group Pty Ltd.
The Hilton Garden Inn will have 160 rooms and will be built on vacant council-owned land on Ellenborough Street, next to the Nicholas Street Precinct in the heart of the city.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding announced the development agreement this week and described it as a game-changer for the city.
“With seven storeys and 160 rooms, the Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich will take our reputation as a must-visit destination for great experiences to the next level,” she said.
“This $53 million investment will bring a further 50 permanent jobs on completion. Those permanent jobs will bring $2.7 million into the city’s economy each year.
“The accommodation and food services sector is worth $337 million to the city – and today’s announcement will boost that significantly, with permanent jobs, and business opportunities for industry suppliers.”
Cr Harding said a recent audit had identified 515 short-term accommodation rooms in Ipswich – about 310 less than will be required for the 2032 Olympic Games and beyond.
The Hilton project would move than halve the gap.
Area Vice President and Head of Hilton Australasia Paul Hutton said there were more than 1100 Hilton Garden Inn hotels trading globally and a pipeline of over 450 worldwide.
“Hilton Garden Inn hotels already operate in key regional markets and will open in Suva later this year, with Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich another strong example of how we’re bringing our trusted, value-driven hospitality to high-growth destinations,” he said.
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the announcement coincided with other exciting initiatives.
“Council’s transformation of North Ipswich Reserve into the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct – starting with a new $40 million western grandstand – will bring more top-tier events to Ipswich, making the construction of the Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich even more timely,” Cr Doyle said.
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said the Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich was a vote of confidence in upgrades to the centre of Ipswich.
“We are bringing to life this long unused land next to the picturesque, jacaranda tree-lined Timothy Moloney Park, with hotel guests to enjoy views of our beautiful city including the majestic heritage-listed St Mary’s Catholic Church,” Cr Antoniolli said.
