The redevelopment of the Ipswich CBD has taken another significant step with the “topping out” of a new building that will house HOYTS cinemas.
The building, on the corner of Brisbane and Ellenborough Streets, is part of Ipswich’s Nicholas Street precinct overhaul.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the building would transform from an “un-maintained, empty building to what will be a lively, attractive centrepiece to Ipswich’s re-emerging city heart is a major project”.
“It has absolutely had its challenges, but we are so proud to see continued progression on the future home of HOYTS and other emerging entertainment options.”
Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Chairperson Councillor Marnie Doyle said the topping-out ceremony marked the end of one stage and the start of the next for the $71.9 million Venue project.
“This project has, to date, used more than 50 tonnes of structural steel, 500 m3 of concrete, 6,000 square metres of roof sheeting, and more than 35,000 square metres of plasterboard,” she said.
“Importantly, we have adaptively reused the existing structure of the building, providing a more sustainable outcome than many traditional new builds.
“As well as this, Hutchinson has employed 350 workers, many of whom call Ipswich home.
“Across all of Nicholas Street, we have 11 tenants secured out of 40 tenancies – and there are more on the way. Council is in the process of signing five new leases, including two major tenants for 2024.”
By Jason Davis
