Ipswich’s Nicholas Street Precinct has added to its swag of design awards with the Minister’s Award for Urban Design and the Movement and Place Award 2024 now on its trophy cabinet.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the State awards recognised urban design projects of the highest quality across Queensland.
Mayor Harding said they highlighted the importance of good quality design in shaping communities and the integration of transport and movement to support social and economic outcomes.
“The Nicholas Street Precinct is a once-in-a-generation redevelopment of our city centre,” she said.
“The Precinct continues to gain momentum as different elements are delivered, growing to over 1.2 million visitations per year and continuing to emerge as a dining, cultural and entertainment destination.”
Ipswich Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said the awards reinforced how much planning went into bringing the Nicholas Street Precinct to life, “from a rundown mall to a world-class civic heart”.
Cr Augustine said since the redevelopment began, 18 businesses have opened their doors in the precinct.
She said HOYTS Cinemas and General Public would join the precinct later this year, with the newly-renovated Hotel Commonwealth also set to open its doors.
The awards are the latest accolades for the Ipswich precinct, which was also recognised in 2022 in the Landscape Architecture Awards for Landscape Planning, and in 2021 as Queensland’s top public space.
The precinct is also home to Australia’s first standalone children’s library which has won awards for innovation.
