Help shape the Cultural Heart in Ipswich Central

08 January 2024

The community is being encouraged to provide feedback to help council develop the city’s Cultural Heart which includes d’Arcy Doyle Place and Nicholas Street in Ipswich Central.

Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Chairperson and Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said as a key part of Ipswich’s cultural spine within Ipswich Central, renewing d’Arcy Doyle Place and Nicholas Street is an important step to enhance access and awareness of our cultural assets including entry to the Ipswich Art Gallery, Ipswich Community Gallery and Ipswich Civic Centre.

“Ipswich’s Cultural Heart is an important part of the fabric of Ipswich, and it is essential that we nurture and update this space to ensure it remains relevant for residents and visitors,” Cr Doyle said.

“It is also a key part to the ongoing success of our plans underway in revitalising Ipswich Central and redeveloping Nicholas Street Precinct.

“We invite community members to share their views through ipswichcentral.com.au and at upcoming face to face engagement sessions.

“This council is committed to embracing and enhancing our cultural assets in Ipswich Central and bringing the space up to current urban standards.

“Developing the Cultural Heart is identified in council’s Top of Town and Centre Core Place Plans and also aligns with several other council strategies such as our shared community vision, iFuture, the Creative Industries Action Plan and iGo Active Transport Plan.

“Community feedback will help shape the concept design for the Cultural Heart, which will then be brought back to the community in 2024.”

Division 3 Councillor Andrew Fechner said the renewal of the Cultural Heart would complement the progress of the Nicholas Street Precinct.

“Developing the Cultural Heart is critical for a thriving modern CBD,” Cr Fechner said.

“We must continue to highlight the amazing opportunity of the Nicholas Street Precinct naturally flowing through to the Ipswich Art Gallery, Community Gallery and the Civic Centre.

“These assets are so important for our residents and those visiting from out of town. They not only drive economic activity in the CBD, but also make our city more livable.

“I encourage community members to jump onto ipswichcentral.com.au and leave feedback by 29 January 2024 or to attend one of the upcoming community workshops to learn more and share ideas.”

Community engagement on the Cultural Heart will be held as follows:

  • Ipswich Art Gallery – 10 January 2024, 9.30am to 11.30am
  • d’Arcy Doyle Place – 16 January 2024, 11am to 1pm

For more information and to leave feedback, visit ipswichcentral.com.au