Italian icon Vapiano to open in the heart of Ipswich
23 May 2025
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's amore - and there will be plenty of love when Italian icon Vapiano opens its doors in Nicholas Street Precinct in Ipswich Central later this year.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the popular pizza and pasta restaurant will be another welcome addition to the revitalised Nicholas Street Precinct.
“Vapiano will be the latest in a series of high-profile openings for the city heart. It has proven to be a huge hit in Springfield Central and I am certain it will be just as popular in Ipswich Central,” Mayor Harding said.
“The international pizza and pasta restaurant will be located in the HOYTS Cinema complex next to miniBOUNCE.
“We are seeing more people than ever before coming into Nicholas Street and the nighttime economy continues to grow as the Ipswich community throws their support behind the city centre.
“Our growing city heart continues to kick goals after being named a finalist in two prestigious industry awards.
“We are a finalist in the Property Council of Australia’s Innovation and Excellence Awards, for the Woods Bagot Award for Best Public Building or Social Infrastructure, and in the Urban Developer Awards for Industry Excellence in the Urban Regeneration category.”
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said council had signed off on another significant piece of the $311 million development.
“Council had a vision for a city heart that was vibrant and engaging, generating jobs, economic benefits and community spirit. Vapiano’s opening is another vote of confidence in the Nicholas Street Precinct – we’re delighted to welcome them in mid-2025,” Cr Augustine said.
“It is exciting to see the precinct take another step towards completion. It is everything and more than we could have anticipated and is loved by Ipswich residents already, going by the huge number of people who come for the food, entertainment and events.”
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said in addition to miniBOUNCE and Anytime Fitness, the community had also recently welcomed Kickin’Inn, a premium seafood restaurant, which meant about 90 per cent of council-owned buildings in the precinct were now leased.
“The new offerings add to existing tenants Hoyts, General Public, Hotel Commonwealth, Gelatissimo, Sushi Hyo, Zambrero, Bun Bun Bao, That Dumpling Place, Stellarossa, Terry White, Sofia Nails, Austhetica, Head to Health, as well as VE Group, Indie School and College, the Red Cross, You, Me and the Community and Greenhouse Therapies,” Cr Doyle said.
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said Vapiano would open its doors in the Venue Building, located just to the right of miniBOUNCE.
“I can see the kids off playing in miniBOUNCE while mum and dad are eating pizza and pasta next door at Vapiano. This is the perfect location to set up a community favourite. Vapiano offers dine-in, takeaway, functions, lunch specials, student discounts and happy hours. They are all about providing that classic Italian taste for everyone,” Cr Antoniolli said.
Vapiano Managing Director Will Cooke was thrilled with the new venture.
“We are excited to be bringing Vapiano to the Nicholas Street Precinct in Ipswich Central. Ipswich is one of Australia’s fastest growing cities and we could not think of a better place in Australia to open another Vapiano restaurant,” Mr Cooke said.
“We bring Italian recipes to life using only the best Aussie ingredients, with fresh made pasta being produced daily on site, hand stretched pizzas, fresh salads and a drinks menu to match we are sure the people of Ipswich will love this new edition to the Nicholas Street Precinct.”