In March, Specialist Advisory and Restructuring firm McGrath Nichol produces a report into the total costs and activities associated with the Ipswich CBD redevelopment by ICP, including costs incurred when winding down ICP. The report offers a point in time look at the redevelopment.

In September, Hutchinsons Builders is awarded a contract to build the new main library, administration building and civic plaza (Tulmur Place). Hutchinsons Builders was awarded the contract following a tender process.

Also this month, KPMG is engaged by council to independently review and provide recommendations regarding the business case for the retail spaces in the precinct.

These recommendations take into account previous community feedback which suggested four main themes as being important to the community.

Those being:

Summer time play: A destination for play with challenging and creative play equipment for children as well as adventure play for young adults.

Entertainment: A flexible open space for events such as arts workshops, food fairs and moonlight cinema.

Food and beverage: A mix of family restaurants, nightlife, alfresco dining and temporary options, offering fresh and diverse food.

Community facilities: The integration of indoor and outdoor breakout spaces and connections to public transport.

At the same time, community engagement is being undertaken to identify aspects of Indigenous culture which could be incorporated into the CBD public art plan. A report is produced by Black Drum and submitted to council for consideration.

In October, Council commits to helping CBD traders through the redevelopment by providing a monetary contribution to their marketing budgets.

In February, Council engages CoDesign Studio to develop and deliver a report analysing and confirming previous assessments of the different precinct areas.

In June, a place making, events and activation plan is produced by Roberts Day.

This is followed by community engagement through the Places and Spaces campaign in September, with the community putting forward name suggestions for various spaces in the Ipswich CBD including the new main library, administration building and civic plaza.

The suggested names are put to Council, with the first names endorsed and released publicly, including Tulmur Place for the new civic plaza. Tulmur is selected because it means Ipswich in the universal Indigenous language.

In September, a CBD carpark strategy was submitted to the Ipswich Central Redevelopment committee which included references to the vacant land adjacent to the development. Council engaged carpark consultant CK Consulting to inform the development of a carpark strategy for the CBD.

On 28 November, a major milestone is marked with the official opening of Nicholas Street.

On 7 December, another major milestone is reached with the opening of the new Ipswich Central Library.

On 28 June, council welcomes residents and ratepayers back to the city centre with the official opening of the new administration building and customer service centre, 1 Nicholas Street.

The 1 Nicholas Street building is delivered three months ahead of schedule and $1 million under budget, at a cost of about $125 million.

It includes new self-service kiosk technology as well as meeting, event and conference spaces available to the community, plus new council chambers with a 70-seat capacity.

The opening paves the way for West Moreton Health to progress its plans for a dedicated health services precinct around Roderick and South streets.

Information about Council services can be found on Council's website.

On the same day as 1 Nicholas Street is opened, families are welcomed into Australia’s first dedicated children’s library on the building’s ground floor.

The Ipswich Children’s Library is a purpose-built facility providing learning opportunities fit for the digital age and a library experience unlike any other in the country. The library is specially designed for children up to age 12 with more than 35,000 items, innovative technology and digital experiences as well as two life-sized dinosaurs.

You can find out more information on the Children's Library and Ipswich Libraries here.

Also in June, restoration works to the Commonwealth Hotel reach practical completion. The Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee endorses a recommendation to extend the Commonwealth Hotel to the rear to increase its footprint which will require up to $5 million of further investment. It follows market feedback that the base building is not of sufficient size for a contemporary, inner-city pub/hotel offering.

In May, the Ipswich Children’s Library is recognised for innovation at the Local Government Managers Australia Queensland Excellence Awards. Later in the year, the library team is also recognised at the National Federation Awards with the Community Service Delivery Award.

In July, the Nicholas Street Precinct development wins one of the most prestigious state construction awards. Hutchinson Builders are awarded Best Tourism and Leisure Facilities over $10 million at the Master Builders Queensland 2022 Brisbane Housing and Construction Awards. It is a significant win for Council’s construction partners, Hutchinson Builders, and for the entire community.

Throughout the year, the Nicholas Street Precinct hosts an array of community activities, including markets, fairs, expos and live music. The precinct welcomes new businesses including several restaurants, beauty services and retail shops. The market-leading cinema chain, HOYTS, is also announced to open in the precinct in late 2023.

A stunning backdrop is installed to complement events in Tulmur Place. The innovative technology includes six projectors that shine a light on the city centre. The projectors coordinate with the digital façade of Council’s administrative building.

In October, the Nicholas Street Precinct is announced as the winner of the 2022 Landscape Architecture Award for Landscape Planning at the Queensland Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Awards.

Additionally in October, works commence to expand the Commonwealth Hotel to make it a viable modern-day venue. The hotel is expected to be open to the public in time for Christmas 2023.

Council commits $41.5 million in Budget 2022-2023 for the next phase of work in the Nicholas Street Precinct redevelopment, with a significant proportion of the funds allocated to the delivery of leisure, entertainment, food and beverage areas.