Ipswich Council has launched a campaign for the next stage of the burgeoning Nicholas Street Precinct, looking to add some crafty beverages to the attraction mix.
Nicholas Street Precinct, aka The Precinct, is located in Ipswich’s CBD, close to public transport, and geared to become a thriving hub in the heart of Queensland’s fastest-growing region.
The Precinct represents the largest transformation of central Ipswich in three decades, and a dynamic offering in the epicentre of development. It includes the Council administration building, libraries, civic plaza, and an emerging list of retail, eating and entertainment options, plus a balance of built and natural environments, with manicured gardens and lawns and communal spaces.
It is set to become a bustling entertainment hub of the Ipswich LGA, around 44 kilometres south-west of Brisbane CBD, with local population of more than 229K residents.
Ipswich Council formed Ipswich City Properties (ICP) to drive invigoration of the precinct, and went on to acquire Murphy’s Hotel – the former Commonwealth Hotel – which was found to have foundational issues, and was closed.
In 2018 initial construction began on Nicholas Street, and Council engaged with the community on what it wanted to see. Late 2020 Nicholas Street officially opened, soon followed by the public library, council building and customer service centre, and Australia’s first dedicated stand-alone children’s library.
Restoration works on the Commonwealth Hotel continued.
In 2022 The Precinct won Best Tourism and Leisure Facilities over $10 million at the Master Builders Queensland awards, and the 2022 Landscape Architecture Award from the Queensland Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.
Council committed to over $40 million toward the next stage of Nicholas Street, focusing on delivery of the leisure, entertainment, food and beverage areas.
The Precinct has been building a reputation as a must-visit destination in the Ipswich region, offering an eclectic mix of businesses, and over 1,000 undercover carparks. It hosts over 50 events each year, ranging from cultural festivals and art exhibitions to food markets and music performances.
While it already records over 1.2 million annual visitations, by locals and tourists, Council see a projected growth of over 30 per cent.
And the grand opening of Hotel Commonwealth is “coming soon” and its ‘foundational membership’ initiative is already sold out.
In keeping with the rapid growth, attracting a young, vibrant population with a thirst for new experiences, Council opted the vacant space would be perfect for a microbrewery.
The site enjoys high visibility and exposure for a brewery, and operators would have opportunities to participate and showcase in Precinct events, and partner with other establishments for cross-promotions, as part of “a community of like-minded businesses”.
Council suggests this will be a place where craft beers are enjoyed by millions, facilitated by a constant stream of potential customers looking for new tastes and experiences.
“Your brewery will be part of a thriving community that values innovation and quality.”
Anchor tenants at The Precinct include a 6-screen HOYTS cinema, gaming and entertainment venue General Public, and the pending Hotel Commonwealth by AusHotels, boasting a heritage facelift and extension.
Centre Management Team is dedicated to promoting The Precinct and its businesses through dedicated marketing initiatives, and tenants will benefit from ongoing marketing efforts driving traffic and increased brand awareness. The team were finalists in 2023 at The Urban Developer Industry Excellence Awards, for Excellence in Marketing Innovation.
The modern design of The Precinct provides up-to-date infrastructure and facilities for contemporary businesses, with well-maintained spaces and state-of-the-art utilities.
The collection of establishments has been curated to not only attract visitors but also create a lively atmosphere, encouraging longer stays and return visits, and encourages operators to create a point of difference.
“The Nicholas Street Precinct offers a diverse array of businesses that cater to a wide range of interests and needs,” says a spokesperson for the Council.
“This diversity ensures that there’s always something for everyone, attracting a broad and varied crowd who are regular visitors.”
For further information on the lease offer, download the brochure.
