Ipswich’s new city centre, the Nicholas Street Precinct, is set to become the premier entertainment and leisure hub in the region, with the next phase of the development released and a design theme that seeks to reinterpret the past while embracing the future.

The recently released renders unveiled what Ipswich residents can expect when the Venue project at the Nicholas Street Precinct is opened to the public early next year. Located approximately 30 minutes west of Brisbane, Venue represents the next significant element of the $300 million dollar CBD redevelopment following the completion of the new council administration building, public square known as Tulmur Place, over 20,000 square metres of retail space and two libraries, including Australia’s only dedicated children’s library.

The surrounding site holds a long history of cinema presence, previously playing host to the historic Wintergarden and Ritz Theatre, and more recently Birch, Carroll and Coyle. The new design pays homage to the cherished memories of those historic picture theatres that once graced the city in the 1900s.

The precinct, anchored by a six-screen, state-of-the-art HOYTS cinema has a range of flexible leasing opportunities available

The architectural design incorporates a contemporary aesthetic that coexists with the surrounding context, and careful consideration is given to the use of materials, textures, and forms, allowing the new development to complement and enhance the existing architectural fabric of Ipswich. The design incorporates themes of white walls, exposed brick, and open and welcoming spaces from the theatres that are long gone, while paying tribute to Ipswich’s history of picture theatres through its art decor design themes.

On the southern side, brickwork with arches captures the spirit of the original ‘Cribb & Foote’ building that once sat on Nicholas Street and forms a memorable gateway into the development. The façade is open to the street, encompassing a strong visual relationship between Nicholas Street and the large ‘public room’ that forms the heart of this building.

The public room serves as a focal point, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a vibrant, light-filled atmosphere and this reinterpretation pays homage to the Wintergarden Theatre’s legacy, creating an open-air setting that encourages social interaction, relaxation and enjoyment. The space is designed to be versatile, accommodating various activities such as live performances, cultural events and communal gatherings.

The façade is open to the street, encompassing a strong visual relationship between Nicholas Street and the large ‘public room’

The street level space folds down, forming a ‘stage’ space flanked by retail and viewed from the balcony on the upper floor. Escalators hug the southern wall, which provides a canvas for graphics/artwork to announce the upper-level tenancies.

As one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions, the Nicholas Street Precinct has an estimated contribution of approximately $1.2 billion to Ipswich between 2020 and 2023 with Venue featuring approximately 10,000 square metres of significant mixed-use retail, commercial and hospitality spaces across two levels.

An ever-evolving mix of culture and experiences where character, heritage and community coalesce, the Nicholas Street Precinct is fast flourishing as a marketplace of flavours with an existing mix of nationally recognised brands such as Gelatissimo, Zambrero, Sushi Hyo, Stellarossa, Terry White Chemmart, That Dumpling Place, Bun Bun Bao and AusHotels all signing on as early adopter tenants in the first phase of the project and taking advantage of the area’s growing visitation.

The space is designed to be versatile, accommodating various activities such as live performances, cultural events and communal gatherings

Colliers has been appointed as the exclusive leasing agent, with Colliers Senior Executive, Ishbel Jones says, “The Nicholas Street Precinct is such an evolving marketplace right now and offers real value to prospective businesses. The increasing visitation is proven and given the area’s connectivity, and proximity to an expanding community burgeoning back to their city heart, we’re very excited to be representing this next phase of the redevelopment”.

Anchored by a six-screen, state-of-the-art HOYTS cinema with a range of flexible leasing opportunities available, this once-in-a-generation, catalytic project will form the centrepiece of the CBD and breathe new life and vibrancy for business and visitors to the region.

Contact leasing@nicholasst.com.au for more.