Two newly developed community spaces have won the Social and Community Infrastructure category in the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Queensland Awards for Excellence.
Tulmur Place and Ipswich Central Library, part of the first stages of Ipswich City Council’s $250 million Nicholas Street Precinct redevelopment, were recognised as the state’s top public spaces in the highly regarded industry awards program.
Ipswich Mayor, Teresa Harding, said the Ipswich community is the real winner with the first stage of the Nicholas Street Precinct now open for the community to enjoy.
“This new Council has taken on a derelict mall and have delivered a revitalised, inclusive space for the local community in the city centre,” Mayor Harding said.
“Located in the heart of Ipswich, we now have a space that Ipswich residents can be proud of.
“Tulmur Place, Ipswich Library, Ipswich Children’s Library, renovated underground car park, and the new council administration building together form a vibrant and modern space that services everyone in the community in a variety of ways.
“This is the first step in providing the infrastructure needed to become a powerhouse in the South-East and being one step ahead of meeting the needs of our rapidly growing community.”
Ipswich Central Redevelopment Chair, Councillor Marnie Doyle, said Nicholas Street has been transformed into a place unlike any other in Queensland.
“Nicholas Street Precinct is a beautiful outdoor community space, a place where we can gather to meet, celebrate, eat, and be entertained,” Cr Doyle said.
“Tulmur Place caters for a diverse range of activities that support and encourage community wellbeing and is the proud location of Australia’s first dedicated standalone children’s public library.
“Our history runs deep throughout the development with limestone a key feature together with artworks by local Indigenous artists.
“Council has delivered a community space that will also serve as a catalyst for the future growth of local businesses, services, and jobs.”
Taking eight months to complete the judging process, the UDIA Queensland Awards for Excellence are judged on architectural merit, community facilities, execution.
Judges commented that the council’s vision to transform this key location in the city’s CBD is proving catalytic.
“Formerly a deserted site in a prime location, this is now a thriving centre supporting an urban marketplace, flanked by a new main library and a specifically designed innovative children’s library,” the judges’ comments said.
“This is a well-planned and cleverly-designed public space that offers great connectivity to surrounding commercial and social opportunities, and is an exceptional example of community infrastructure.”
