Striking $1.5 billion vision unveiled for modern cityscape in Ipswich’s Ripley Valley

Only a few kilometres from Ipswich’s historical heart, a $1.5 billion urban centre of the future is in the making.

The $1.5 billion masterplan vision for Ripley Town Centre, southwest of the Ipswich CBD.

YES, it’s Ipswich, but not as we know it.

Just a few kilometres from its central business district lined with heritage-listed buildings, an urban centre of the future is in the making.

The first striking images of the $1.5 billion masterplan vision for Ripley Town Centre have been unveiled by developer Sekisui House.

Although less than 10km from the historical heart of Ipswich, west of Brisbane, the road between the two centres will be like travelling through an urban time tunnel.

The vision for Ripley Town Centre is for a contemporary, sustainable cityscape incorporating high-rise living and other modern architectural, lifestyle, cultural and environmental concepts.

It will be a stark contrast to the early colonial and Victorian buildings for which Ipswich — a city which began as a mining settlement in the early 1800s — is renowned.

But according to Sekisui House, its masterplan has been designed as a flexible blueprint to bring the region into the 21st Century and cater for the future needs of its fast-growing population.

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The development of the 40-hectare site — the only designated major retail and commercial hub earmarked for the Ripley Valley — is expected to generate about 20,000 direct jobs.

Ironically, for an area once deemed “the cradle of coal mining” in Queensland, the overall vision is also aimed at creating a low-carbon community.

The Ripley Town Centre masterplan vision is for a low-carbon community that is expected to generate 20,000 direct jobs.

Sekisui House’s masterplan caters to the projected growth of the region — about 133,000

new residents by 2036 — and draws on “the 20-minute neighbourhood” philosophy.

Healthcare, education, recreational, commercial, community, sporting facilities and a proposed train station will be all within a 20 minute walk.

Ten key, interconnected areas form the masterplan, including the Civic Heart providing a central community and cultural space; The Esplanade which features indoor and outdoor dining overlooking green space; and The Green where young professionals, students and creatives will live, work and learn.

Sekisui House Australia chief executive officer Toru Abe said the masterplan vision will unlock the rapidly expanding region’s potential, with housing and infrastructure in demand.

“This masterplan vision will cater to the varying needs of the current local community, and

ensure it is well positioned for the future,” Mr Abe said.

The “20-minute neighbourhood” philosophy — where key facilities and amenity are all within a 20-minute walk — is part of the Ripley Town Centre masterplan.

Ripley Valley was declared a Priority Development Area in October 2010 and covers a total area of 4680ha southwest of the Ipswich CBD.

The $40 million Stage 1 of Ripley Town Centre — comprising a Coles supermarket, specialty shops, medical centre and office space in a 9400sq m market-style complex — was completed last year.

Sekisui House is now planning to progress Stage 2, which will feature medium to high-rise residential seniors living in a new South Village quarter, as well as an extension of the existing centre for additional retail.

The masterplan vision for Ripley Town Centre is a flexible blueprint to bring the region into the 21st Century and cater for the future needs of its fast-growing population.

“The masterplan vision sets a new benchmark around the notion of community and connectivity,” Mr Abe said.

“Our vision is to create a low-carbon community where everything you need is at your fingertips, with careful consideration of tree-lined streets, inviting pedestrian walkways, cycle paths and integrated transport options, including the proposed Ripley rail extension.

“We are placing an emphasis on long-term sustainability and life enrichment to ensure Ripley

Town Centre is designed to adapt for generations to come and remains the heart of the region.

“Picture inviting sunlit squares, piazzas, destination parklands and rooftop gardens allowing the community to socialise, relax and enjoy.

“The masterplan is flexible in design and provides a foundation for a sustainable community that will last for generations. Once complete, this world-class destination will be a shining example of urban construction living harmoniously with nature.”