First look inside $311m transformation of Ipswich’s Nicholas Street Precinct

Ipswich has transformed into an entertainment hub after a $311m landmark project which brought a cinema, a play centre and a revitalised historic pub to the city centre.

General Public Founder Harry Kourbeis, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding and HOYTS Ipswich Location Manager Luke Ormsby inside a new venue that will open on Friday. Picture: Josh Woning

Ipswich has transformed into an entertainment hub after a $311m landmark project to revitalise the city centre, that lasted for 15 years, settled.

Century-old renovated pub Hotel Commonwealth, cinema giant HOYTS and arcade General Public opened at Nicholas Street Precinct in Ipswich Central on Friday.

Global playground giant BOUNCE Inc will also soon launch its second kids adventure-play centre miniBOUNCE at the precinct.

Owned and managed by Ipswich City Council, Nicholas Street Precinct spent $16m on the pub renovation and $72m on the building where the three entertainment venues are.

Nicholas Street Precinct. Picture: Josh Woning

Exterior of Hotel Commonwealth in Ipswich. Picture: Shimiko Phelps

Mayor Teresa Harding said the official opening of the cornerstone projects marked the next phase of economic growth.

“Today’s significant milestone marks a turning point for our city, from an old and tired mall to the modern and thriving city-centre we now have,” she said.

“The Nicholas Street Precinct is estimated to directly contribute nearly $1.2 billion to the Ipswich economy between 2020 and 2032, and expected to create 480 new city centre jobs for the people of Ipswich.

“HOYTS, General Public and Hotel Commonwealth are the anchor tenants that will drive people to our city centre, reignite our night-time economy and bring new visitors and opportunities to benefit all businesses in the CBD.

“This is a great day for our community.”

Built in 1910, Hotel Commonwealth, also known as Murphy’s, has undergone a massive transformation that blended the heritage and modern, with the red brick walls and fireplace retained but a lavish boutique bar and gaming machines added.

Hotel Commonwealth starts its grand opening weekend on Friday in Ipswich. Picture: Shimiko Phelps

Interior of Hotel Commonwealth in Ipswich. Picture: Shimiko Phelps

Hotel Commonwealth sticks to old school recipes but with a modern twist. Picture: Shimiko Phelps

Venue Manager Sarah Knopke said she had a hectic week during the soft opening for the 1200 people who signed up to the mailing list.

“The overwhelming support we’ve received thus far has been nothing short of amazing. Our founding membership rounds sold out within hours,” she said.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience what we have to offer and to become a vibrant part of this community.”

The HOYTS six-screen cinema featured cutting-edge technology including comfy daybeds and D-BOX seats which synchronise motion and vibration with every thrilling moment on screen. 

“We’re excited to introduce this combination of next-level technology, comfort and hospitality to Ipswich locals, adding a new dimension to the entertainment options at the dynamic Nicholas Street Precinct,” Ipswich location manager Luke Ormsby said.

Eadie Thornley and Anaki Uthmann at HOYTS in Nicholas Street Precinct, Ipswich. Picture: Josh Woning

Nicholas Street Precinct Venue building features HOYTS, General Public and the upcoming miniBOUNCE. Picture: Josh Woning

While Queensland’s first General Public combined 14 tenpin bowling lanes, arcade games, golf simulators, electronic darts, pool tables and food and beverages in the retro-inspired space.

General Public founder Harry Kourbeis said it was an “absolute no-brainer” to join when he saw the transformation at the precinct.

“We knew it was time to bring our unique brand of fun to Queensland,” he said.

Ipswich councillor Pye Augustine said the opening was just the beginning for the complex.

“We’re thrilled to announce that even more premier hospitality and entertainment experiences are set to be revealed over the coming months, further cementing Nicholas Street Precinct as Ipswich’s ultimate destination for lifestyle and leisure,” she said.

“Visitors can look forward to bold new concepts and one-of-a-kind experiences, creating a buzz that will draw locals and tourists alike to this revitalised city heart.”

The Nicholas Street Precinct project started in 2009 when council purchased City Square with $45m and closed the Murphy’s Hotel in 2014 for renovation. The council relocated its administrative building and library to the complex between 2020 and 2021 and linked the precinct to Ipswich train station via a food and beauty mall in 2023.