Proposed O’Sullivans building renovation could see rooftop bar open at Brisbane St, Ipswich

A rooftop bar and a cellar restaurant are just two of the exciting new businesses proposed to open along a major street in Ipswich’s CBD, perhaps signifying the revival of the once-thriving area.

Three vacant shops in Ipswich’s business district could soon undergo a complete transformation, making way for new tenancies including a restaurant, cafe, shop, cellar bar, and roof bar.

Private Queensland-based company JKR Commercial Pty Ltd submitted an application to Ipswich City Council on Wednesday April 20 which detailed its plans for 94, 96, and 100 Brisbane St, Ipswich.

The proposed development includes “urgently required maintenance” and “partial demolition” of the famous O’Sullivan’s building, so that offices, a restaurant, a cafe, a shop, and a bar might be established.

Shops within the O'Sullivan's building are currently vacant, as pictured in December 2021. Picture Google Maps

JKR proposed the existing basement space within the building be modified to provide for a cellar bar and restaurant tenancy, with the ground floor to be split into two tenancies.

If the application is approved, the ground level shops will likely be used for either cafe, restaurant, office, or retail purposes and an internal alleyway will be installed to connect Brisbane St and Limestone St to the building’s rear.

“A 98.1m2 open outdoor seating area has been provided in the rear ‘courtyard’ area and is to feature garden planter boxes and a new roof over,” plans stated.

“The existing non-significant structures at the rear of the building are to be demolished.”

A sketch of what the historic O'Sullivan's building could look like if the proposed renovations are completed.

The plans indicated the first floor of the building would comprise a single tenancy to be used as an office, while the roof would be modified to allow for operation of a roof bar and restaurant.

“The modifications include the removal of part of the existing roof retaining the front parapet and rear of the triple hipped roof,” they stated.

“A new low pitched skillion roof is provided over the central area of the proposed roof bar.”

Plans for refurbishment of the O'Sullivan's rooftop.

In carrying out renovation works, demolition of post-1946 additions and structures to the rear of the building and removal of internal elements such as building fabric will be required.

But, according to plans, this will only allow for “improved appreciation” of the original rear facade.

Parking for 12 cars has also been proposed for the Brisbane St site, as well as a pedestrian pathway to the eastern side of the carpark.

Brisbane St, Ipswich circa 1895, prior to the modernisation of the 1950s. Picture: Heritage Impact Statement / Ipswich City Council

The iconic O’Sullivan’s building, though now completely vacant, was occupied by Queensland Property Group, gel blaster business Command Elite Hobbies, and real estate agency Remax A1 Ipswich in 2019.

It was constructed in 1885 for well-known Ipswich community member Patrick O’Sullivan and used at the time by three commercial tenancies — including solicitors, a butcher, and a footwear business — on the ground floor, with offices at the upper level.

The site is bounded today by locally-listed heritage buildings to the east and west, making its section of Brisbane St one of particular historical significance.