Shine Lawyers opens branch at Bell St, Ipswich
A new tenant has arrived at Ipswich’s Bell St, bringing with it hope for the city centre’s business revival.
Business
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A desolate street in Ipswich’s CBD could be on the verge of a resurgence, with a brand new business agreeing to move in for the long haul.
Shine Lawyers’ Ipswich team has signed a long-term lease at 11 Bell St and migrated over from their former office at Limestone St.
The move comes just a month after Ipswich residents launched a petition to clean up the ‘embarrassing’ city centre, which has deteriorated significantly since the 2011 floods.
Empty storefronts, broken windows, ‘for lease’ signs, graffiti, and even used syringes had become trademark features of Bell St, rendering it a place to avoid for visitors and Ipswich locals alike.
But the opening of a new business could be a sign things are turning around for the once-loved, once-thriving street.
Shine Lawyers’ south and west Queensland general manager James Hickman said the move was a “welcome one” after a dozen years operating in the region.
“It’s great to have a new home in the heart of town so locals in need of legal expertise know we’re accessible and available to help,” Mr Hickman said.
“Shine Lawyers has been present in Ipswich for more than 12 years helping residents gain compensation for their injuries.
“We’re proud to be extending our reach to the local Ipswich community and helping more locals with their claims.”
Helmsman Invest worked with the firm and builder Abri Projects to design a new office at the site beside the Ipswich Railway Station, opposite the Nicholas St precinct, featuring VJ ceilings, glass offices, and exposed brick walls.
Shine Lawyers will take over a full floor of the refurbished heritage component of the building at 11 Bell and 15 East St.
The block is currently home to Myhealth Medical Centre and FriendlyCare Pharmacy, as well as disability employment service Epic Assist.
About 1600 square metres of refurbished office space remains available for lease within the building.
Helmsman Invest’s managing director Bernard McKeering said the office spaces would be ideal for tenants in community or health related industries.
“As this location continues to improve more and more organisations will choose the central CBD location for their headquarters,” Mr McKeering said.
He said the area was “really coming alive” as $250 million works on the Nicholas St Precinct progressed.
Just last week, plans for a new 24-hour gym and hotel extension were revealed as part of the major redevelopment.
Refurbishment of the ‘Eats’ building is estimated to be costing Ipswich City Council $5 million, while the Commonwealth Hotel extension is costing it between $3.5 and $4 million.
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