Large modern apartment complex in works for North Ipswich may provide affordable housing alternatives

North Ipswich Development Pty Ltd has unveiled their impressive new plans for the 293-unit complex North Ipswich Apartments, which may provide more affordable housing alternatives for inner-city residents.

A new apartment complex in the works for North Ipswich may be a promising opportunity for those looking for affordable inner-city housing options.

North Ipswich Development Pty Ltd submitted a development application on Monday, June 19, for a four-building complex located 1km north of the Ipswich CBD.

Located at 35 Lowry Street, the site is close to a number of facilities including the Ipswich Train Station, the North Ipswich Reserve Sports Fields, Riverlink Shopping Centre and Ipswich North State School.

The development site currently consists of 10 land parcels – including eight houses, which will be demolished to make way for the new construction.

The proposed development includes four 11 storey towers – with a total 293 units: one one-bedroom, 119 two-bedroom and 173 three-bedroom dwellings.

The units will all include an open floor plan to maximise natural light and ventilation, along with a balcony overlooking the surrounding streets and the nearby North Ipswich Reserve.

In addition, the plans include three levels of basement parking servicing all four towers, with 423 parking spaces – 390 for residents and 33 for visitors.

Two of the towers have areas designated for commercial/retail purposes on level one – which will include a cafe, restaurant and shop.

The ground level between the towers will house a central communal open space with a mix of recreation opportunities including a pool and BBQ area, with landscaping throughout.

The development was discussed in a pre-lodgement meeting with Ipswich City Council on February 15 2022, and Queensland Government Architect, Leah Lang noted the opportunities for the site to provide more affordable housing options.

In the feedback report, she said “there is a new-found interest and growing demand for well designed, located and affordable apartments in an Ipswich context.

“For far too long the inner core of Ipswich has been lacking housing diversity and choice with the residential life of the city occurring in outer green field subdivisions.

“It is encouraging to see a project of this scale and I encourage the proponent to set a new benchmark in the supply of apartment style living within a more urbane inner-city context.”

Ms Lang further said the development proposal is promising as it contributes positively to the sense of local place, character and community values, has regular public transport access, and could accommodate a range of social, affordable and/or market housing.

The application is currently in the confirmation period, and awaiting the council’s approval.