Surge at Citiswich to underpin jobs growth

INTEREST in industrial blocks at the Citiswich Business Park development near Dinmore have grown significantly in the last few months.

INTEREST in industrial blocks at the Citiswich Business Park development near Dinmore have grown significantly in the last few months.

Walker Corporation said although the global financial crisis slowed business down, Citiswich was becoming one of Queensland's major industrial hubs.

Walker Corporation development and projects general manager David Gallant said that the surge in construction activity at Citiswich has generated renewed interest in the development.

“Citiswich is a great destination for businesses looking to build their new headquarters close to the Ipswich CBD while having excellent access to the national highway network,” Mr Galland said.

“It's also surrounded by good amenities and Ipswich has a strong labour force to draw from.

“With the Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API) and The Reject Shop buildings going well, I think that has attracted more interest to the area because people can actually see the whole area take shape.

“I think once the roadworks are finished, it will grow even more.”

He said the API distribution centre would create 200 Ipswich jobs alone.

Work commenced in June for a new 26,000sqm distribution centre for The Reject Shop.

The centre will be finished and operational by early 2010 and will have the capacity to service up to 200 stores throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales.

The construction of the new 19,000sqm facility for API is ahead of schedule and is now just weeks from completion, and will be operational by early next year.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said the development showed major national companies saw the potential the region has to offer.

“Citiswich will play a vital role in job creation in Ipswich,” Cr Pisasale said.

“At the moment it is the best industrial estate in Australia.

“Council will be working very closely with Citiswich and we'll be pushing to make sure it fulfils its potential.

“The fact that a major group like Walkers can put their money into projects like Citiswich in Ipswich shows how much we are growing.”

The Ashburn and Bognuda Street works project are complete and works on the Hoepner Road extension are nearing completion, with the new road expected to be complete by early next year.

Originally published as Surge at Citiswich to underpin jobs growth