Inside the flash new childcare centre, office building in the works for Ipswich city centre

A Brisbane developer is vying to build a flash new childcare centre and office building in the middle of Ipswich’s CBD — hoping to ‘enhance the character’ of the entry point into the heart of the city.

A new contemporary childcare centre and office building is in the works at a prime location in the heart of the Ipswich city centre.

Benstead Holdaway submitted a development application on August 10 to build a mixed-use facility – including a childcare centre and office space – on a vacant site at 3 and 5 Limestone Street, 2 Brisbane Street and 7 Milford Street, Ipswich.

The childcare centre would encompass the ground floor of the building – with a 797 sqm interior, and a 736 sqm outdoor play space.

It would operate from 6.30am to 7pm and cater to 100 students.

The second and third floors (each 1,100 sqm) are proposed for mixed business use – primarily office space, but with potential for other uses including a cafe and medical centre – and would have separate lobby access.

A further basement level would provide 63 carparking spaces and five bicycle spaces – with access via Milford Street and Limestone Street.

Rendering of proposed childcare centre and office building on Brisbane and Limestone Street. Picture: Mewing Planning Consultants/Benstead Holdaway

The site is on the edge of the Ipswich CBD, with both Limestone Street and Brisbane Street categorised as ‘major thoroughfares’ and ‘major approach routes’.

The town planning report, prepared by Mewing Planning Consultants, said “the site has been vacant for some time and presents an opportunity to provide a new built form and land use outcome that contributes positively to this entry point to the Ipswich city centre”.

The report further said the development was designed to “enhance the visual quality and character of the area”.

“The design evokes a commercial and contemporary sensibility while maintaining an appropriate scale and setbacks that does not detract from the character of nearby buildings and landscapes.”

The report includes detailed plans for landscaping opportunities, with a total 292 sqm provided for landscaping and deep planting – with plans to retain many existing trees along the property boundaries and introduce a new feature shade tree at the corner of Miford and Brisbane Street, to create a “shaded and enjoyable pedestrian environment”.

Proposed childcare centre and office building on Brisbane and Limestone Street. Picture: Mewing Planning Consultants/Benstead Holdaway

“The design seeks to activate the principal pedestrian networks and enhance pedestrian and user experiences, this being reinforced by landscaping along all frontages,” said the town planning report.

Benstead Holdaway incorporated feedback from the Ipswich City Council and SARA into the proposal, after pre-lodgement meetings on May 4 and June 14, 2022, respectively.

The proposal includes plans to remove the existing median along Limestone Street (adjacent to the proposed access point) in response to SARA’s traffic impact concerns.

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

Originally published as Inside the flash new childcare centre, office building in the works for Ipswich city centre