The demolition of two modern Ipswich buildings is underway to make room for a new Ipswich Hospital carpark.
The Ipswich City Council Chambers building and WG Hayden Humanities Centre are to be removed in stages as part of the state government’s proposed plans for the 7-storey carpark.
The buildings belong to the Queensland government after being sold by Ipswich City Council for $21 million in 2021.
The works are part of the Ipswich Health Precinct Master Plan.
Major Capital Program Director Mitchel Peterson said the carpark is needed for the proposed expansion of the Ipswich Hospital.
“We know there is a real need for more carparking around the Ipswich Hospital and we’ve absolutely heard that loud and clear from the local community.
“So constructing a new multi-storey carpark with more than 800 undercover spaces will reduce a lot of that pressure on patients and our staff as well.
“This is especially important as expansion work is well underway for increased capacity at the hospital including things like a new Emergency Department, 200 new beds, six additional operating theatres and many other service improvements that our growing community really needs,” he said.
Major Capital Program Director Mitchel Peterson said these buildings weren’t heritage listed but understood how important they were to the local community.
“The Ministerial Infrastructure Designation Process does consider things exactly like this before any final decisions are made regarding the proposed plans for the site.
“The consultation process occurred in late 2024 ahead the demolition of the buildings,” Mr Peterson said.
The Ipswich City Council Chambers building was officially opened in1984.
The WG Hayden Humanities Centre was constructed by Ipswich Council and opened in 1974.
Until recently, the vacant building housed more than 60 community groups for services ranging from multicultural to aged care.
ADCO Constructions has been awarded the contract for demolition of the two buildings.
Details on the Ipswich Health Precinct can be found at the following link:
