The heart of Ipswich is undergoing a once-in-a-generation redevelopment to create a vibrant inner-city hub of entertainment, dining, shopping, business and fun.

As the redevelopment continues to take shape, council listened to your ideas and feedback on names for your brand new city centre. We are pleased to announce the chosen names for the new 10,000m2 civic plaza, city library, children’s library, new function spaces, council’s new administration building, laneways and the overall precinct following approval by Council.

We listened, see the decisions below

See the areas and approved names by scrolling down to the 'Name your places and spaces' tabs and click on each area.

There are some important rules and considerations to take into account when it comes to choosing a new name for a place or space in Ipswich.

As per the Framework for Development and Related Activities Policy – Naming, preferred names are those of notable local individuals or families who have a long history associated with the area, local identities with national-level sporting or cultural achievements.

Council will not consider names of businesses, products, religious or political names or themes, council officers or councillors.

For further information, you can refer to the full document here.

While the Nicholas Street and Union Place street names are not changing, council is seeking the community’s input into selecting new names for:

  • The administration building
  • The civic plaza – one overarching name that encompasses the stage, water play area and event spaces
  • The library – this is for the building which will house the city’s new library
  • The children’s library – this applies to the ground floor section of the administration building
  • Event space – this applies to the function rooms on level one of the administration building
  • Event Balcony – this applies to just the balcony area and is treated as a separate function space
  • Laneway 1 – this applies to the paved laneway in Nicholas Street located between two privately-owned buildings
  • Laneway 2 – this applies to the area known as Bottle Alley

Note that council may also choose to use some of the suggestions to name other spaces such as the two pavilions located in the civic plaza.

  • It’s important to note that while council is committed to consulting with the community to seek feedback and ideas, the final naming decisions will be a formal decision of council at the September 2020 meeting.
  • As part of the decision-making process, councillors will also consider other factors such as costs to ratepayers to rename currently named places and spaces (for example: costs related to brand development, signage and wayfinding materials).
  • The final decisions of council will be made in accordance with the Framework for Development Applications and Related Activities Policy.
  • Following this council meeting, an update will be provided to inform the community of the final decisions and “names”. Make sure you 'follow' this page to keep up-to-date.

Name your places and spaces below

The Precinct


DECISION: Nicholas Street Precinct



Line drawing map of the precinct to be named

Your ideas for the naming of the whole precinct

Currently referred to as Ipswich Central or the Nicholas Street precinct. Nicholas Street appears on the earliest map of Ipswich/Limestone in the 1843 survey by Henry Wade and has been called Nicholas Street for 177 years. At present, Nicholas Street is being used as the name of the entire precinct which includes the EATS, METRO and VENUE retail, dining and commercial buildings, as well as the civic plaza, library and administration building, the Commonwealth Hotel and Union Place. Ipswich Central is an area located in the centre of Ipswich that extends from the Ipswich Showgrounds, to the West of Ipswich, to the North Ipswich Railyards, across to the North Ipswich sporting precinct and including both the Grammar Schools, St Mary’s and St Edmunds.

30 August, 2020

Bmac says:

"Jeff McLean Central" born/raised in Nicholas St. A passionate CBD Ipswich business/hotel owner for 36years until his passing former Wallaby

28 August, 2020

silverrose says:

Leave Bottle Alley as it is

28 August, 2020

MAS says:

Bottle Alley - let’s preserve our history too

28 August, 2020

MAS says:

Bottle Alley should remain

28 August, 2020

MAS says:

Ipswich Central because that’s what it’s know as, is simple and self-explanatory, is where he GPO is...

27 August, 2020

Eddy says:

iConnect (meaning a place where Ipswich Connects and where also "I", us come to connect.

26 August, 2020

Gazza says:

Limestone Hub or Great Limestone Hub. Everythinf fans out from there.

26 August, 2020

tammy_jacobsen says:

I nominate naming after Lancelot "Lance" Waldon, he's linked with Ipswich boxing, mining, historical society, GAL council, greyhounds, Santa

26 August, 2020

serina_stenstra says:

Unity

24 August, 2020

Lightside says:

Something that connects to the Top of Town branding to link with the whole area. Ipswich Town Central/Central Ipswich Town/Centre of Town

24 August, 2020

Kealy says:

The feels of Ipswich This name can make memorable memories with the kid and people in the area showing what it FEEL like to shop in there.

23 August, 2020

BeaM says:

Tulmur Precinct - This honors First Nation peoples - It is an inclusive and respectful name.

Civic Space


DECISION: Tulmur Place



Line drawing map of the civic space to be named

Your ideas for the naming of the civic space

The new civic space will be a vibrant hub where the community will be able to play, dine, shop and be entertained with a zero depth water play area, a permanent performance stage, event spaces and places to relax under the plaza’s shady trees. Suggested name: Tulmur Place – In late 2019, Ipswich City Council undertook a two week consultation with the local Indigenous community to get ideas and input into representing the city’s first peoples through art, design, sculpture and sense of place. Members of the community suggested the name ‘Tulmur’ which means ‘Ipswich’.

27 August, 2020

louise_lillingstone says:

Nicholas Street Plaza. Due to its location at the end of Nicolas Street.

27 August, 2020

louise_lillingstone says:

Union Plaza. Due to its location on the corner of Union Place.

27 August, 2020

louise_lillingstone says:

Riverheart Plaza. Ties in with the Riverheart parklands and reconnects the CBD with the river which it had previously turned its back on

27 August, 2020

J_Lawrie says:

Trevor Grewar Outlook, Dedicated a huge part of his life to Ipswich, rarely events run Trevor wasn't involved in. Christmas lit up his world

25 August, 2020

Rhonda says:

Heather Bonner Place. Heather Founded OPAL - One People of Australia League and worked tirelessly to bring the community together.

23 August, 2020

BeaM says:

Tulmur Place is perfect and in line with Indigenous wishes.

21 August, 2020

DrJ says:

Corroboree - traditionally an event at which Australians have gathered to celebrate life together.

20 August, 2020

dallas_coventry_scot says:

Connection Place as it will connect our community

19 August, 2020

kathryn_b says:

Bremer Plaza - Over looks the Bremer River. Or just "The Plaza"

19 August, 2020

Marty says:

People's Place - For all residents, rate payers and visitors to Ipswich. It should have a permanent big TV screen for all world events.

19 August, 2020

JudyB says:

Tulmur Place in respect of the indigenous community's wishes.

19 August, 2020

Eddy says:

"The T Space" Meaning the Tulmur(Ipswich) Space, a space we all can call move around, connect and interact.

Council Admin building


DECISION: 1 Nicholas Street



Line drawing map of the admin building to be named

Your ideas for the naming of the council administration building

Council’s new administration building will include office space for the council workforce as well as a state-of-the-art children’s library, a customer service centre and community function spaces.

28 August, 2020

leonie_guy says:

joseph fleming admin building. he was one of our 1st politicians, elected to the qld legislative assembly in 1860.

27 August, 2020

louise_lillingstone says:

Ipswich Central Administration Hub. A Hub being 'the effective centre of an activity, region or network'.

23 August, 2020

BeaM says:

Ipswich House

19 August, 2020

kathryn_b says:

John Murphy Building - Ipswich's first mayor.

19 August, 2020

Marty says:

Ipswich City Council - People's Place.

16 August, 2020

annette_holyoake says:

ICC Administration Building. Keep it simple so people can find what they are after.

15 August, 2020

cynthia_billiau says:

Ipswich City Council Cribb and Foote Building

15 August, 2020

cynthia_billiau says:

Ipswich city council Harold Blair building

15 August, 2020

cynthia_billiau says:

i liked the name Bill Hayden centre. if still in use on the other building then i suggest maybe call this area Tulmur - Limestone building

15 August, 2020

LCutler says:

Thorn Place

15 August, 2020

niki says:

Ipswich Community Hub or Ipswich Community Plaza or Tulmur Community Hub

15 August, 2020

Honestcitizen says:

The Money Pit This aligns to Ipswich City Councils long history of how it has managed the city, in particular the city it’s self.

Event space


DECISION: Dandiiri Room



line drawing map of the event space on level 1 of the Council Admin building to be named

Map of the event space on level 1 of the Council Admin building

Your ideas for the naming of the council event space

Council’s new administration building will offer function spaces on level one that can be used by the community for large and small gatherings. These spaces will include access to kitchen and catering facilities.

26 August, 2020

KirstyG says:

Helen Clark Function Centre. “Aunty Helen” is a founding figure in the dancing/arts scene in Ipswich and continues to this day at age 90.

19 August, 2020

kathryn_b says:

The Mall. Why not?

19 August, 2020

Amyc says:

“Helen Clark event room” affectionately known to everyone as Aunty Helen -she has been teaching dance in Ipswich for over 70 years.

15 August, 2020

cynthia_billiau says:

Harold Blair centre

15 August, 2020

LCutler says:

Neville Bonner AO Community Building

15 August, 2020

niki says:

Ipswich Events Centre or Ipswich Events Hub or Tulmur Events Space

15 August, 2020

Honestcitizen says:

Pick a noteable criminal, this will align this space to the recent style of events that councilors have supported

14 August, 2020

RJM says:

Bremer Function Centre, linking the Precinct and the major Council buildings with the significance of the River .

13 August, 2020

Tiffany says:

Limestone Space

13 August, 2020

vicki_stafford says:

Dandiiri Space

12 August, 2020

adam_elliott says:

Ash Barty Function Centre, support ipswich people be proud of a great tennis player.

12 August, 2020

Tulmar says:

Harold Blair Function Centre Named after the famous Aboriginal tenor that grew up in the Purga mission.

Event balcony


DECISION: Bremer Terrace



line drawing map of the event balcony on level 1 of the Council Admin building to be named    to be named

Map of the event balcony on level 1 of the Council Admin building

Your ideas for the naming of the event balcony space

Located in council’s new administration building, the community will be able to hold functions on the generous outdoor balcony area.

23 August, 2020

BeaM says:

Bremer Balcony The Balcony

19 August, 2020

kathryn_b says:

The Balcony.

19 August, 2020

Ami says:

Clouds balcony

18 August, 2020

Rosey says:

Blodwyn Whitehead - founder of both Cambrian Junior and Youth choirs and musical identity of Ipswich

15 August, 2020

LCutler says:

Jim Hawkins Balcony. My uncle Jim Hawkins was a WWII digger and identity in Ipswich. He loved outdoors and socialised in town constantly

15 August, 2020

niki says:

Depending where it faces ... Bremer Events Space or Bremer Events Hub

15 August, 2020

Honestcitizen says:

Government view. If it is an open space it should reflect that that is what Ipswich City Council should be “Open to be viewed & accountable

14 August, 2020

RJM says:

Bremer Balcony

13 August, 2020

Tiffany says:

The Balcony

13 August, 2020

vicki_stafford says:

Capern Balcony. The Capern family contributed greatly to the musical heritage of Ipswich, as performers, teachers and supporters.

12 August, 2020

adam_elliott says:

Bremer balcony overlooking the river and city

12 August, 2020

jim_dodrill says:

Stephen Potts Balcony Steve has strong family links to Ipswich. He was the critical witness which revealed the corruption in the Council.

Laneway 1


DECISION: Cribb and Foote Lane



Line drawing map of the laneway 1 to be named

Your ideas for naming of Laneway 1

In 2020, artists were engaged to add a unique mural to the northern wall of the laneway as part of the Brisbane Street Art Festival. The laneway will be used as a funky inner-city event and activation space. History and background: The laneway has never had an official name and has been known by several different names over the last century. Suggested names: 1. Supply Lane - The laneway was originally used by Nicholas Street merchants as a delivery and supply lane 2. Greenham Lane – The Greenham family was the first to own the land and commercial buildings on the corner of Brisbane and Nicholas Streets.

30 August, 2020

Bmac says:

"Jeff McLean Lane" born & raised in Nicholas St. A credit to the city, an Ipswich business owner for 36years till his passing former Wallaby

28 August, 2020

jaqquline_lawrie says:

“Ross Lawrie Laneway” Ross lived in Ipswich for half of his life. He gave back to the community often and held lots of musical events.

25 August, 2020

Jamie says:

Reeds Row

22 August, 2020

Donat says:

Jeffrey Wegener Lane after the legendary Ipswich drummer who played in the Saints, Laughing Clowns and countless others since the early 70s.

20 August, 2020

renee_costello says:

Storey Lane

20 August, 2020

Karina13 says:

Ziva Place - our dog, who is an Ipswich local, walks here with me often. She's the greatest Ipswich local there is, brings joy & happiness

19 August, 2020

kathryn_b says:

I like the two suggestions of Supply Lane (though it does sound a big like somewhere you could pick up some drugs) or Greenham Lane.

19 August, 2020

JudyB says:

Supply Laneway

17 August, 2020

damien_johnson says:

‘Merchants Way’ - I like the historic reference of the lane being used for supplies, but I think ‘Supply Lane’ is not a very attractive name

17 August, 2020

KayC says:

Sister Shannon Laneway after Sister Steph Shannon from Ipswich Hospital. She has done so much for families and charities

17 August, 2020

janelle_reed says:

Storey Alley. Named after my grandfather who arrived from England in 1926. A real character and union organiser for many years. Real pioneer

16 August, 2020

annette_holyoake says:

Greenham Lane sounds as good as any and ties in with the heritage of the space.

Laneway 2


DECISION: Bottle Alley



Line drawing map of the laneway 2 to be named

Your ideas for naming of Laneway 2

This laneway, currently known as Bottle Alley, sits above the railway line and links Nicholas and Ellenborough Streets. It is located next to the new EATS precinct. Bottle Alley gained its name in the mid-1800s when it was used to deliver to the hotel located in Nicholas Street.

27 August, 2020

louise_lillingstone says:

Bottle Alley. Historical reasons aside, this name is important for way finding. Generations of Ipswichians know where Bottle Alley is.

21 August, 2020

Hannah says:

It should be called “Ardent Avenue” . Ardent is the name of a distilled beverage and it also means “very enthusiastic and passionate”.

19 August, 2020

kathryn_b says:

Bottle Alley. Its been known as this for years. Do you really need to change something just for the sake of changing it?

19 August, 2020

JudyB says:

Bottle Alley.

18 August, 2020

Rhonda says:

Bottle Alley was, is, and always should be BOTTLE ALLEY. This thoroughfare, so named, is part of the heritage of Ipswich.

17 August, 2020

marie says:

Keep it as Bottle Alley

17 August, 2020

damien_johnson says:

‘Bottle Lane’ - the reference to the bottles is charming and has an enchanting ring, but ‘Lane’ carries a more inviting tone than ‘alley’.

16 August, 2020

annette_holyoake says:

Bottle Alley has been there for way too long to change the name. It is heritage to us people who have lived here all our lives.

15 August, 2020

dorothy_williamson says:

Please do not change the name of Bottle Alley as it is part of our heritage, if it is changed it will be part of Lost Ipswich in a few years

15 August, 2020

Vjenk says:

Bottle Alley for the stay

15 August, 2020

margaret_nugent says:

Bottle Alley, protect our history. It will always be called this, regardless of any other name.

15 August, 2020

cynthia_billiau says:

Bottle Alley

Library


DECISION: Ipswich Central Library



Line drawing map of the library to be named

Your ideas for the naming of the new library

The city’s new state-of-the-art library will offer a wide range of programs, services, meeting rooms and bookable spaces for the community.

28 August, 2020

VictorGibbonsCSMA says:

"The Glennis Nugent Book Feast" Glennis was a tireless community worker, Initiating Qlds first Book feast recycling retired library book

27 August, 2020

louise_lillingstone says:

Ipswich Central Library. Simply is what it is. Consistent with naming of the Springfield and Rosewood libraries.

26 August, 2020

stevegold says:

River-think

19 August, 2020

kathryn_b says:

Ipswich City Library.

19 August, 2020

Marty says:

Ipswich Central Library - So as not to confuse it with other Ipswich suburban libraries.

19 August, 2020

Ami says:

The Book

18 August, 2020

Rosey says:

Toni Risson and Margaret Cook - local historians who are phenomenal women!!!!

17 August, 2020

marie says:

A local author

16 August, 2020

annette_holyoake says:

Ipswich Library. What more do you want.

15 August, 2020

cynthia_billiau says:

Ipswich City Library , because that is what it is.

15 August, 2020

LCutler says:

Tom Shapcott Library - Ipswich’s most respected poet/writer

15 August, 2020

niki says:

Agree with others Ipswich - Tulmur Central Library.

Children's library


DECISION: Ipswich Children's Library



Line drawing map of the children's library to be named

Map of the children's library located on the ground floor of the Council Admin buiulding

Your ideas for the naming of the children's library

Located on the ground floor of the new council administration building, the new children’s library will offer a world of learning and wonder, with innovative technology, exciting programming and plenty to see and do.

28 August, 2020

leonie_guy says:

little bookworms library of learning. i think that name says it all. it represents reading books and the use of technology.

25 August, 2020

Jamie says:

The Little Horses Library

23 August, 2020

BeaM says:

Boomerang Library - books go out and come back

20 August, 2020

June says:

Shannon Place. The Shannon family have dedicated their lives to the well being and development of many children.

19 August, 2020

kathryn_b says:

Ipswich Childrens library

19 August, 2020

Marty says:

Ipswich Central Children's Library

19 August, 2020

Ami says:

Little lizards library

18 August, 2020

Wayne says:

Children's Library of Ipswich City. Tell it how it is

17 August, 2020

marie says:

Shannon Place - Steph Shannon, Nurse Unit Manager of the Childrens Ward in Ipswich Hospital for 30+ years, then childrens grief counselling.

15 August, 2020

cynthia_billiau says:

I hope the Barry Jones auditorium stays where it is

15 August, 2020

cynthia_billiau says:

Ipswich City Children's library

15 August, 2020

LCutler says:

Frilled Lizard Children’s Library or some other local creature. Make the name fun for kids to make the library as appealing as possible.