About the Nicholas Street Project

Safety has long been a concern within the Ipswich CBD and it is important to recognise that safety (and crime) are quality of life issues that affect all communities, be it real or perceived. A person’s perception may be objectively unjustifiable or just plain out of touch with reality and in some cases inherited from the bad experiences of others. Either way, perceptions and opinions affect our community and should be identified as a quality of life issue.

A key element in addressing safety and potential crime is local input, knowledge and basic crime prevention through environment design principles (CPTED) as well as a selection of other crime preventative techniques applicable to the City of Ipswich. The following steps, if practiced, will endeavour to address public safety concerns. These concerns have been identified and explored through initial consultation and collaboration with local business and other stakeholders, site visits and CPTED audits.

Key findings and recommendations

Six key safety issues emerged from the consultation program as identified barriers to community safety in the Nicholas Street Precinct.

What happens next?

All responses and comments were used to inform Council’s Community Safety Strategy and Nicholas Street Events and Activation Plan.

The new Council administration building, 1 Nicholas Street, Ipswich Central Library, Ipswich Children's Library and Tulmur Place have now opened. Many workers and visitors are now coming to the precinct and Ipswich Central area. To see what's on in the precinct visit the Nicholas Street website.

Stage three, completion of the new entertainment, dining and retail precinct is scheduled for completion in late 2023.