Retail Businesses
Respondents shared that they would like retail stores to offer a diverse selection of products, with a focus on mid-to-high-end brands, creating a well-rounded destination for both shopping and dining.
Background
The Welcome to Ipswich Central: Business Incentive Program is designed to offer financial support to retail, arts, creative, food, or hospitality businesses interested in opening a physical shopfront in Ipswich Central.
By increasing the number of businesses in Ipswich Central, the program aims to enhance economic activity and contribute to the vision for Ipswich Central, creating a vibrant city centre.
Community members were asked to provide feedback what businesses they would like to see in Ipswich Central. See a summary of what you shared with us below, or read the full report.
What you shared
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Arts and Creative
Respondents expressed a preference for more arts and creative businesses in Ipswich Central, emphasising diverse offerings that appeal to both residents and visitors.
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Hospitality and Food Businesses
Respondents supported the addition of more hospitality and food businesses, with a desire for a variety of outlets, including fresh produce, specialty food sections, salad and juice bars, and bakeries.
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Unique and Premium Outlets
There is strong support for local businesses, emphasising diverse, high-quality outlets and advocating for grassroots enterprises.
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Community and Culture
Comments suggested expanding multicultural dining options to enhance hospitality diversity.
Community Engagement Report
How you shared
The Welcome to Ipswich Central: Business Incentive Program community engagement took place from 12 November 2024 to 8 December 2024, featuring online engagement via Shape Your Ipswich as well as welcoming submission via telephone and email.
A summary of the contributors to the survey can be found below.
Quick Poll
Which business would you like to see?
This poll has concluded.
Total Votes: 49
Who shared
The community was asked to share their preference in what businesses they would like to see in Ipswich Central.
A summary of the demographics of who contributed to the survey can be seen below.
Learn more
The Welcome to Ipswich Central: Business Incentive Program aims to financially support retail, arts, creative, food, or hospitality businesses to establish a physical presence in Ipswich Central.
The program is designed to support the vision that Ipswich Central is the Cultural Hub and Beating Heart of the Ipswich Community by attracting a diverse range of businesses.
Successful applicants can receive reimbursement of up to $4,000 (excluding GST) for expenses such as shop fit-outs, furniture and equipment, and point of sale systems.
The total funding pool is capped at $20,000 and is available on a rolling basis until the funds are exhausted.
Eligible businesses must have commenced a minimum 12-month lease after 1 July 2024 and before 9 June 2025, have an appropriate business registration (ABN), and align with the vision for Ipswich Central.
Applications open on Monday 2 September 2024 and will be assessed on a rolling basis until the funds are exhausted. Once approved, businesses can claim reimbursement for eligible expenses three months prior to 1 July 2024, with notification of approval expected within 14 days of application submission.
It's important to note that submission of an application does not guarantee participation, and certain expenses such as subscription and merchant fees, advertising, and professional services fees are ineligible for reimbursement.
Applicants must agree to the program's terms and conditions and provide evidence of their financial contribution where required.
