Ipswich Central Revitalisation
A collaborative engagement program was the catalyst for uniting community, businesses and Council to work toward a collective vision for the future of Ipswich Central, planting a seed for a culture of do-it-yourself action.
The City of Ipswich had suffered from years of political challenges, natural disasters and a cycle of decline in tired inner-city neighbourhoods. Community pride and business confidence was low and it was clear to Council that it was time for a new approach.
Driven by a bold cross-departmental Council and consultant collaboration, the Ipswich Central Revitalisation Project started with those most impacted by the current Ipswich climate: businesses and community. Entering the project there were no pre-prescribed outputs. Instead, Fourfold Studio in partnership with Urban Enquiry and Vee Design, undertook a highly collaborative visioning and engagement process that built on projects already in motion, complemented by community input, to develop a clear road-map for the next 25-years of Ipswich.
Our ultimate output was the Ipswich Central Revitalisation project and a series of Place Plans to implement the goals.
Client: Ipswich City Council
To change the pace of transformation, the team channelled local energy into the creation of a new grassroots community group.
This group is known as the Ipswich Central Partnership and is made up of engaged and enthusiastic local stakeholders that were involved in our engagement. The group partnered with Council to support the implementation of actions identified within the Place Plans, ensuring they are not left gathering dust.
