RP Infrastructure

RP Infrastructure (RPI) is engaged by Ipswich City Council (ICC) as project director and project manager for the redevelopment of the Ipswich CBD.

Project Overview

The program of work includes master planning of the CBD leading to the design and construction of:

• A new 9-level office building plus 3-level carpark to accommodate the Ipswich City Council
• New 3,500 sqm Public Library
• New 12,000 sqm Civic & Entertainment Square (larger than Brisbane’s King George Square)
• Demolition of the City Mall and revitalised main streetscape
• Refurbishment of existing 1,000-space multilevel carpark
• Stabilisation and reconstruction of the heritage-listed Commonwealth Hotel
• Detailed business case for the future Performing Arts Centre integrated into the development.

Our Role

Underpinning the master plan is a business case which supports significant capital investment in community infrastructure as a catalyst for a growing retail and commercial CBD hub. ICC has secured loan funds from Queensland Treasury Corporation and the main design and construction contract was awarded in August 2019 to Hutchinson Builders.

RPI has now tendered and let 8 separate construction contracts (over 30 consultant engagements) with up to 5 separate contractors on site at one time.

Key Challenge

The project is being delivered during a challenging political period for Ipswich Council. The RPI team has navigated these challenges thanks to a robust governance framework established early in the project lifecycle. Despite the removal of the councillors and appointment of the current Interim Administrator, RPI has been able to demonstrate a sustainable master plan for the CBD.