The Ipswich Art Gallery is one of Queensland’s most visited regional galleries and a significant cultural asset. It plays an important role in supporting creativity, learning and community connection. The Australian Government recognised the value of the gallery supporting with funding for the development of concept plans for the building’s facilities.

This project represents a significant opportunity to grow cultural tourism in Ipswich while addressing the gallery's future capacity needs. It will support the delivery of fit-for-purpose cultural facilities and services for a city projected to exceed 500,000 residents over the next 20 years, while also strengthening Ipswich's appeal as a cultural destination.

The preliminary design approach explores opportunities to:

• Expand exhibition and gallery spaces
• Improve accessibility and visitor experience by improving access and sightlines of the gallery entrance.
• Improve spaces for learning, participation and community programs
• Provide design cohesion between Ipswich Art Gallery, Cultural Heart (d’Arcy Doyle Place and Nicholas Street South) and the Ipswich Civic Centre
• Support the broader Arts and Cultural vision for the city.

The final scope will continue to be refined through community feedback, technical investigations and future design development.

No.

Design options are being presented to seek community feedback on the overarching direction of the project. Insights gathered during this engagement will help to progress the design development.

An expanded gallery has the potential to:

• Increase access to arts and cultural experiences
• Support educational and creative learning opportunities
• Attract visitors to Ipswich Central
• Support local artists and creative industries
• Encourage greater participation in arts and culture
• Contribute to the economic and cultural development of the city centre

The Ipswich Art Gallery Expansion forms part of the broader Ipswich Central Heart initiative.

Together with the Ipswich Civic Centre, Cultural Heart, Brisbane Street Refresh and Inner City Bikeway project, the Gallery expansion contributes to a connected vision for Ipswich Central that strengthens arts, culture, public spaces and community life. It would be an asset to the redeveloped Nicholas Street Precinct and offer opportunities in Ipswich Central on weekends.

Feedback received during this engagement will be reviewed alongside technical investigations, funding requirements and project planning.

The results will help refine the preliminary design approach and inform future design development. A community engagement report will be prepared to summarise the feedback received and demonstrate how community input has been considered.

No. Council is currently reviewing and testing options for the future expansion of Ipswich Art Gallery through the development of concept designs. This work is intended to explore opportunities, understand community priorities and inform future planning. There is currently no commitment to construction or construction funding, and any future progression of the project will be subject to further planning, funding, approvals and Council decision-making.