Parramatta comparison fuels Ipswich CBD push as East Street Central takes shape
IPSWICH is moving ahead with a major CBD proposal, and parramatta is being used as the comparison point for what developers believe could come next. East Street Central is planned for the corner of East and Brisbane Streets, with nearly 5, 000 square metres of new office space across three buildings aimed at easing a tight supply of quality workspace. The project is being positioned as a response to low vacancy, rising demand and the city’s rapid growth.
Big office push at the heart of the CBD
Allamanni Developments Acquisitions Manager Irina Monnier said the project is arriving at the right time for a city facing strong pressure in the commercial market. Vacancy rates are sitting at just 3 to 5 per cent, which she described as among the lowest in the country. The proposal is now edging closer to a formal development application after two years of planning and what has been described as a smooth process with Ipswich City Council.
Monnier said Ipswich is Queensland’s fastest growing city, with its population projected to exceed 456, 000 by 2041. She said that growth is already increasing demand for modern, well-located workspaces, and that the city is currently lacking the type and scale of office accommodation the project is designed to deliver.
Parramatta comparison and what developers are seeing
Monnier said Ipswich is at a similar stage to where Parramatta was around 20 years ago, describing it as a city on the cusp of significant transformation into a major economic centre. That comparison is central to the way the project is being framed: not as a stand-alone building proposal, but as part of a wider shift in the city’s commercial identity.
The location is a key part of the pitch. East Street Central is planned within walking distance of the hospital, courts, council chambers and rail connections, which Monnier said gives it strong visibility and makes it particularly attractive for commercial tenants. The project is also being positioned to support professional services, government and healthcare users.
Heritage, upgrades and the next stage
The development is set to blend modern office space with Ipswich’s historic character. That includes the restoration of a heritage-listed 1888 building designed by Francis Drummond Greville Stanley, which is already fully leased. The wider plan also includes a major overhaul of the six-level tower at 78 Brisbane St, with a new facade, energy-efficient upgrades, a rooftop terrace, high-speed lifts and secure parking.
Monnier said the project highlights both demand for character spaces and the opportunity to combine heritage with modern functionality. The development is expected to bring in jobs, more foot traffic and stronger activity for nearby businesses, while helping address a clear undersupply of premium office accommodation in the CBD.
What comes next for the CBD
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the transformation of the CBD had already come a long way. With East Street Central moving closer to a formal development application, the next phase will be watched closely by businesses, tenants and civic leaders looking for signs of how fast the city can convert growth into lasting commercial momentum. For now, parramatta is not just a comparison — it is the benchmark shaping the story of Ipswich’s next step.
