The masterstroke in Ipswich City Council’s long-term planning to reactivate the Ipswich CBD becomes a reality next week.

More than 750 public servants have been shifting from South Street into the new administration building this month and the doors to 1 Nicholas Street open to the public on Monday, June 28.

Media were given a sneak peek behind the doors of 1 Nicholas Street this week. 

The $125 million nine-storey administration building features self-serve counters in the foyer, meeting booths, rooms and function rooms for public use.

The council chambers, Mayor’s office, Deputy Mayor, CEO and executive staff will occupy the top floor, Level 8. The new council chambers has a public gallery seating capacity of 70.

The public will have access to level 8 of the building, which will include two large training rooms which will be used for corporate training and council induction and meeting and discussion areas for residents to meet and discuss issues with councillors.

Moving council operations to the Ipswich Mall was a key part of the Pisasale administration’s plan to reinvigorate the CBD following the decline of retail traffic, accelerated by the council’s approval of Riverlink Shopping Centre on the other side of the river, previously deemed in the town plan not to be developed for retail use.

The new building is part of Council’s push for integrated services, with the community able to access library and general Council services in one-stop shops at Rosewood, Springfield and, from Monday, Nicholas Street.

Council has revamped its customer service operation at 1 Nicholas Street in