Ipswich City Council

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Ipswich Central Retail Smart launch

9 November 2007

IPSWICH City Council will launch an aggressive strategy to help strengthen city centre businesses and capture retail dollars following the recent launch of the Ipswich Central brand.

The Retail Smart campaign is an active promotions and training program targeting Ipswich Central businesses and will be delivered in partnership with Ipswich City Council and Bremer Tafe.

Mayor Paul Pisasale said the Retail Smart campaign was one of a series of strategies outlined in the Ipswich City Council's $7.9 million 12 Point Plan to revitalise the city centre.

"With over $450m worth of investment and development projects underway within Ipswich Central, we are in a prime position to capitalise on the city's position as a principal activity centre for the western growth corridor," Councillor Pisasale said.

"Our region is host to landmark, multi-million dollar and billion dollar projects from the $258m Amberley RAAF Base redevelopment to the $650m Southern Regional Water Pipeline, the planned $545m Asia Pacific Seamless Tubes plant, and the $12.5b Greater Springfield development.

"Our industrial parks alone will create more than 137,000 jobs in the next 20 years.

"Key new Ipswich Central development projects include the $200m Riverlink shopping centre, the $55m Aspire Apartments, the $50m Hotel Gloria, the $92m Ipswich Courthouse, and the $25m Tower Central development," Cr Pisasale said.

"Ipswich Central is our hub for retail and business, inner-city living, culture, entertainment and tourism."

The Retail Smart Campaign will operate in tandem with the Ipswich Pride Program to highlight all there is on offer within Ipswich Central.

"Retail Smart is one way we can help our local businesses market and promote themselves under the Ipswich Central banner.

"We want to work with our businesses and stop the leakage of retail dollars from our city heart.

"This is the first phase of our marketing strategy. We are also going to bring key national retailers and developers to Ipswich Central and show them the opportunities we have here," Cr Pisasale said.

Both strategies will be launched at a special function at the Ipswich Civic Hall on Monday November 12 for Ipswich Central retailers, businesses and building owners, and the community.

An update on Council's progress in implementing the three-year 12 Point Plan will also be delivered.

"The 12 Point Plan will guide us through the revitalisation of the older parts of the city centre and the development of key precincts for finance, medical and professional services, retail, entertainment and dining.

"Ipswich Central has a lot to offer - not just for investment, business and retail but for people who want to share in our great lifestyle."

Other initiatives delivered to strengthen and promote Ipswich Central include the appointment of the Ipswich Central Business Manager, the "Kids in the City" campaign, the Ipswich Rewards card, plus bold new street banners and billboards.

A series of events are planned to activate Ipswich Central further as a people place in the lead up to Christmas including the creation of Santa's Wonderland and vibrant Christmas decorations, and New Year's Eve celebrations.

Traders seeking further information regarding the Retail Smart training sessions may contact Bremer Tafe Business Development Officer Stella Musk on (07) 3817 3147 or 0412 570 139.

-ENDS-

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Last Updated 9 Nov 2007 |

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