Ipswich is set for a major accommodation boost, with Hilton and Ipswich Hotel Group Pty Ltd confirming plans to deliver a 160-room Hilton Garden Inn in the city centre.
The seven-storey hotel will be built on vacant council-owned land on Ellenborough Street, adjacent to the award-winning Nicholas Street Precinct, under a development agreement signed with Ipswich City Council.
Mayor Teresa Harding described the project as a “game-changer” for the city as it prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“With seven storeys and 160 rooms, the Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich will take our reputation as a must-visit destination for great experiences to the next level,” Mayor Harding said.
Ipswich Hotel Group will invest $53 million into the project, with construction expected to begin in late 2026. Around 150 construction workers will be employed during the build, with completion targeted for late 2028.
Once operational, the hotel is expected to create 50 permanent jobs, injecting an estimated $2.7 million annually into the local economy.
Closing the Accommodation Gap
The announcement follows council’s Hotel and Short-Term Accommodation Action Plan, introduced to address a shortfall in available rooms ahead of 2032.
A recent audit found Ipswich currently has 515 short-term accommodation rooms — approximately 310 fewer than required for the Games and future demand. The new Hilton Garden Inn will significantly reduce that gap.
Mayor Harding said the development would “supercharge” Ipswich’s tourism sector and increase overnight stays.
“The accommodation and food services sector is already worth $337 million to the city. Today’s announcement will boost that significantly,” she said.
A Global Brand in a Growing City
Paul Hutton, Area Vice President and Head of Australasia for Hilton, said the Ipswich hotel would join more than 1,100 Hilton Garden Inn properties worldwide.
“We’re proud to partner on a hotel that supports Ipswich’s continued transformation, offering business and leisure travellers a welcoming and convenient base in one of Queensland’s fastest-growing cities,” Mr Hutton said.
Tushar Raniga, Director of Development Australasia for Hilton, said Ipswich is emerging as one of South East Queensland’s most dynamic growth centres.
“The Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich is designed to deliver high-quality, efficient accommodation that strengthens local room supply and supports tourism and business travel,” he said.
Rupert Yang, Director of Ipswich Hotel Group Pty Ltd, said the project demonstrated strong confidence in the city’s future.
“We feel privileged to be delivering an important piece of infrastructure for Ipswich,” Mr Yang said.
The hotel will be a sister property to Hilton Garden Inn Brisbane City Centre North, also delivered by Ipswich Hotel Group.
Boost for Tourism and Events
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Cr Pye Augustine said the hotel’s location next to Nicholas Street Precinct would give guests direct access to dining and entertainment options in the heart of the city.
Ipswich currently attracts around two million visitors annually, contributing approximately $460 million to the local economy.
Cr Augustine said increased accommodation capacity would help attract more major events, building on established drawcards including CMC Rocks, the Winternationals, Ipswich Cup, Ipswich Show and Supercars at Queensland Raceway.
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the project aligned with the transformation of North Ipswich Reserve into the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct, including a new $40 million western grandstand.
Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said the development would revitalise long-unused land near Timothy Moloney Park, with views extending to the heritage-listed St Mary’s Catholic Church Ipswich.
He described the hotel as a strong vote of confidence in the ongoing revitalisation of Ipswich’s city centre.
With construction set to begin in 2026, the Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich marks one of the most significant private sector investments in the CBD in recent years — and a major step forward in preparing the city for 2032 and beyond.
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