AMBITIOUS plans to expand the iconic home of the Jets Leagues Club illustrate how North Ipswich is forging ahead with building development.
Real estate in the pipeline already in North Ipswich includes 293 units proposed over four 11-storey apartment blocks across from the North Ipswich Reserve, and – at the Junction Gated Community Project on North Ipswich Railway Workshops land – a 6,573sqm development is pencilled for Lowry St through to The Terrace.
The Jets Leagues Club’s expansion would feature a cafe, children’s play area, and a three-level muti-storey carpark, taking existing carpark spaces from 24 to 85.
Ipswich Jets Leagues Club General Manager Teresa Cavill-Jones stressed the development application submission was still in its infancy.
“Some sections of the media have become a little overexcited,” Ms Cavill-Jones said.
“There are several hurdles to clear first in having these proposals approved with Ipswich City Council.
“The plans will come to fruition in stages over the next two, five, 10 years.
“But, of course, everyone at the club is extremely excited at the news.”
Ms Cavill-Jones hailed the development proposals as a boon for the area.
“The future looks extremely promising for our members and staff but also for North Ipswich and the whole of Ipswich, too.
“The revival of North Ipswich is long overdue.”
The plans showed the cafe would be located at the hotel’s Lowry Street entrance, with a window for street orders. It would include a roof extension.
The proposed expansion would also feature more storage to the rear of the existing building.
A gaming room extension on the eastern side would be fitted with an extra 52 poker machines, while a cool room and plant area would be built on the northern side.
A new drop-off zone near the parking area has been proposed as well as a new rear entry to the main building.
The development application showed the original building and heritage features would be retained.
“The Hotel Cecil is to be retained with no works proposed to the fabric and areas identified as being of heritage significance,” the development application stated.
Designed by architect F.D.G. Stanley, the hotel opened as The Imperial Hotel in April 1887.
Most notable building works were a single-storey wing extension in 1915 in Lowry Street and again in 1992.
The Ipswich Jets Club made its home in North Ipswich in 1998, taking over the heritage-listed Hotel Cecil.