Hilton Garden Inn set to reshape Ipswich accommodation landscape

Ipswich’s hotel sector is set for a major boost following confirmation that Hilton Garden Inn will open a new 160-room hotel in the city centre, marking a significant step in addressing the region’s accommodation shortfall ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Hilton has reached an agreement with Ipswich Hotel Group Pty Ltd and Ipswich City Council to develop the seven-storey hotel on vacant council-owned land on Ellenborough Street, adjacent to the award-winning Nicholas Street Precinct. Construction is expected to commence in late 2026, with completion targeted for late 2028.

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Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said council had signed a development agreement for the project, describing the $53 million investment as a “game-changer” for the city.

“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.

The project is expected to generate approximately 150 construction jobs, followed by 50 permanent positions once operational. According to council, those ongoing roles are forecast to inject $2.7 million into the local economy each year.

Mayor Harding said the development followed the implementation of council’s Hotel and Short-Term Accommodation Action Plan, introduced to address a shortage of hotel rooms in Ipswich as the city prepares for increased visitation linked to the 2032 Games and long-term growth.

“A recent audit identified 515 short-term accommodation rooms in Ipswich, around 310 fewer than will be required for the Games and beyond,” she said. “This signing more than halves that gap.”

Council estimates the accommodation and food services sector is currently worth $337 million to the city, with the new hotel expected to further strengthen tourism, hospitality and supply chain opportunities.

Hilton’s Area Vice President and Head of Australasia, Paul Hutton, said the Ipswich development reflected the continued expansion of the Hilton Garden Inn brand across both metropolitan and regional markets.

“With more than 1,100 Hilton Garden Inn hotels trading globally and a pipeline of over 450 worldwide, the brand continues to build strong momentum across Australasia,” Mr Hutton said. “This includes major hubs such as Brisbane as well as regional and provincial centres like Busselton, Albany and Darwin.”

“Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich is another strong example of how we’re bringing our trusted, value-driven hospitality to high-growth destinations. We’re proud to partner on a hotel that supports Ipswich’s continued transformation and provides a welcoming base for business and leisure travellers in one of Queensland’s fastest-growing cities.”

Hilton Director of Development Australasia, Tushar Raniga, said the project would deliver efficient, high-quality accommodation that strengthens local room supply while supporting tourism and business travel demand.

“Ipswich is emerging as one of South East Queensland’s most dynamic cities, and Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich is ideally suited to support its continued evolution,” Mr Raniga said.

Ipswich Hotel Group Pty Ltd Director Rupert Yang said the partnership with Hilton and council presented an opportunity to deliver critical accommodation infrastructure for the city.

“We commend council for its proactive approach to addressing the current and growing need for more accommodation through its Hotel and Short-Term Accommodation Action Plan,” Mr Yang said.

“We value the opportunity to work with council as landlord of the site and feel privileged to be delivering an important piece of infrastructure for Ipswich. We are also pleased to again partner with Hilton, with the Ipswich property set to become a sister hotel to our Hilton Garden Inn Brisbane City Centre North.”

Ipswich City Council Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said the hotel would complement the revitalised Nicholas Street Precinct and support the city’s events and tourism economy.

“The Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich will give guests immediate access to dining, entertainment and cultural offerings in the city heart,” Cr Augustine said. “It will also help attract new events to Ipswich and support established attractions that collectively draw millions of visitors to the region each year.”

Division 3 Councillors Marnie Doyle and Andrew Antoniolli said the timing of the hotel aligned with major investment in local sporting and entertainment infrastructure, including upgrades to the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct.

The Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich will overlook Timothy Moloney Park and offer views across the city, including the heritage-listed St Mary’s Catholic Church, further embedding the development within Ipswich’s evolving urban landscape.

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