Ipswich Soldiers Memorial Hall will undergo an approximately $700,000 restoration after investigations identified slumped flooring, damaged drains, rising damp and defects in surrounding surfaces.
Investigations Reveal Wider Repair Needs
Exploratory work began in 2025 as Ipswich City Council and the Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch examined the condition of the Nicholas Street building. CCTV inspections of the drainage system were carried out alongside survey work and ground-penetrating radar.
The investigations found clogged and cracked drains, movement in the flooring and rising damp affecting the floors and walls. Defects were also identified in the footpath and other hard surfaces around the hall.
The findings showed the repairs would be more extensive and costly than initially anticipated. Architectural and engineering plans have now been finalised, with an architect and heritage consultant engaged to assist with the design documentation.
Ipswich Soldiers Memorial Hall Through The Decades
The three-storey brick hall was designed by Ipswich architect George Brockwell Gill and built by F. J. Lye between 1920 and 1921. Governor Sir Matthew Nathan officially opened it on 26 November 1921.
Created as a First World War memorial and a recreation and meeting place for returned servicemen, the building was funded through government assistance, contributions from the returned soldiers’ organisation and fundraising by local community groups.
The basement originally contained a billiards room, games room, refreshment room, showers and a bath. The ground floor housed the memorial hall, assembly room, office and lounge, while the Ipswich School of Arts Library occupied the upper floor until 1947.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
The hall later accommodated groups including the Red Cross Blood Bank, Legacy and the RSL Women’s Auxiliary. It remains associated with local service organisations and Ipswich’s Anzac Day and Remembrance Day commemorations.
Its Nicholas Street facade includes classical detailing and a rising sun military emblem. The memorial chamber contains a marble First World War memorial and honour boards connected with later conflicts.
The building was entered on the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. Its listing recognises its architectural character, association with returned service organisations and role in Ipswich’s commemorative and community life.
Funding And Design Work
Authorities set aside $150,000 in its 2025–26 Budget, of which $50,000 has been spent, and allocated a further $650,000 in its 2026–27 Budget.
Funding of $228,475 through the Honouring Our Veterans Grants Program will contribute to the overall restoration cost of approximately $700,000.
Planning for the project has involved the Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch, which uses the building as its headquarters and provides support, advocacy and connection for local veterans and their families.
Construction Timed Around Commemorations
Construction is scheduled to begin in November 2026 after Remembrance Day on 11 November. Completion is expected in March 2027, with the hall intended to be open for Anzac Day commemorations on 25 April 2027.
Published 13-July-2026
