The WG Hayden Humanities Centre in Ipswich, a long-standing community hub, is being demolished to create a new multi-storey car park for the Ipswich Hospital expansion project.

The 47-year-old building, once a bustling centre for over 60 community groups, is now a construction site shrouded in mesh screens. Excavators are busy clearing the site where the state government plans to build a seven-storey car park with space for approximately 875 vehicles and retail areas.
This car park will service the new eight-storey Ipswich Health Centre, replacing the former council administration building, global information centre, and Roderick Street car park. It could also be expanded to accommodate 450 vehicles.
The demolition has brought mixed emotions to Ipswich residents. The WG Hayden Humanities Centre was more than just a building; it was a place where people connected, accessed vital services, and built a strong sense of community. The centre offered a variety of resources, including an auditorium, a cafeteria, meeting rooms, and office spaces. It was a valuable resource for many, offering services ranging from multicultural support to aged care.

Former tenant Wendy Anderson, who ran a childcare business in the centre for over six years, remembers the building fondly. She described it as a place that met everyone’s needs, where people supported each other and formed a strong community.
Anderson recalled how the tenants rallied around her during her battle with breast cancer, generously donating to her fundraising efforts for the Biggest Morning Tea. She also expressed concern that many groups struggled to find affordable alternatives after the centre closed, with some even shutting down.
The demolition of the WG Hayden Humanities Centre is part of a larger plan to revitalise healthcare services in the Ipswich region. The Ipswich Health Precinct (IHP) expansion project, developed by Destravis, aims to create a network of modern health facilities. This will be achieved in three stages: the first stage is expected to be completed by 2024, the second by 2026, and the final stage by 2031.
The plan includes upgrading existing infrastructure at Ipswich Hospital, repurposing underutilised buildings in the city centre, and establishing new health services in the Ipswich Health Precinct and surrounding areas like Ripley and Springfield. The project has garnered support from the West Moreton Hospital and Health Service, the Department of Health, and other key stakeholders.
Published Date 15-Jan-2025
