To honour the Lost Buildings of Ipswich Central, an 83-metre long, three-metre high mural has been completed on the walls of Bottle Alley in Ipswich.
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Bottle Alley, which was temporarily closed in March 2023 has reopened to pedestrians now that the project is complete.
Ipswich’s lost city center buildings are brought back to life in the new mural on Bottle Alley’s walls, which also features the area’s native flora and fauna.
Sharon Billinge and Karla Hayes are the talented artists who brought the stunning mural on Bottle Alley’s walls to life.
Sharon Billinge, a Sydney-based artist with a focus on community building and people-centered art, has over 25 years of experience in the field and has collaborated with prestigious organisations including Sydney University, Lendlease, UTS, and several councils.
Karla Hayes is a multi-disciplinary artist rooted in Dharawal land, who received an international design award and completed her Honours in Design in Visual Communications at UTS in 2019. Her impressive student-led projects earned her recognition for her creativity and skill.
Councillor Marnie Doyle stated that the newly completed mural is like taking a stroll through time, paying homage to some of Ipswich’s most historic businesses, such as the Beirne or Waltons building, the Rockman building (previously Fleischmanns), the Whitehouse Café, and Hoopers.
“Now visitors to Ipswich Central will take a trip down memory lane as they walk through Bottle Alley, enjoying glimpses of Ipswich’s past,” said Cr Doyle.
This public art installation, located beside the proposed Eats building and serving as a gateway to Tulmur Place, will help create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors entering the Nicholas Street Precinct.
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Cr Doyle also mentioned that the Council is actively investigating further opportunities to enhance Bottle Alley, such as improved wayfinding, replacing the current Queensland Rail security fence with new screening, and the potential widening of the alley.
Published 10-April-2023