Cribb & Foote Motor Garage

The former Motor Garage came into existence after the established Ipswich business firm Cribb and Foote bought the building in 1913 from the Ipswich Motor Bus Company. Due to increasing business, Cribb and Foote decided to expand the building and make more room for the garage. The newly designed Motor Garage was re-opened in 1928 by Ipswich Mayor Alfred Tully Stephenson. It was designed by well-known Ipswich architect Brockwell Gill. Mr. Gill designed many of Ipswich’s most prominent historical buildings, including the RSL Memorial Hall, Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School and Cribb and Foote’s Bell Street extension. The building continues to be in use as the site of a current Cash Converters.

The Cribb and Foote firm was closely associated with the commercial rise and expansion of Ipswich for 128 years. The founder of the company, Mr. Benjamin Cribb, arrived in Queensland in 1849 and settled in Ipswich when it was still called Limestone. He started Cribb and Foote with his partner, John Clarke Foote in 1854. In 1949, Cribb and Foote celebrated 100 years in business in Ipswich.

Cribb & Foote's Motors, Tyres and retreading section merged with General Rubber Company in August 1952 and was known as General Rubber & C & F Pty Ltd.