The Civic Hall had humble beginnings within the town of Ipswich, first making an appearance in 1861 within the first Town Hall, which was located within the old School of Arts Building. In 1892 the Ipswich community was steadily growing, and many people were unhappy with the town hall as it was no longer suited to the expanding community. Community complaints were therefore taken into consideration and a large extension of the Town Hall was designed by famed architect George Brockwell Gill. However, it was clear that this new extension was still not enough, so in 1909 the Ipswich City Council proposed that a new building be designed and built at the present-day Memorial Hall site. But due to cost restraints, the citizens of Ipswich voted against the idea.

In 1969 after several more buildings were purchased, with the intention of being used for community inspired events, the Ipswich City Council closed all existing precincts and started work on the new and improved Civic Centre in 1970. Today, the Ipswich Civic Hall is situated on Nicholas Street and plays the part of conference centre and function room, providing the people of Ipswich with community orientated events and activities for the whole family.