I was delighted to visit two projects breathing new life into central Ipswich. Both have funding from the Government’s Local Regeneration Fund, formerly known as the Towns Fund.
Ipswich Borough Council (IBC) in partnership with Suffolk New College (SNC), have announced plans to transform the first floor of the historic Grimwades building into a state of the art Education Suite, which will feature modern, accessible facilities designed to meet the needs of both learners and employers.
This is a continuation of IBCs ambitious plans to regenerate the Cornhill.
It will create a high-quality learning facility for adults, with a strong emphasis on improving skills and employability. The wider town centre economy will benefit from increased footfall and spend from the students brought to the area.
The vision is for two open plan teaching areas and a couple of smaller rooms. The entrance is next to the Lovisa unit with stairs and a new platform lift to the first floor. The first floor is a good-sized space, though on two levels. There are great views over the Cornhill!
The first floor needs a lot of work, as it’s been unused for many years, though the facility is expected to be ready by the end of May. I’m sure the builders will rise to the challenge.
Courses to be delivered in the centre include English and Maths GCSE, essential digital skills, employability skills, management training and soft skills. There will also be careers, training and employability advice and support available.
Leisure learning courses such as arts and crafts, languages courses and learning new skills, will also be offered.
The second regeneration project I visited was CLAY 1A, a new visitor attraction planned for the Ipswich Waterfront. The funding will support the restoration of the historic former grain store and office, Waterfront House, into a welcoming public space. People of all ages will be able to explore everyday objects made of clay and take part in creative, hands-on experiences. CLAY 1A will further develop Ipswich’s cultural offer andregeneration.
The former Waterfront House will go through a big transition, with staircases moved to expose big spaces. The first floor will have an immersive experience, with sound and lighting adding to the displays.
The second floor looks at three everyday uses of china, to engage visitors. On the third floor, there will the opportunity to go hands on with clay or watch the Resident Artist at work.
At the very top is the former boardroom with glass windows on three sides. The glass will be removed on two sides, as the glass makes it expensive to heat. There will still be a great view over the Waterfront and down to the Orwell Bridge.The part of the building that that extends out over the wharf will have a presentation space in the top half and a “Tea-time“ in the lower half, highlighting the link between tea and the china cup.
The inside is being gutted at present and there is a lot of stuff being taken out. I learned a new term: “Greedy Boards”, which are extra boards put on the sides of lorries or skips to squeeze in more rubbish! Some of the interior fittings are available for recycling if anyone is interested?
There is a large amount of work to be done on this project to be ready for a 2028 opening.
We need better skills and qualifications. We need to attract people to the town. We need to bring empty buildings back into use.
The Labour run council is delighted to be involved with these projects which will meet these needs and enhance Ipswich, a town on the up.