Why it matters: News of the transformation of the historic music venue arrives less than a week after Ipswich launched its bid for UK City of Culture 2029, adding another cultural landmark to the town's growing portfolio alongside the recently transformed Regent Theatre.
The details: Ipswich Borough Council has awarded the £1.92m Ipswich Towns Fund grant to Brighten The Corners to transform the currently unused first-floor space into a cutting-edge Creative Digital Skills Lab, with an official launch planned for 2027.
The lab will include video production, live recording and podcast facilities, providing local businesses, creative entrepreneurs and community groups with access to courses, workshops, training and business development support.
A state-of-the-art Extended Reality (XR) studio will provide hands-on experience with immersive digital technologies, nurturing young talent and supporting creative industry professionals. With only one other publicly accessible XR studio of its kind in the UK, the lab's unique facilities will attract national attention, positioning Ipswich as a hub for innovation.
Construction plans include much-needed upgrades to the existing ground-floor music venue, creating a stronger platform for local and touring artists and boosting the town's night-time economy.
When the regeneration project is complete, a full range of workshops, skills development and volunteering opportunities will be available, including XR design and film making, post-production and editing, audio recording and digital photography.
The bigger picture: The refurbishment will provide new full-time jobs and freelance work opportunities. The hope is that the wider town centre economy will benefit from increased footfall, dwell time and spend from the additional numbers of mainly young people brought to the area, many of whom will travel across the town centre from public transport hubs at Tower Ramparts and the Old Cattle Market.
What they're saying: Joe Bailey, CEO at Brighten The Corners, said: "We're beyond delighted to have been awarded this game changing Towns Fund grant from Ipswich Borough Council. Our town has so many incredible cultural organisations, innovative businesses, community groups and talented young people that are doing amazing work and we hope they will all benefit from this space. Our ambition is to help connect and inspire the next generation of creative talent, and we intend to work closely with communities and businesses to ensure this happens."
"So many people we speak to have fond memories of The Baths, from swimming there in their youth to seeing legendary acts like Led Zeppelin back in the 70s. It's fantastic to be able to bring this iconic site back to life as a cultural and creative hub that will benefit the town for decades to come."
Councillor Neil MacDonald, leader for Ipswich Borough Council, said: "The transformation of The Baths will breathe new life into this venue, representing a significant cultural and economic investment in Ipswich. This project will not only provide fantastic entertainment opportunities but also equip local people with the digital skills needed for the future. We are proud to support an initiative that strengthens our town's vibrant cultural identity and offers real career pathways for young people."
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott said: "This is such exciting news for Ipswich – the town already has a great range of destinations for live music, attracting people from neighbouring towns and cities, but I'm especially pleased to see something which focuses on young people too, supporting a brighter future for them and creating better chances of local jobs, and enhancing Ipswich's cultural offer at the same time. This will help pave the way to success in our bid for Ipswich as a City of Culture."
For context: With its rich history as St Matthew's swimming baths, social club, gym and pop-up music venue, the project is set to breathe new life into the much-loved Ipswich landmark, now known as The Baths.
David Ralph, chair of Ipswich Vision and Town Deal Board, said: "This is exactly what Ipswich Vision is all about – forward-thinking and focusing on how the town will transform in the coming months and years. We already know what a great place Ipswich is, and this project will ensure the next generation can put down roots, achieve more and enjoy being part of shaping the area for their lives ahead."
What's next: Brighten The Corners will be running targeted focus groups across the town over the coming months, followed by a community drop-in event early next year for local people to find out more about the team's exciting plans. Construction work is set to begin in late spring 2026, with doors due to open in early spring 2027.
It remains unclear if this project impacts the stalled plans to turn the former Little Waitrose building in the town into another creative hub. The council declined to comment, citing commercial sensitivities.
The bottom line: From the Regent's £3.45m transformation to The Baths' creative hub, Ipswich is building the cultural infrastructure to back its City of Culture ambitions – and as Mark Ashton urged the town last week, these are exactly the kind of "amazing things happening" worth celebrating.
