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Council set to approve 60 flats above Ipswich Bazaar

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Plans to convert the vacant upper floors of the former Woolworths building into 60 flats are set to be approved by Ipswich Borough Council's planning and development committee on Wednesday, 05 February.

Why it matters: The development would transform a long-vacant and run-down building in a prominent town centre location, delivering much-needed housing while retaining the ground-floor retail unit.

By the numbers: The conversion will be made up of:

  • 32 one-bedroom apartments

  • 25 two-bedroom apartments

  • Three three-bedroom apartments

  • 136 secure cycle parking spaces

  • Zero car parking spaces, but includes car club provision

The owner of the former Woolworths building on Carr Street, Ipswich plans to convert the vacant upper floors into 60 flats
Plans to convert the vacant upper floors of the former Woolworths building into 60 flats are set to be approved by Ipswich Borough CouncilOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details: The proposal by Carr Street Development includes:

  • Private outdoor space for each flat through terraces, inset balconies or roof gardens

  • Communal rooftop gardens accessible to all residents

  • A new entrance from Cox Lane

  • Light and dark grey brickwork additions

  • Zinc-clad third-floor roof structure with biodiverse green roof

  • Retention of the existing Ipswich Bazaar store at ground level

For context: The upper floors have been vacant since Woolworths closed in December 2008. The site forms part of the wider Mint Quarter development area and is allocated for residential use in the Local Plan.

Between the lines: While no affordable housing is required due to the development being predominantly flats on a brownfield site, the scheme will generate infrastructure contributions, including:

  • £155,934 for primary education

  • £59,878 for secondary and sixth-form education

  • £130,608 for early years provision

  • £34,987 for highway improvements

  • £34,550 for NHS services

  • £12,960 for libraries

  • £8,400 for waste improvements

  • £8,536.20 for recreational disturbance avoidance and mitigation

What they're saying: Planning officers wrote that while some gardens and amenity spaces do not meet recommended standards, "this is due to the constraints of the site, and its depth to facilitate a high-density development. The spaces will still provide usable external spaces to future occupiers, and the rooftop communal gardens will be available for use by all future residents."

What's next: The planning and development committee will consider the application this Wednesday. Officers recommend approval subject to conditions and completion of legal agreements securing infrastructure contributions.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Double victory for St Joseph's as young debaters shine

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St Joseph's College students demonstrated exceptional public speaking prowess, claiming victory in both intermediate and senior categories at a prestigious local debate competition.

Why it matters: The double win at the Ipswich East Rotary Club 'Youth Speaks' competition secures both teams places in the Norwich debating chamber finals next month, showcasing local talent on a regional stage.

The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant
The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevantSt Joseph's College

The details:

  • The college hosted the competition on Wednesday, 29 January 2025.

  • The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society.

  • The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant.

What they're saying: "Working with these students and developing their oracy and public speaking skills through debating is such a joy!" said Dr Briege Rice, Stretch and Challenge Coordinator and History and Politics teacher at St Joseph's College.

"These skills are vital in every field, fostering confidence, clear communication and critical thinking. The standard of debating was very high, and we are very proud of this extraordinary achievement of our students," she added.

The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society
The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human societySt Joseph's College

The bottom line: The competition, supported by the Rotary Club, continues to foster key communication skills amongst young people through its Youth Speaks initiative, with St Joseph's teams now preparing to showcase their talents in February's finals.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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