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'Eyesore' no more: Buttermarket entrance makeover complete

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

After months of disruption, the scaffolding is down and the Buttermarket shopping centre's St Stephen's Lane entrance has been transformed with updated signage and new greenery.

The big picture: The centre underwent essential roof repairs starting in November, requiring extensive scaffolding that temporarily altered the face of the building. The completion of works marks the end of months of scaffolding and construction barriers that had impacted the appearance of the prominent shopping centre.

The Buttermarket Centre in Ipswich with scaffolding up
How it used to lookOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

What's new:

  • All scaffolding and work barriers have been removed

  • Updated signage displays current stores and operators

  • New planters have been installed around the entrance

  • Former retailers Holland & Barrett, Superdry and Creams have been removed from exterior signage

  • A new Omniplex Cinema logo has been installed

The new Buttermarket shopping centre entrance
How it looks nowOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

What's next: The completion comes shortly after an announcement from Suffolk Highways that a programme of road and pavement improvements across Ipswich town centre will begin on Monday 27 January, including planned improvements to Buttermarket between 14-21 February.

Bottom line: The completion of works and aesthetic improvements, including new planters and updated signage, has completely transformed St Stephen's Lane and breathed fresh life into an area that has been under construction for some time.

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

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University to showcase student creativity alongside industry experts at Ipswich event

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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The "Unlocked: Creative Industries" event will close with "Arts Unlocked," a vibrant celebration of emerging creative work from University of Suffolk students.

Why it matters: The free event this Friday, 16 May at The Hold in Ipswich brings together local arts, culture and heritage stakeholders to address issues and opportunities facing the creative sector.

The big picture: This is the University's second event in the "Unlocked" series designed to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge, and develop strategies for innovation, growth, and sustainability within different sectors.

The Hold in Ipswich
The free event will take place at The Hold in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details: The day will feature an inspiring keynote from Rosy Greenlees OBE, who will celebrate the role of creativity in education, business, and community life.

Panel discussions will cover education and skills development, building creative communities and the business of creativity.

Interactive workshops will provide practical guidance on:

  • Navigating funding opportunities

  • Successfully supporting internships

  • Setting up a creative business

Attendees will also have the opportunity to network and explore the knowledge exchange marketplace throughout the day.

What they're saying: Professor Emma Bond, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Suffolk said: "We are proud to host our upcoming 'Unlocked' knowledge exchange day, an inspiring event designed to encourage the exchange of ideas, drive collaboration, and create new knowledge opportunities across the creative sector."

She added: "Part of the university's ongoing commitment as a civic institution, the 'Unlocked' series offers a platform for diverse communities to come together on our Ipswich campus and engage with the issues that matter most to them."

The bottom line: The event aims to strengthen ties between the university and local creative communities while nurturing dialogue and innovation. Those interested can book a free place at: https://www.uos.ac.uk/ipswich-unlocked/

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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