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

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New Lidl store creates 31 jobs as third Ipswich branch opens

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Ipswich's only independent news website

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

Discount supermarket chain Lidl has opened its third Ipswich store at Anglia Retail Park, creating more than 30 new jobs and continuing the brand's expansion in the town.

The big picture: The new supermarket, built on the former B&Q garden centre site, was officially opened by pupils from Whitehouse Community Primary School at 8am on Thursday.

Lidl on Anglia Retail Park in Ipswich
The new Lidl on Anglia Retail Park opened its doors todayOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details:

  • The store is owned by Ipswich Borough Assets (IBA), the council's property arm, and leased to the German-owned discount chain.

  • It carries Lidl's full product range, including the popular 'Middle of Lidl' promotional items.

  • The new branch joins existing Lidl stores at Futura Park and at the junction of Handford Road and London Road.

Inside Lidl on Anglia Retail Park in Ipswich
The first thing that hits you is the size of the store – it's a large supermarketOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • Third Lidl store in Ipswich

  • 31 new jobs created, with some staff transferring from nearby stores

  • The store opened at 8am on Thursday

Opening hours: The store follows standard retail opening hours, with longer shopping hours available during the week and Saturdays compared to Sunday trading.

  • Monday to Saturday: 08:00-22:00

  • Sunday: 10:00-16:00

Bottom line: The opening strengthens Lidl's presence in Ipswich while bringing new life to a previously vacant retail site. The council maintains ownership through its property arm, IBA.

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

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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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