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Queues as Taco Bell opens at Anglia Retail Park

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Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams

Taco Bell has officially opened its doors in Ipswich, and eager customers have been queuing outside the new restaurant at Anglia Retail Park throughout the day.

The big picture: The Mexican-inspired fast food chain's arrival marks its first location in Ipswich, creating around 70 new jobs for local residents and transforming the former Carphone Warehouse unit.

People queuing to get in to the new Taco Bell in Ipswich
There were queues to get into the new Taco Bell on Anglia Retail Park at lunch time todayOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Key details:

  • The restaurant will operate seven days a week from 11:00 to 19:00.

  • The first 500 customers received 'Spin to Win' tokens for chances to win free food and merchandise.

  • The first 50 people in line were given special goody bags with treats and merchandise.

What's next: Taco Bell is planning to open a second unit in Ipswich, though details of the location have not yet been announced.

Background: The development received planning permission in August 2022 as part of the retail park's ongoing transformation.

Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams
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Where have the boats gone? Ipswich Marina empties ahead of contentious £2m upgrade

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Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams

Dozens of boats are disappearing from their long-term berths at Ipswich Marina as owners scramble to find new moorings within a two-week deadline. The relocations come as Associated British Ports (ABP) prepares to begin a £2m upgrade of the northern side pontoons.

Why it matters: The exodus of 39 vessels marks a significant change for the waterfront landscape, temporarily altering the character of one of Ipswich's most distinctive areas.

The big picture: ABP says the existing pontoons on the northern side have reached the end of their "usable life", necessitating urgent relocations ahead of the winter period. The company plans to create new pontoons in front of Coprolite Street and the main university building.

Port of Ipswich in Ipswich
The exodus of boats makes for strange viewing at the waterfrontOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • 39 boats need to relocate

  • £2m investment approved by ABP's board

  • 2 weeks given for vessels to move

  • 11 years some boat owners have been moored at the marina

What's happening: While some vessels will move to the opposite side of the wet dock, others may leave Ipswich entirely as the marina's established community faces disruption during the redevelopment.

Behind the scenes: The revised plans, submitted in July, followed compromises ABP says it made with boat owners. The company is now awaiting approval from Ipswich Borough Council, with a decision expected by the end of the year.

What they're saying: ABP's divisional port manager Paul Ager describes the £2m investment as a "strong vote of confidence" in the marina's future. The company says it has received "strong support" for upgrading the berthing facilities.

The bottom line: While the marina temporarily loses its familiar flotilla of vessels, ABP maintains the disruption is necessary for essential safety upgrades. The development marks the latest chapter in the ongoing transformation of Ipswich's waterfront.

Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams

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