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Second grocery store approved for Woodbridge Road as former Skoda site gets green light

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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

Planning permission has been granted to convert the Skoda showroom on Woodbridge Road into a new grocery store.

The big picture: The approved plans follow the East of England Co-op's announcement last year to open a larger store at the former Renault dealership on Woodbridge Road. The Co-op store will relocate from Brunswick Road in spring 2025.

Planning permission has been granted to convert the Skoda showroom on Woodbridge Road into a new grocery store
Planning permission has been granted to convert the Skoda showroom on Woodbridge Road into a new grocery storeOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details: The council has approved plans to transform the two-storey Skoda showroom, which has operated since 2002.

  • Trading hours will run from 06:00-23:00 daily

  • The car park will provide 20 standard spaces and three disabled spaces

  • The store will employ between 15 and 20 people

What's next: The development must meet specific council conditions, including:

  • Securing the car park

  • Maintaining amenities for neighbouring properties

The bottom line: The approval will mean two former car showrooms on the same road are set to become grocery stores this year.

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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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