The 340-capacity music venue in the heart of Ipswich has been granted permission to operate as a permanent live entertainment venue. The Baths on Civic Drive will no longer need to rely on temporary event notices following approval from Ipswich Borough Council.
The big picture: The venue, one of three venues operated by Brighten the Corners, which has been operating as a pop-up music space under temporary licences, can now establish itself as a permanent fixture in Ipswich's entertainment scene.
Why it matters:
Removes need for temporary event notices (TENs)
Secures permanent alcohol licensing
Helps establish the venue's long-term future
Creates potential for educational facilities
What they're saying: "Brighten The Corners are really happy that we have been granted planning permission for The Baths venue," said Joe Bailey, chief executive of Brighten the Corners.
"We have worked hard proving the need for this size of venue for the town over the last three years which has included sell out nights and festivals including some of the best up and coming talent in the country as well as providing a platform for third party promoters to put on events at the venue."
The details:
The venue can open until 02:00 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights
Regular opening hours will be until 00:00 the rest of the week
The council has imposed several planning conditions on opening times
Looking back: The Baths has a long history:
It was originally used as a swimming pool.
Boards were placed over the pool for performances in the 1960s and 70s, including the legendary Led Zeppelin gig.
It later served as a social club and gym but was reopened as a music venue in 2021 .
A recent £45,000 grant helped increase the venue's capacity from 100 to 340 and further funding could take it to 450.
What's next: The organisation is exploring potential educational and training facilities for the venue's upstairs area.
The bottom line: After three years of proving its worth through temporary events and festivals, The Baths has secured its position as Ipswich's newest permanent music venue. With its 340-capacity space and central location, it plays a vital role in the town's cultural landscape – providing a platform for both emerging talent and established artists.
