Why it matters: The closure will result in 52 fewer parking spaces in the town centre but will allow the demolition of the former Co-op department store on Carr Street and the construction of a new primary school to begin in October.
The big picture:
The Department for Education has requested that the entire car park be used as a contractor's compound and safety area for the demolition.
Ipswich Borough Council will lease the site to the DfE for an initial 2-year term from 1 October 2024.
The council says rental income will compensate for lost parking revenue.
The bottom line: Construction is set to begin in October. While the car park closure may inconvenience some and reduce town centre parking, it paves the way for a much-needed new school in central Ipswich.
