Why it matters: The funding package will restore the 19th-century former grain house on Wherry Quay into a welcoming public space where people of all ages can explore everyday objects made of clay and take part in creative, participatory experiences.
The details: The Towns Fund grant forms part of a wider funding package alongside the £20m lead gift from a local philanthropist. Together, this investment will support the restoration of Waterfront House and the creation of a new cultural space featuring exhibitions, interactive displays, learning activities and community events that explore clay as a material found in homes and cultures around the world.
Inside CLAY 1A, visitors will discover the many ways clay appears in everyday life, from bricks and pipes to cooking pots, crockery, decorative objects and artworks. Alongside familiar objects, the space will feature works by celebrated British makers, placing everyday materials in conversation with creative practice.
Experiences throughout the building are designed to engage the senses and invite participation, with opportunities to explore objects closely, share ideas and, in some areas, work directly with clay and express creativity.
What they're saying: Crispin Kelly, chief executive of Baylight Properties, which is delivering the restoration, said: "We're totally delighted to see CLAY 1A reach this important milestone. Securing this key Town Fund grant moves the project forward and underlines the wider benefits it will bring to Ipswich.
"Transforming Waterfront House and opening it up for public use has always been about creating something lasting for the town, and we're so encouraged by the close support we have received from councillors and officers at Ipswich Borough Council: working together is so important for our mission for CLAY 1A."
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott said: "CLAY 1A is a really interesting, innovative and exciting development for Ipswich, bringing together our town's history, creativity, and community spirit in a single, inspiring space.
"This project not only strengthens Ipswich's City of Culture ambitions but also supports local jobs, learning opportunities, and the vibrancy of our waterfront."
David Ralph, the chair of the Ipswich Vision Board, said: "I'm pleased that the Towns Fund is contributing to the next stage of this building's life from its use as a grain store in the 19th Century, it was converted to offices in the 1980s and now it will become a unique must-see attraction strengthening Ipswich's extensive range of cultural venues and further encouraging creativity among residents and young people."
Cllr Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, added: "We are thrilled to be able to support the regeneration of this 19th-century building on Wherry Quay, originally constructed as a store for locally produced barley. It will contribute to the regeneration of Ipswich's waterfront and benefit the local economy by creating new employment opportunities, supporting education, increasing footfall and local spend."
For context: According to the council, CLAY 1A received a positive response from cultural and business leaders and local residents, furthered by a series of focus groups with Ipswich communities run in summer 2025. The team is continuing to build relationships with local communities to ensure the project supports Ipswich's broader vision as it gears up for a bid to become 2029's City of Culture.
The Towns Fund is a scheme launched by the previous Government for towns such as Ipswich to boost economic productivity and support sustainable growth through investments in urban regeneration, digital and physical connectivity, skills, heritage and enterprise infrastructure. Ipswich was awarded £25m of funding in 2021.
The bottom line: With spaces for learning, making and gathering, and strong connections to the waterfront outside, CLAY 1A is intended to feel active, social and continually evolving as it brings a new cultural destination to the town.
