Council set to approve new £875k creative hub in Ipswich town centre
Ipswich Borough Council is preparing to transform its former Customer Service Centre in the Town Hall into a creative hub focused on screen, media and gaming businesses.
Why it matters: The project aims to "boost the town centre's vibrancy" while creating jobs and attracting digital talent to Ipswich.
The big picture: A £875,000 grant from the former New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (NALEP) will fund the development, with £750,000 earmarked for fitting out the space and £125,000 for professional fees to oversee the project.
By the numbers:
- The hub could create between 62-77 full-time jobs
- Space for up to 20 private offices
- Additional 20 hot desks for flexible working
- 10 desks reserved for student use
The details: The council has identified an "experienced tenant" that already runs similar successful hubs across the country to operate the hub on a 10-year lease.
- The space will have super-fast broadband throughout
- Work must be completed by September 2025 under grant conditions
Environmental commitments:
- Only zero carbon and renewable energy will be used
- The operator will publicly report on waste, energy and water usage
- Sustainable materials and repurposed furniture will be used in the fit-out
- The design will incorporate plant life throughout the workspace
The bottom line: The hub represents a significant investment by the council as it aims to establish the town as a regional centre for digital growth and innovation while breathing new life into a vacant part of the landmark Town Hall building.
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