Ipswich market stalls to move sides of Cornhill

Ipswich Borough Council has proposed shifting the market stalls to the northern side of the Cornhill, with traders facing onto Westgate Street. The council says the new arrangement would give delivery vehicles sufficient space to access the area before 10:30 on market days, while also creating room to increase the number of stalls in future.

Why the move is happening

According to the council, the relocation would also clear the way for the next phase of public realm improvements in Lloyds Avenue. The scheme, which despite the council securing funding for over five years ago, has no start date, is set to deliver wider footways, new planting and landscaping, and improvements beneath Lloyds Arch, which the council says will create a more attractive and accessible environment in the town centre.

Lloyds Avenue: Approved, funded...still waiting

Ipswich Borough Council first proposed redeveloping Lloyds Avenue in December 2020. Nearly six years on, and five years after securing funding, it still cannot say when work will begin.

Ipswich.co.ukNicola Sebastian

The council says options for relocation within the designated market area are limited, due to fixed features on the Cornhill including seating, water fountains, the portal and binoculars, as well as the need to preserve outdoor seating for surrounding businesses and to maintain the Cornhill's role as an events space.

Hot food vendors based at Giles Circus will not be affected by the proposals and will remain in their current location.

A market seven centuries in the making

Ipswich was first granted the right to hold a market under a Royal Charter from King Edward II in 1317. More than 700 years later, the market continues to operate four days a week under the provisions of the Ipswich Market Act 2004, supporting independent businesses, local employment and new start-ups, as well as giving residents access to affordable fresh produce and a wide range of goods.

The council says it is committed to keeping the market at the centre of town, where visitor footfall is highest.

Budget and timeline

Earlier this year, the council approved a £25,000 budget to replace the market's current gazebos, which will also cover ancillary costs associated with the relocation. Following consideration of a range of design options, a traditional blue and white colour scheme is expected to be adopted, reflecting colours strongly associated with Ipswich.

A date for the move has not yet been finalised. The council says it intends to progress the relocation as soon as possible following completion of the consultation process with traders, which is ongoing. Initial feedback from traders is reported by the council to be overwhelmingly positive.

Part of a wider strategy

The council says the proposal supports commitments within its Corporate Strategy and Cornhill Strategy, including revitalising the town centre, delivering the £25 million Towns Fund programme, improving the public realm, and creating a market environment that complements the surrounding retail and leisure offer.

Councillor Jane Riley, portfolio holder for culture and customers, said the market had been "at the heart of our town for more than 700 years and remains one of our greatest assets."

"These proposals will allow us to continue supporting our valued market traders while enabling important improvements to Lloyds Avenue that will enhance the town centre for residents, businesses and visitors alike," she said.

"The move to the northern side of the Cornhill will provide a better long-term trading environment, create opportunities for growth, and help us attract new traders to join the thriving and diverse market offer that local people know and love. The positive feedback we have received from traders so far is very encouraging, and we look forward to continuing those conversations as the plans progress."

The bottom line

It is not a dramatic relocation – traders are moving a matter of yards, not streets – but the council is hoping this small shift on the Cornhill pays a much bigger dividend, unlocking the Lloyds Avenue works and, it hopes, a stronger market for years to come.

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