News

Upper Orwell Street North car park to close from next week

The car park will be closed from 30 September to make way for the construction of the new Central Ipswich Free School.

Oliver Rouane-Williams

Oliver Rouane-Williams

— 1 min read
Upper Orwell Street North car park

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.

Car park behind the Co-op building
The car park is located immediately behind the old Co-op building Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)

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.
Coop ‘Harvest’ Mosaic by Gyula Bajó & Endre Hevezi in 1963-64
Plans were delayed due to concerns about preserving a historical mural but new plans approved in May 2024 will allow the mural to remain in place Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)

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.

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