Internal changes at Ipswich Museum given go-ahead by council

Ipswich Borough Council has approved the internal plans for Ipswich Museum, which includes the installation of a new passenger lift and staircase, new toilet facilities and changes to the flooring.

The building has been closed since 2022 to carry out work to restore, refurbish and improve the venue.

The initial project was due to cost £8.7million, but the work has gone over budget by about £2.7m - bringing the total predicted cost to £11.4m.

The museum after it closed (Image: Ipswich Borough Council)

The costs are funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Ipswich Borough Council, Garfield Weston Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, Foyle Foundation, Friends of Ipswich Museum and Lord Belstead Trust.

The approval of these internal plans shows another step forward towards the museum's revamp being completed.

The timber floor will be raised in places and the creation of new opening in existing walls will be undertaken as part of the plans.

The museum will also complete landscaping work - including the creation of ramps and a terrace for outdoor seating, repair work and minor additions to the boundary wall and the insertion of new railings.

The museum before it closed (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The plans have been approved subject to the approval of drawings which were proposed relating to the ground floor plan, first floor plan, second floor plan, basement plan and roof plan.

The work on the museum was brought forward in May this year, with Gipping Construction being appointed to carry out the construction elements of the redevelopment.

The latest phase of construction at the building will look to enhance its exterior and interior, preserving its Victorian architecture and refurbishing the existing galleries.

Ipswich Borough Council has previously outlined its hope the museum will be back open in the summer of 2025 and able to welcome visitors once more.