Ipswich leaders delighted as work starts on former Co-op

Work commenced on Monday with the closure of a car park behind the old Co-operative store in Carr Street, which has sat vacant since 2010, after three years of delays which halted the start of the project.

Previously, the Department of Education (DfE) said that the area would benefit with a new school due to the direct and indirect jobs to be created and a number of environmental benefits.

In 2021, the DfE submitted plans for a 420-place primary school.

These were granted by the borough council - but works were put on hold by the discovery of asbestos and an application to vary the conditions was submitted.

There were concerns surrounding the Grade II-listed mural which is on the bridge over Cox Lane. This mural also delayed works.

The rare mural, in Cox Lane, is being preserved but has itself been at the centre of some of the delays. 

It was revealed removing the mural would cost nearly £470,000 as it could not be done in one complete section. 

Carole Jones, Ipswich Borough Council portfolio holder for planning, said: "I’m really pleased to see this work finally start.

"When the East of England Co-op closed the department store in 2009, it was taken over by another company, but that too closed in 2010. So it has been a very long wait.

Carole Jones, Ipswich Borough Councillor portfolio holder for planning (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"To have a brand new school on this site will not only provide school places for a generation of children, but will also be a regeneration of this corner of the town centre."

Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: "I am happy to see that this building is being redeveloped, especially serving such a valuable purpose supporting the education of our next generation.

Councillor Neil MacDonald (Image: Newsquest)

"One of our priorities is about ensuring our town centre remains vibrant and well-used, as it is a key part of our strategy for Ipswich."

John Cook, councillor for the Alexandra ward, added: "I'm really pleased that preparatory work on the new primary school in Carr Street is starting. 

Councillor John Cook (Image: Ipswich Labour Party)

"Primary school places are in short supply on the eastern side if the town centre, and a new primary school is needed.

"I welcome the new life this development will bring to the former Co-op department store site on Carr Street."

Councillor Colin Kreidewolf (Image: Newsquest) Colin Kreidewolf, a member of the central area committee and part of the planning committee at the borough council, said: "It will be very pleasing to see work on the new school commence, it has been a long time coming but is a sizeable investment in the Town and will bring that area back into use which if positive news."

The Co-operative building has been empty since 2010 (Image: Google Maps)

The mural (Image: Google Maps)

Work started on the conversion project on Monday, with the Upper Orwell Street North car park shutting for two years while construction is carried out.

When it is complete, the school will be run by Active Learning Trust.

The new primary school will include a nursery, rooftop garden and multi-use games area, which would be enclosed by high fencing.

The Co-operative department store in Ipswich (Image: Google Maps)

The closure of the Upper Orwell Street North car park is now in force and has resulted in the loss of 52 parking spaces.

Ipswich Borough Council said once work is completed the car park will return to drivers.

Other car parking spaces are available in Upper Orwell Street South, Bond Street or Regent car parks.