In 2022, visitors flocked to some of the best-known buildings in Ipswich as they opened their doors for the national Heritage Open Days event over the weekend.
Queues built up around one of the oldest sites in Ipswich, 4 College Street, which was open for the first time after a major restoration by the borough council.
This historic building, located at the entrance to the Waterfront area, had been considered at risk for nearly 40 years.
With its restoration complete, the council owner was now looking for tenants to take over the new offices created within.
As only a limited number of people were allowed inside at a time, many eager visitors lined up to experience the interior, making it a unique opportunity to see the building before tenants potentially restricted public access in the future.
Two of Ipswich’s most iconic buildings, the Unitarian Meeting House and the Willis Building, also attracted significant attention.
These structures, representing contrasting architectural styles from 1699 and 1975, were situated next to each other in Friars Street, drawing many visitors who enjoyed comparing their designs.
In the town centre, the Ancient House was open for viewing, still awaiting a new tenant after the Lakeland Kitchen store pulled out early last year.
The Ipswich Society organised the Heritage Open Days event and had a stall on the Cornhill, providing guides to the various sites open to the public.
Society chairman John Norman noted there was some debate about whether to proceed with the event following the recent news of Her Majesty The Queen's death, but ultimately, they felt there was no reason to cancel.
He stated: "That seems to have been justified judging by the number of people who have asked us for guides."
Other sites open included Ipswich Museum, which was set to close for two years in October for major renovations, Ipswich School, Gyppeswyck Hall, and St Clement's Church arts centre.
[From the Ipswich Star of September 11, 2024]
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