Ipswich Borough Council has transformed 4 College Street near Ipswich Waterfront from a dilapidated eyesore to a bright new business space with character. The newly restored building will be open to the public for the first time as part of the Ipswich Society’s annual Heritage Open weekend on 10 and 11 September 2022 (10am to 4pm).
This 16th Century former Merchants House’s refurbishment includes an external limewash render with a painted top coat in traditional Suffolk colours of dark orange/ochre and dark green applied to the door and window timbers. Where internal repairs to the walls and ceilings have taken place, heritage-appropriate methods have been used such as: lath and plaster, splicing of new oak timbers with old and bespoke-made joinery such as doors, windows, cornices, architraves and balustrades.
The property has also been made water-tight and secure with improved access. The house had been empty since 1981 and was in a very poor state when it was acquired by the Council a few years ago. As a result of this work, the property has now been removed from the Ipswich Buildings at Risk Register which highlights heritage buildings requiring substantial restoration work.
Cllr David Ellesmere, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, says:
“It is great that we have been able to bring this fantastic Ipswich building back to the standard it deserves - the refurbishment of 4 College Street really is of excellent quality. This is a wonderful location and a very characterful property and will make a great base for a business. I’m looking forward to seeing this historic Ipswich building brought back into use.”
Alistair G. Mitchell MRICS, FennWright, says:
“This prominent landmark building offers just under 1,000 sq. ft of accommodation with parking. Being close to the waterfront and within walking distance of both the town centre and railway station, it would suit a variety of business uses. A new FRI lease is available on flexible terms.”
Full information and a downloadable PDF booklet with opening times for Heritage Open weekend sites (different for each building) can be found on the Ipswich Society website at this link: 2022 Heritage Open Days - Ipswich » The Ipswich Society
4 College Street is available to rent as business space from Autumn 2022 through Fenn Wright Commercial Property agents. Downstairs has two reception rooms for office space, toilet facilities and a kitchen. Upstairs has three further office or meeting rooms and a toilet plus storeroom. There is also a small attic for additional storage and dedicated parking behind for up to three vehicles.
Image shows 4 College Street in Ipswich before (left) and after (right) restoration.
Credit - Ipswich Borough Council.
