Sixteenth-century house by Waterfront to be brought back into use by Ipswich Borough Council

Published9th June 2021

Ipswich Borough Council is due to appoint a main contractor for the refurbishment and restoration of 4 College Street, a 16th century Grade 2 listed building that the Council acquired in 2016 and which needs extensive work. The Council’s Executive will consider a report on the matter at its meeting on 15 June 2021.

Planning permission and listed building consent were obtained for these works. After agreeing on the contractor, we expect these works to start in July 2021.

This timber-framed and plastered house with a cross-wing at the west end was damaged by fire in 1992 and has been vacant since 1981. It was originally a merchant’s house.

Cllr David Ellesmere, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council says: “Ipswich Borough Council is committed to protecting and maintaining all the great historic buildings that we own in the town, ensuring they are in use and, where we can, investing to generate a return for the council.

“I’m pleased that we are set to achieve all three of these aims with our awarding of a contract to refurbish and restore 4 College Street, a Grade II listed, 16th Century timber-framed building at the Waterfront. These works are expected to start next month and be completed by January 2022. This will enable us to take this historic cottage off Ipswich’s ‘Buildings at Risk’ Register. We will then seek a suitable tenant for the building.”