January 2026: CLAY 1A, a new visitor attraction planned for Ipswich’s waterfront, has secured funding from the Towns Fund Town Centre Regeneration Fund to help deliver the project. The funding will support the restoration of the historic former grain house, Waterfront House, into a welcoming public space where people of all ages can explore everyday objects made of clay and take part in creative, participatory experiences.
CLAY 1A is being developed as a welcoming, community-focused attraction for everyone, with experiences designed for families and people of all ages, appealing to local communities and visitors from further afield alike. Reflecting Ipswich’s history, creativity and future potential, the project aims to support learning, curiosity and wellbeing, while strengthening the town’s cultural offer and contributing to a vibrant waterfront for residents and visitors alike.
The £2.28m Towns Fund grant forms part of a wider funding package that will help deliver CLAY 1A, alongside significant philanthropic backing. The project is supported by a £20 million lead gift from a local philanthropist, alongside the Towns Fund regeneration grant, recognising the benefits CLAY 1A will bring to Ipswich. Together, this investment will support the restoration of Waterfront House and the creation of a new cultural space featuring exhibitions, interactive displays, learning activities and community events that explore clay as a material found in homes and cultures around the world.
Inside CLAY 1A, visitors will be taken on an engaging journey, discovering the many ways clay appears in everyday life; from bricks and pipes to cooking pots, crockery, decorative objects and artworks. Alongside familiar objects, the space will feature works by celebrated British makers, placing everyday materials in conversation with creative practice. Experiences throughout the building are designed to engage the senses and invite participation, with opportunities to explore objects closely, share ideas and, in some areas, work directly with clay and express creativity. With spaces for learning, making and gathering, and strong connections to the waterfront outside, CLAY 1A is intended to feel active, social and continually evolving.
Baylight Properties, led by Chief Executive Crispin Kelly, is delivering the restoration of Waterfront House and the transformation of the building into CLAY 1A. Speaking about the announcement, Crispin Kelly said:
“CLAY 1A We’re totally delighted to see CLAY 1A reach this important milestone. Securing this key Town Fund grant moves the project forward and underlines the wider benefits it will bring to Ipswich.
“Transforming Waterfront House and opening it up for public use has always been about creating something lasting for the town, and we’re so encouraged by the close support we have received from councillors and officers at Ipswich Borough Council: working together is so important for our mission for CLAY 1A’”
Jack Abbott MP for Ipswich said:
"CLAY 1A is a really interesting, innovative and exciting development for Ipswich, bringing together our town’s history, creativity, and community spirit in a single, inspiring space.
"Transforming Waterfront House into a welcoming cultural destination will give families, local residents, and visitors alike the chance to explore, learn, and take part in hands-on creative experiences.
“This project not only strengthens Ipswich’s City of Culture ambitions but also supports local jobs, learning opportunities, and the vibrancy of our waterfront. I’m delighted that we are able to make this vision a reality, and I look forward to seeing CLAY 1A become a place that sparks curiosity, celebrates our heritage, and brings our community together for years to come."
David Ralph the Chair of the Ipswich Vision Board said:
“I’m pleased that the Towns Fund is contributing to the next stage of this building’s life from its use as a grain store in the 19th Century, it was converted to offices in the 1980s and now it will become a unique must-see attraction strengthening Ipswich’s extensive range of cultural venues and further encouraging creativity among residents and young people.”
Cllr Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council added:
“We are thrilled to be able to support the regeneration of this 19th century building on Wherry Quay originally constructed as a store for locally produced barley. It will contribute to the regeneration of Ipswich’s waterfront and benefit the local economy by creating new employment opportunities, supporting education, increasing footfall and local spend.”
CLAY 1A has already received a positive response from cultural and business leaders and local residents, furthered by a series of focus groups with Ipswich communities run in summer 2025. The team is continuing to build relationships with local communities to ensure the project supports Ipswich to flourish.
The team looks forward to sharing further updates as the project continues to develop.
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Towns Fund
The Towns Fund is a scheme launched by the previous Government for towns such as Ipswich to boost economic productivity and support sustainable growth. This is through investments in urban regeneration, digital and physical connectivity, skills, heritage and enterprise infrastructure. Ipswich was awarded £25m of funding in 2021 to give an economic boost to the town.