Site History

Ipswich has a historic town centre dating from Medieval and Saxon times. The centre is home to over 600 listed buildings and 12 medieval churches. From its market town roots, Ipswich has developed into a key regional centre attracting major employers such as; AXA, Norwich Union, Willis Insurance as well as the recently established University Campus Suffolk (UCS) which will provide the foundations for further economic growth in the town and surrounds.

West Gate, part of the medieval town defences, was located just north of the site and the pedetrianised Westgate Street now acknowledges this important historic point of access.

In more modern times, the Council considered a number of locations for a new Civic Centre and during 1951 the Borough Council allocated the site in its development plan. Some of the site was previously occupied by small houses, although much had been demolished as a result of slum clearance.

Architects Messrs Vine & Vine of London were appointed in 1959, following an architectural competition to design a new Civic Centre, accommodating not only the main Council departments but also a new Magistrate's Court and the headquarters for Suffolk Constabulary. Construction commenced on the first phase, the underground car park, during October 1964 and was formally opened by Alderman Mrs M J Keeble JP on 25 April 1967.

Ipswich Borough Council operated from the 14-storey office tower until vacating the site and moving to new premises in 2006. Following Turnstone's acquisition during 2007, this key site is to be regenerated; bringing much-needed vibrancy and vitality back to the Westgate Quarter of Ipswich.