Prime Highlights:
- A £1.92 million Towns Fund investment will turn Ipswich’s iconic Baths into a modern Creative Digital Skills Lab with state-of-the-art facilities.
- The redevelopment aims to boost local talent, support creative businesses, and strengthen Ipswich’s position as a growing centre for digital innovation.
Key Facts:
- The project includes an advanced XR (Extended Reality) studio, one of only two publicly accessible studios of its kind in the UK.
- Construction begins in spring 2026, with the fully refurbished venue expected to open in early spring 2027.
Background:
Ipswich is set to gain a major cultural and digital upgrade as a £1.92 million Towns Fund investment is confirmed for the redevelopment of The Baths, a much-loved landmark with a long history in the town. The project, delivered by Brighten The Corners in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council and supported by Ipswich Vision and the Town Deal Board, aims to turn the former St Matthew’s swimming baths into a modern creative powerhouse.
The funding will allow the currently unused first floor of the building to be converted into a Creative Digital Skills Lab, equipped with facilities for video production, podcasting, live recording and specialist training.
Plans also include improvements to the ground-floor music venue, which will enhance the town’s live entertainment scene and support both local and touring artists. The development is anticipated to boost the night-time economy and bring increased footfall into the town centre, particularly from young people travelling through the Tower Ramparts and Old Cattle Market transport hubs.
The project will also create new full-time roles and freelance opportunities, supported by a broad programme of workshops and volunteering activities covering XR design, filmmaking, digital photography, audio production and post-editing.
Joe Bailey, CEO of Brighten The Corners, said the investment marks a turning point for the town’s creative future. He noted that generations of residents have fond memories of The Baths and described the redevelopment as a chance to “bring this iconic site back to life” for the benefit of the community.
Ipswich Borough Council Leader Neil MacDonald welcomed the project, saying it represents a significant cultural and economic step forward, offering both entertainment options and crucial digital skills for the future workforce.
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott also praised the investment, highlighting its role in strengthening the town’s cultural offering and supporting aspirations for Ipswich’s bid to become a City of Culture.
Brighten The Corners will hold a community drop-in event early next year to share more details about the project. Construction is expected to begin in late spring 2026, with the revamped venue scheduled to open its doors in early spring 2027.
