SPS news – October 2024 campaign bulletin

Regent Theatre at Ipswich to undergo renovations and improvements

SPS has written in support of plans to refurbish and restore the grade II listed theatre in the centre of Ipswich. We consider that the proposed works are both conservative and sensitive to the character of this impressive Art Deco building. The proposals effectively unpick the many harmful alterations of the post war period that have detracted from the spatial and architectural qualities of this once fine building.

The proposed refurbishment imaginatively addresses issues of disabled access and the upgrading of visitor facilities, and will significantly enhance the visitor experience, thereby ensuring that the building has a viable and sustainable future.

Demolition of tower at United Reformed Church, Stowmarket

SPS has commented on an application to demolish the tower of the United Reformed Church which was built to replace the Congregational Chapel, destroyed during WW2. It is unlisted but is prominently located at the centre of the Stowmarket Conservation Area. We understand that the council has sought to acquire the building for demolition and that the tower is now subject to a Dangerous Structure Notice. However, we think that the loss of the tower would harm the character and appearance to the conservation area.

We have urged that the views of the 20^th Century Society are sought to better understand the importance of this building and that further opinion from a structural engineer is required to demonstrate that demolition is necessary.

New dwelling in East Bergholt

SPS has written to raise concerns regarding an application to build a detached dwelling on a site within the East Bergholt Conservation Area.  The proposals are to build on the garden of the former King’s Head Inn – which is now the Oranges and Lemons café – and is surrounded by grade II listed buildings either side and opposite. 

We think that the open space is an important part of the character of this area but have also highlighted that, if the local authority is minded to approve building on the former pub’s garden, the proposed dwelling is overscaled and will dominate the modest proportions of the surrounding historic buildings.

Demolition at Great Barton

SPS has raised concerns regarding the demolition of a much-extended and unlisted cottage on Mill Road in Great Barton. The original part of the house has a traditional appearance with render to the walls, red clay plain tiles to the roofs and two brick chimney stacks and is shown on the 6” to 1 mile Ordnance Survey map (1840-1880s).

On this basis, we called for a heritage assessment so that the significance of the building is properly understood before a decision is made on its demolition.  We also urged that the council’s Conservation Officers are consulted on the proposals.

Shire Hall, Woodbridge

In June 2023, the Town Council began to make plans for a restoration and reinvention project for the Shire Hall, a Grade I Listed building constructed in 1575 and modified at various stages of its rich and varied history.

The Shire Hall is in need of significant repairs, and the Town Council are engaging in a fundraising campaign that will both enable the restoration and future-proofing of the building itself, while widening access and community use of the building.

SPS has responded to a survey on the future of the Hall as an important asset for the community in Woodbridge.

Lowestoft Town Hall

Meanwhile the Lowestoft Town Hall project has reached an important milestone as plans have gone out to tender. The plans incorporate the void between the 1859 Town Hall and the Compass Street extensions of 1899, to create ‘The Yard’: a thoroughfare that leads to the café, heritage gallery and events space. The yard will incorporate exhibition cases built into the walls, displaying the civic artefacts and other items from the town. There will be lots of spaces for the public to use, including smaller meeting rooms and a big events space.

Historic features of the building will be restored, including stained-glass windows, the Council Chamber itself, the clock faces and the colourful encaustic tiled floors. The Council hopes to appoint a contractor at the end of this year and to complete the work by late Spring/Summer 2026. 

Book your place on our one day workshop on retrofitting traditional buildings.

Haughley Park barn.

Tuesday 12 November. 10am – 4pm

Costs: £30 community groups and students; £95 SPS Members; £145 general admission

Details and booking available here